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Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

These homemade cotton candy marshmallows are the ultimate easy party trick! Made with just 7 ingredients and ready to impress in about 30 minutes of active time, prepare to be wowed by their vibrant colors and fluffy texture.

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 10 minutes

Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes

Set Time: 12 hours

Yields: 18 marshmallows

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Ingredients

• 2½ tablespoons powdered gelatin (from 3 packets)*
• 1 cup cold water divided (50°F)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring (2 fl drams)**
• Pink and blue food coloring ***
• ¾ cup powdered sugar

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional)
• Stand Mixer
• 9×13 Baking Pan

Instructions

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the powdered gelatin and half of the cold water (½ cup). Allow this mixture to stand undisturbed for 8-10 minutes. This process, known as blooming, is crucial for activating the gelatin and ensuring your marshmallows achieve their characteristic bouncy texture.
   
2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: While the gelatin is blooming, combine the remaining ½ cup of cold water, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly to ensure even heating and prevent burning. Continue simmering for 6-8 minutes, or until the mixture becomes clear and sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
   
3. Whip the Marshmallow Base: Attach the whisk attachment to your stand mixer. With the mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin mixture. Once the sugar syrup is fully incorporated, continue whisking on low speed for another minute. Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and whip the mixture for a full 10 minutes. During this time, the mixture will transform into a voluminous, fluffy, white, and glossy marshmallow base, almost tripling in size.
   
4. Flavor and Color: Add the cotton candy flavoring to the whipped marshmallow mixture and whisk for an additional minute to ensure it’s thoroughly distributed. Next, divide the entire marshmallow mixture evenly into two separate bowls. Into one bowl, add pink food coloring, and into the other, add blue food coloring. Gently fold or whisk each mixture until the colors are uniform and vibrant.
   
5. Set the Marshmallows: Lightly dust a 9×13-inch baking pan with half of the powdered sugar (½ cup), ensuring every corner and side is coated to prevent sticking. Carefully spoon the pink and blue marshmallow mixtures into the prepared pan in alternating dollops, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Using a rubber spatula, gently smooth the top surface of the marshmallow mixture. Dust the top with the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and let it set at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or overnight, until firm.
   
6. Cut and Serve: Once the marshmallow slab is completely set and firm to the touch, carefully remove it from the pan and place it onto a clean cutting board dusted with a little extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Using a sharp, lightly oiled knife or a pizza cutter, trim off any uneven edges. Dust off any visible excess powdered sugar from the surface. Cut the marshmallows into uniform 1-inch squares. Arrange them on a platter or store them for later enjoyment. Serve and prepare for compliments!
   

Notes & Expert Tips

*I used packets of powdered gelatin. If you prefer using gelatin sheets, you can substitute 4 sheets for every tablespoon of gelatin powder. For this recipe, that would mean using 10 sheets of gelatin. Always ensure your gelatin is properly bloomed for the best texture.

**For the most authentic and vibrant cotton candy flavor, I highly recommend using LorAnn brand flavoring. Their concentrated flavorings provide a true-to-taste experience.

***To achieve those striking, vivid pink and blue colors, I opted for gel food coloring. Gel colors are more concentrated and deliver brighter results without adding excess liquid to your marshmallow mixture. Water-based food coloring will also work, but the final colors might appear slightly less intense.

Additional Tips for Perfect Marshmallows:

• **Accurate Measurements:** Marshmallow making is a precise science. Use accurate measuring cups and spoons, or even better, a kitchen scale for exact ingredient quantities, especially for gelatin and sugar.
• **Prepare Your Pan:** Don’t skip generously dusting your baking pan with powdered sugar. This step is critical in preventing your delicate marshmallows from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and perfectly shaped squares.
• **Cutting Techniques:** For perfectly clean cuts, lightly oil your knife or pizza cutter with a neutral oil (like vegetable oil) before slicing. Re-oil as needed. You can also use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, perfect for themed parties or gifting.
• **Temperature Matters:** Ensure your sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature. A candy thermometer can be helpful if you’re unsure, aiming for the “soft ball” stage (approximately 240°F/115°C). However, simmering for the recommended time until clear often suffices.
• **Creative Color Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different food coloring combinations. Imagine making green for a monster-themed party, red for Valentine’s Day, or orange for autumn festivities!

Storage & Freshness:

To maintain their optimal freshness and delightful texture, store your homemade cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and enjoyable for up to 1 month. For longer-term storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature until they regain their signature soft and chewy consistency.

