Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

Fluffy Dream: Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

Whipping up cotton candy marshmallows brings pure childhood nostalgia dancing across your taste buds.

Sweet memories spark with each fluffy bite of this playful confection.

Sugar crystals melt into soft, pillowy clouds that shimmer with carnival-like magic.

Pastel swirls create a whimsical treat that connects generations through sugary delight.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these melt-in-your-mouth confections.

Crafting these pillowy squares requires simple ingredients and a dash of imagination.

You can transform ordinary marshmallows into an extraordinary dessert that celebrates pure joy.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows For Sweet Carnival Vibes

  • Whip Up Nostalgic Delight: Capture the playful essence of childhood with these cotton candy marshmallows that blend whimsical flavors and vibrant colors, creating a treat that sparks joy and memories.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with different food coloring and extract combinations to personalize your marshmallows, making them perfect for parties, themed events, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
  • Master Gourmet Technique: Learn professional candy-making skills by creating these marshmallows, which require precise temperature control and mixing techniques that elevate your culinary repertoire.
  • Wow Guests with Stunning Presentation: The swirled pink and blue colors create a visually stunning dessert that looks professionally crafted, sure to impress friends and family at gatherings or celebrations.

What’s Needed For Colorful Cotton Candy Marshmallows

Base Ingredients:
  • Gelatin: A key ingredient that helps create the fluffy marshmallow texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form the marshmallow structure.
  • Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth and glossy marshmallow consistency.
  • Water: Essential for dissolving sugar and activating gelatin.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the marshmallows.
Flavoring and Coloring:
  • Cotton Candy Extract: Adds the distinctive cotton candy flavor to the marshmallows.
  • Pink Food Coloring, Blue Food Coloring: Creates the signature two-tone cotton candy color effect.
Dusting and Preparation:
  • Powdered Sugar: Prevents marshmallows from sticking and adds a light, sweet coating.

Instructions For Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows

Step 1: Activate Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a stand mixer bowl.

Let the gelatin bloom while preparing the syrup.

Step 2: Create Sweet Syrup

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan.

Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.

Crank up the heat to high and boil until the mixture hits 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Step 3: Merge Gelatin And Syrup

Carefully stream the scorching hot syrup into the gelatin mixture while mixing on low speed.

Step 4: Whip Into Fluffy Clouds

Kick the mixer to high speed and beat for 10-12 minutes.

The mixture should transform into a thick, billowy texture.

Splash in cotton candy extract and blend thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Playful Colors

Separate the marshmallow mixture into two separate bowls.

Ingredients:
  • Pink food coloring
  • Blue food coloring

Gently fold colors into each bowl until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Prepare Marshmallow Playground

Generously dust a 9×13-inch baking pan with powdered sugar.

Step 7: Create Swirled Masterpiece

Scoop alternating dollops of pink and blue mixtures into the pan.

Use a spatula to create dreamy swirled patterns.

Step 8: Let Magic Happen

Allow marshmallows to set at room temperature for minimum 4 hours or overnight.

Step 9: Transform Into Treats

Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar.

Flip marshmallows onto the board.

Cut into squares using a powdered sugar-coated knife.

Pro Tips For Fluffy Cotton Candy Marshmallows

  • Sprinkle gelatin evenly over cold water to ensure smooth, lump-free marshmallow texture without clumping.
  • Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit exactly 240F, preventing grainy or overly soft marshmallows.
  • Beat mixture on high speed for full 10-12 minutes to achieve maximum fluffiness and perfect marshmallow consistency.
  • Use gentle figure-eight motions when combining pink and blue colors to create beautiful, marbled color patterns without over-mixing.
  • Dust knife and cutting surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticky marshmallows and create clean, professional-looking squares.

Ways To Flavor Cotton Candy Marshmallows Creatively

  • Gluten-Free Cotton Candy Marshmallows: Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the sweet cotton candy flavor.
  • Vegan Cotton Candy Marshmallows: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and aquafaba as a replacement for egg whites to create a plant-based version of these fluffy treats.
  • Low-Sugar Cotton Candy Marshmallows: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the signature cotton candy taste.
  • Dairy-Free Cotton Candy Marshmallows: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and use alternative food coloring to create a version suitable for those with dairy restrictions.

How To Present Cotton Candy Marshmallows At Parties

  • Carnival Snack Platter: Create a playful dessert board featuring cotton candy marshmallows alongside colorful treats like rainbow sprinkle popcorn, mini cotton candy sticks, and pastel-colored candies.
  • Sweet Party Favors: Package these marshmallows in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for birthday parties, baby showers, or carnival-themed events. Kids and adults will love the whimsical design and cotton candy flavor.
  • Hot Beverage Companion: Float these marshmallows in hot chocolate, milkshakes, or coffee for a fun twist. The swirled pink and blue colors will create a delightful visual surprise when they slowly melt into warm drinks.

Storing Marshmallows To Keep Them Extra Soft

  • Store marshmallows in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap marshmallows tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving them for 2-3 months in the freezer.
  • Keep marshmallows in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Gently warm marshmallows in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

  • Why use cotton candy extract in this recipe?

Cotton candy extract adds a unique, nostalgic flavor that transforms traditional marshmallows into a fun, carnival-inspired treat that tastes exactly like classic cotton candy.

  • Can I make these marshmallows without a stand mixer?

While technically possible, a stand mixer is strongly recommended because it provides the consistent high-speed mixing needed to create the fluffy marshmallow texture and properly incorporate the hot syrup.

  • How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking when cutting?

Generously dust your cutting board and knife with powdered sugar before cutting. This creates a non-stick surface that helps you slice clean, even marshmallow squares without messy residue.

Print
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Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet clouds of nostalgia dance through cotton candy marshmallows, blending childhood memories with gourmet charm. Pillowy squares melt with sugary whimsy, inviting you to savor pure confectionery delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) light corn syrup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cold water

Flavoring and Coloring:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cotton candy extract
  • Pink food coloring
  • Blue food coloring

Coating:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Activate gelatin by sprinkling over cold water in a stand mixer bowl, allowing it to bloom while preparing the syrup.
  2. Create a sugar syrup in a saucepan by combining granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat on medium, stirring until sugar dissolves, then increase to high heat. Cook until the mixture reaches precisely 240°F on a candy thermometer.
  3. Gradually stream the scorching syrup into the gelatin mixture while mixing on low speed, ensuring smooth incorporation.
  4. Elevate mixer speed to high, whipping for 10-12 minutes until the mixture transforms into a voluminous, billowy texture. Incorporate cotton candy extract, blending thoroughly.
  5. Partition the marshmallow base into two separate containers. Introduce pink food coloring to one portion and blue to the other, gently folding until colors distribute evenly.
  6. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
  7. Artfully spoon alternating dollops of pink and blue marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to create a marbled swirl effect.
  8. Allow marshmallows to set at room temperature for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until fully stabilized.
  9. Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar. Invert the marshmallow slab onto the board and slice into uniform squares using a sugar-coated knife.

Notes

  • Cold water helps bloom the gelatin evenly, ensuring a smooth marshmallow texture without lumps.
  • Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature, as reaching exactly 240F creates the perfect marshmallow consistency.
  • Gently fold food colors to maintain soft, marbled patterns without overmixing and losing the delicate swirl effect.
  • Keep marshmallows in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 136
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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