Cotton Candy Marshmallows: A Fun & Fluffy Treat! 🎡🍭
Nothing brings back the magic of childhood fairs like the sweet, airy taste of cotton candy! These homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows are soft, fluffy, and bursting with nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re adding them to hot cocoa, making gourmet s’mores, or gifting them to friends, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – Requires just a few simple ingredients.
✔ Customizable – Add food coloring, swirl designs, or fun shapes.
✔ Perfect for Gifting – Package in cute bags for holidays or parties.
✔ Versatile – Use in s’mores, hot drinks, or enjoy as-is!
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Ingredients
Marshmallow Base:
¾ cup (180ml) cold water, divided
3 envelopes (7g each) unflavored gelatin
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or any color of choice)
For Dusting:
½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
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Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
1️⃣ In the bowl of a stand mixer, add ½ cup of cold water.
2️⃣ Sprinkle gelatin over the water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
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Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
3️⃣ In a medium saucepan, combine:
2 cups sugar
½ cup corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup water
4️⃣ Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
5️⃣ Increase heat to medium-high and boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
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Step 3: Whip the Marshmallow Mixture
6️⃣ With the stand mixer on low speed, carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin.
7️⃣ Gradually increase the speed to high and beat for 10-12 minutes until thick and fluffy.
8️⃣ Add cotton candy flavoring and a few drops of gel food coloring. Mix until combined.
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Step 4: Shape & Set the Marshmallows
9️⃣ Grease a 9×9-inch pan and dust with a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
🔟 Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, spreading evenly.
1️⃣1️⃣ Let sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours (or overnight).
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Step 5: Cut & Dust the Marshmallows
1️⃣2️⃣ Once set, dust a cutting board with powdered sugar.
1️⃣3️⃣ Turn the marshmallow slab onto the board and cut into squares.
1️⃣4️⃣ Toss each piece in the powdered sugar & cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
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Tips for Success
✅ Create a Swirl Effect – Add two colors and swirl them together before setting.
✅ Use Fun Cutters – Try star, heart, or flower-shaped cookie cutters.
✅ Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
✅ Make it Dairy-Free – Swap cornstarch for arrowroot powder for a dairy-free version.
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Ways to Enjoy Cotton Candy Marshmallows
🍫 In Hot Cocoa – Drop a few into your favorite warm drink.
🔥 S’mores – Upgrade your classic graham cracker + chocolate treat!
🎁 Gifts & Party Favors – Pack in clear bags with cute ribbons.
🍦 Ice Cream Topping – Dice them up and sprinkle over desserts!
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Final Thoughts
These Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a fun, nostalgic treat that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re crafting them for a party, the holidays, or just because—you’ll love the soft, fluffy texture and burst of cotton candy flavor.
Try this recipe and bring the magic of the carnival home! 🎡🍭💙💖
