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These cotton candy marshmallows mix that classic marshmallow fluffiness with the fun taste of cotton candy. They’re awesome for get-togethers, sleepovers, or just when you want something sweet. Making these at home is a blast, and the colorful look is just as cheerful as the taste.
Every time I whip up a batch, people rave about them. The first time I brought them to a family party, the adults kept sneaking seconds, right alongside the kiddos.
Tasty Key Ingredient Rundown
- Powdered Sugar and Cornstarch: Dust these on last so the marshmallows don’t stick, plus they give a sweet finish.
- Cotton Candy Flavoring: Here’s that carnival flair. Go for a good one for the most fun taste.
- Water: This helps melt and mix up the sugar and gelatin—think of it as the base.
- Corn Syrup: Stops your marshmallows from getting grainy, keeping them silky and consistent.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds the sweet taste and helps set the marshmallow up.
- Unflavored Gelatin: The secret to marshmallows that are pillowy and have that signature bounce.
Whipping Up Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Getting Gelatin Ready
Pour 1/2 cup water into a big bowl and sprinkle in your unflavored gelatin. Let it chill out for 5 minutes so it can soak everything up and get nice and puffy. This really helps set your marshmallows up for that perfect texture later on.
Making the Hot Sugar Mix
In a saucepan, put water, sugar, and corn syrup together. Set it over medium-high heat and let it go until it hits 240°F (use a candy thermometer to check). This temp makes your marshmallows come out just right.
Mixing and Whipping Time
Pour that hot syrup over the gelatin you bloomed, and stir as you go. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium and whip between 10-15 minutes until it’s thick, shiny, and super fluffy. This part turns everything from liquid to marshmallow magic.
Adding Color and Flavor
As soon as it’s thick enough, drop in the cotton candy flavoring. Want them extra cute? Go ahead and add food coloring for those classic cotton candy vibes.
Let It Set
Scoop all the fluffy mix into a greased 9x9-inch pan. Flatten the top with a spatula and let it sit on the counter for about 4 hours (or until you poke it and it’s firm).
Slice & Finish
After they set, cover the marshmallows in a good mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar. Cut them into whatever shapes you want using a knife or kitchen scissors.
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My favorite? Pink cotton candy flavor—it totally takes me back to trips to the fair. Now, my family asks for these at every summer bash.
Ways to Serve
Sweet Snacks to Pair
These go great with popcorn, a bit of chocolate, or floating in hot cocoa. If you’ve got ice cream or milkshakes, toss some marshmallows on top, too.
Awesome for Parties
Load them into jars or bowls for a dreamy dessert table, or stick them on skewers to get that fairground treat look.
Pack-and-Go Munchies
Pop marshmallow squares into bags or cute containers so you can hand them out or snack away anytime.
Fun Variations
Switching Things Up
To make these vegan, use agar-agar instead of gelatin and a plant-based cotton candy flavor.
Mix and Match Flavors
Try tossing in blue raspberry with vanilla or add a few drops of vanilla for something deeper. It’s easy to get creative!
Fun with Colors
Go pastel with plant-based colorings or crank up the brights for a real rainbow vibe.
Keep ‘Em Fresh
Seal It Up
Stash your marshmallows in a jar with a lid or in a sealable bag so they don’t dry out.
Stay Dry
Keep them somewhere cool and away from dampness to prevent them from getting sticky.
Freeze for Later
Lay marshmallows on a baking sheet and freeze them. After that, move them into a sealed container. When you want one, just thaw them at room temp.
Cotton candy marshmallows aren’t just sweets—they’re pure happy nostalgia. Whip them up for your next party, as gifts, or just when you want to treat yourself. Add a little fun to your day and let that cotton candy feeling bring back all those simple, sweet memories.
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Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different flavor instead of cotton candy?
- Totally! Try vanilla, strawberry, or whatever extract sounds good to you.
- → How long do these marshmallows last?
- They’ll stay fresh for about a week if you pop them in an airtight box at room temp.
- → Can I make these marshmallows without a stand mixer?
- A stand mixer makes things easier, but go ahead and use a hand mixer if that's all you have. Just take your time and be careful.
- → What can I use instead of corn syrup?
- Honey or golden syrup should work. Just know the texture might feel a little different.
- → Can I make these marshmallows in different shapes?
- Yep! Once they're set, grab some cookie cutters and go wild with fun shapes.