Cotton Candy Marshmallows combine the softness of marshmallows with the sweet taste of cotton candy. This guide will teach you how to make them from scratch, try different flavors, and give you tips for the best result.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Soft and Fluffy: They melt in your mouth, offering a delightful experience.
- Fun and Reminiscent: Brings back memories of fun times at fairs and carnivals.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different flavors and colors to match any occasion or preference.
- Perfect for Gifts: These make thoughtful and delicious homemade presents.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Light corn syrup | 1 cup |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Unflavored gelatin | 3 packets (about 21g) |
| Cold water | ½ cup |
| Cotton candy flavoring | 1 tsp |
| Food coloring | 2-3 drops (pink, blue, or purple) |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Gelatin Preparation
- Sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup of cold water in a large bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften.
Make the Sugar Syrup
- In a saucepan, mix together 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, and ½ cup water over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then increase the heat to high.
- Heat the mixture to 240°F, checking with a candy thermometer.
Mixing
- Carefully pour the hot syrup over the softened gelatin while mixing on low speed.
- Increase the speed to high and continue mixing for 10-12 minutes until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
- Add cotton candy flavoring and a few drops of food coloring for your desired look.
Setting and Cutting
- Prepare a 9×9-inch pan by greasing it and dusting with powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Spread the marshmallow mixture evenly in the pan and let it set for 6 hours or overnight.
- Cut into squares and coat with additional powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Related Recipes
Check out these other fun candy recipes:
- Cotton Candy Fudge
- Sunset Glow Candy Apples
- Galaxy Grapes
- Homemade Bubble Gum
- Bubblegum Cloud Slices
Flavor Variations
- Rainbow Delight: Layer different colored mixtures in the pan before setting for a rainbow effect.
- Swirled Colors: Gently swirl pink and blue food coloring through the mix for a beautiful pattern.
- Chocolate Coated: Dip finished marshmallows in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra treat.
FAQs
How do I store homemade cotton candy marshmallows?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make these marshmallows without corn syrup?
Yes! Substitute honey or agave syrup for a natural alternative.
Why are my marshmallows sticky?
They may need more coating. Dust with extra powdered sugar and cornstarch.
Can I use store-bought cotton candy for flavoring?
Yes! Blend it into a fine powder and mix it into the marshmallow batter.
Do I need a stand mixer?
A hand mixer works too, but whipping for 10-12 minutes will require endurance.
Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Cotton Candy Marshmallows are soft, fluffy treats infused with the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy. This guide covers making them from scratch, flavor variations, and expert tips.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup or honey/agave syrup
- ½ cup water
- 3 packets 21g unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring
- 2-3 drops food coloring pink, blue, or purple
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
Instructions
- repare Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup cold water and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Make Sugar Syrup: Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved. Bring to 240°F.
- Mix: Slowly pour hot syrup into gelatin while mixing on low. Increase to high speed and whip for 10-12 minutes until thick and fluffy. Add flavoring and coloring.
- Set: Spread into a greased and dusted 9×9-inch pan. Let set for 6 hours or overnight.
- Cut & Coat: Slice into squares and coat with powdered sugar and cornstarch.