Nutrition Facts

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 marshmallow)

Calories 127
Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Sodium 76mg3%

Potassium 1mg0%

Carbohydrates 33g11%

Sugar 32g36%

Protein 1g2%

Calcium 3mg0%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

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How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows Step-by-Step

Get ready to create these magical confections with our detailed, easy-to-follow guide. Each step is designed to ensure your homemade cotton candy marshmallows turn out perfectly fluffy, vibrant, and delicious.

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin. Begin by whisking 2½ tablespoons of powdered gelatin (from 3 standard packets) with ½ cup of cold water in the bowl of your stand mixer. This process, known as blooming, allows the gelatin to fully hydrate and expand. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 8-10 minutes. Blooming is essential for achieving the characteristic bouncy texture of marshmallows.

Step 2: Simmer the Sugar Syrup. While your gelatin is blooming, combine the remaining ½ cup of cold water, 1½ cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of light corn syrup, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat, continuously whisking the mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup becomes clear and slightly thickened. This constant whisking prevents the sugar from scorching and ensures a smooth syrup. Once clear, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Beat to Fluffy Perfection. Attach the whisk attachment to your stand mixer. With the mixer set to low speed, carefully and slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin mixture. Be cautious as the syrup is hot. Once all the syrup is added and fully incorporated, continue whisking on low speed for about a minute. Then, increase the mixer speed to high and beat the mixture vigorously for a full 10 minutes. During this whipping process, the mixture will transform dramatically: it will become incredibly thick, white, glossy, and achieve that signature fluffy marshmallow consistency, expanding significantly in volume.

Step 4: Flavor and Color the Marshmallows. Once your marshmallow base is beautifully whipped, add 2 teaspoons of cotton candy flavoring. Whisk for another minute on low speed to ensure the flavoring is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Next, divide the entire marshmallow mixture into two separate bowls. Into one bowl, add pink food coloring, and into the other, add blue food coloring. Gently fold or whisk each portion until you achieve vibrant, uniform colors. This step creates the iconic pink and blue swirls characteristic of cotton candy.

Step 5: Set the Marshmallows. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by generously dusting it with ½ cup of powdered sugar. Ensure the sugar coats all sides and corners of the pan to prevent the marshmallows from sticking. Carefully spoon the pink and blue marshmallow mixtures into the prepared pan, alternating colors to create a visually appealing marbled pattern. Use a rubber spatula to gently smooth the top surface of the marshmallow mixture. Once smoothed, dust the top with the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or ideally overnight, until the marshmallows are completely set and firm to the touch.

Step 6: Cut and Serve Your Sweet Creation. Once the marshmallow slab is perfectly set and firm, gently remove it from the pan. Place the entire slab onto a clean cutting board that has been lightly dusted with extra powdered sugar. Use a sharp, lightly oiled knife or a pizza cutter to cut the marshmallow into uniform 1-inch squares. If desired, you can dust off any excess powdered sugar with a pastry brush for a cleaner finish. Your homemade cotton candy marshmallows are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately or store them for later. Prepare for smiles and delighted exclamations!

Storing Your Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows

Proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful freshness and soft, chewy texture of your homemade cotton candy marshmallows. To keep them at their best, store any leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and enjoyable for up to one month. For a longer storage solution, these marshmallows also freeze exceptionally well. Simply place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, transfer them from the freezer to room temperature and let them thaw until they become soft and pliable again. This ensures you always have a magical, fluffy treat on hand!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

These homemade cotton candy marshmallows are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Beyond the classic hot chocolate and s’mores, consider adding them as a whimsical topping to ice cream sundaes or fruit salads for an unexpected burst of flavor and color. They make fantastic edible gifts when packaged in clear bags with a pretty ribbon. For a fun party activity, set up a marshmallow bar with various dips and sprinkles. Don’t limit yourself to pink and blue; use different food colorings like green, red, or orange to match holiday themes or school colors. Experiment with other flavorings too – a hint of strawberry, lemon, or even mint could create an entirely new marshmallow experience. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Marshmallows

Creating your own cotton candy marshmallows is more than just making a dessert; it’s about crafting an experience. The vibrant colors, the soft, ethereal texture, and the unique, nostalgic flavor come together to create a treat that’s truly special. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with a little time and care. Impress your friends, delight your family, and enjoy the unparalleled taste of freshly made, gourmet marshmallows. This recipe proves that homemade treats are always the best, offering freshness, customization, and that undeniable touch of love.