Marshmallows are a popular sweet treat that can be eaten on their own or used in a variety of desserts and recipes. Mini marshmallows in particular are a beloved ingredient for making rice cereal treats, rocky road, and hot chocolate. When working with mini marshmallows for baking and cooking, it’s helpful to know how to convert between ounces and cups to accurately measure the amount you need.
Quick Answer
16 ounces of mini marshmallows is equal to about 2 1/4 cups.
Marshmallow Measurements
Marshmallows come in a few different sizes, which affects how they should be measured:
- Regular marshmallows: About 36 per 10-ounce bag or 4 per ounce
- Mini marshmallows: About 45 per 10-ounce bag or 4.5 per ounce
- Jumbo marshmallows: About 16 per 10-ounce bag or 1.6 per ounce
As you can see, mini marshmallows are the smallest variety. Since they are more compact than regular or jumbo marshmallows, you get more pieces in the same weight.
Ounces to Cups Conversion
Knowing how many mini marshmallows are in an ounce, we can calculate how many ounces are in a cup:
- There are about 4.5 mini marshmallows in 1 ounce
- 1 cup contains about 50 mini marshmallows
- If 50 mini marshmallows is equal to 1 cup, and there are 4.5 per ounce, then:
- 1 cup / 4.5 mini marshmallows per ounce = about 11 ounces per cup
For a more general guide:
| Measurement | Mini Marshmallows (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 1 ounce | 4.5 marshmallows |
| 8 ounces | 1 1/4 cups |
| 12 ounces | 1 3/4 cups |
| 16 ounces | 2 1/4 cups |
As you can see, 16 ounces of mini marshmallows is equivalent to about 2 1/4 cups.
Converting Other Measurements
Using the information above, we can also convert between other measurements:
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows = about 11 ounces
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows = about 22 ounces
- 3 cups of mini marshmallows = about 33 ounces
- 4 cups of mini marshmallows = about 44 ounces
For half-cup measurements:
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows = 5.5 ounces
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows = about 17 ounces
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows = 28 ounces
For quarter-cup measurements:
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows = 2.75 ounces
- 2/4 cup (1/2 cup) mini marshmallows = 5.5 ounces
- 3/4 cup mini marshmallows = 8.25 ounces
Tips for Measuring Mini Marshmallows
Here are some helpful tips for successfully measuring mini marshmallows for recipes and food prep:
- Use the right tool – The best way to measure mini marshmallows is by volume using a dry measuring cup. Scoop marshmallows from the bag and level off the top of the cup for an accurate measurement.
- Check your conversions – Double check your bag to confirm how many ounces it contains so you can accurately convert between ounces and cups. Most bags contain 10 or 16 ounces.
- Pack them in – Gently pack the mini marshmallows into your measuring cup for the most accurate volume measurement, being careful not to crush them.
- Weigh for precision – If you want the most precise measurement, use a kitchen scale to weigh ounces of mini marshmallows rather than relying on cup conversions.
- Round up or down – Since cup conversions are approximate, it’s fine to round up or down to the nearest 1/4 cup in recipes.
Typical Recipes Using Mini Marshmallows
Here are just a few examples of recipes that commonly use mini marshmallows as an ingredient:
Rice Crispy Treats
A classic recipe usually calling for about 6 cups mini marshmallows or around 66 ounces.
Rocky Road Fudge
Fudge with marshmallow and nuts swirled in. Recipes may use 2-4 cups marshmallows or 22-44 ounces.
Hot Chocolate
Add a big spoonful of mini marshmallows on top! About 1/4-1/2 cup or 2.75-5.5 ounces.
S’mores
The perfect campfire or cookout treat. Use about 4 mini marshmallows or just under 1 ounce per s’more.
Puppy Chow
Crunchy, sweet snack mix coated in melted marshmallows and chocolate. Recipes can call for 4-6 cups or 44-66 ounces of mini marshmallows.
Substituting Regular Marshmallows
Regular-sized marshmallows can be used in place of mini marshmallows in most recipes. Here is a guideline for converting the amounts:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows = About 2/3 cup regular marshmallows
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows = 1 cup regular marshmallows
- 2 cups mini marshmallows = 1 1/3 cup regular marshmallows
So for a recipe calling for 4 cups of mini marshmallows, you would use about 2 2/3 cups of regular marshmallows.
Jumbo marshmallows may also be substituted, but the amounts will need to be reduced significantly given their large size. Refer to the marshmallow per ounce measurements earlier in the article for guidance.
Storing Leftover Marshmallows
Here are some tips for storing any extra mini marshmallows until needed for the next recipe:
- Store marshmallows in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature.
- To extend their shelf life, keep marshmallows in a cool, dry place like the pantry instead of the humid refrigerator.
- Eat mini marshmallows within 1-2 months for the best freshness and texture.
- If marshmallows get stale, revive them with a brief microwave zap.
- Freeze extra marshmallows up to 6 months; thaw before using.
Buying Mini Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows can be found in the baking aisle at any major grocery store. Here are some purchasing tips:
- Size – Choose regular mini size or even smaller “minis” for greater cup-to-ounce ratio.
- Brand – Popular brands like Kraft Jet-Puffed and Campfire.
- Quantity – Buy 10-16 ounce bags for convenience and value over bulk bins.
- Organic – Some stores may carry organic mini marshmallow options.
- Flavors – Original is most common, but holiday flavors include pumpkin spice and peppermint.
Conclusion
So how many cups are in 16 ounces of mini marshmallows? Approximately 2 1/4 cups of mini marshmallows can be found in a 16-ounce bag. Knowing the cup-to-ounce ratio allows you to conveniently substitute mini marshmallow measurements in recipes. With some simple math and measurement tips, you’ll be ready to bake and create all kinds of delightful treats with these tiny, fluffy marshmallows.
