How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows – 30-Minute Fun and Easy Recipe

Making marshmallows at home might sound complicated, but with this easy cotton candy marshmallows recipe, you can create a fun, delicious treat with just a few simple ingredients. These marshmallows are fluffy, colorful, and bursting with nostalgic cotton candy flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a kids’ party, a themed dessert table, or simply craving a sweet treat, these marshmallows will impress everyone who tries them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Gelatin (2½ tablespoons): This sets the marshmallow mixture, creating the fluffy texture.
• Cold water (1 cup): Helps activate the gelatin and allows it to bloom.
• Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the marshmallows.
• Light corn syrup (¾ cup): Prevents the sugar from crystallizing, helping the marshmallows stay soft and chewy.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Cotton candy flavoring (2 teaspoons): The key ingredient for the nostalgic cotton candy taste. Choose pink vanilla or blue raspberry flavoring.
• Food coloring: Pink and blue food coloring will help achieve the traditional cotton candy look.
• Powdered sugar (¾ cup): To coat the marshmallows and prevent them from sticking together.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Stand Mixer: To help you whip the marshmallow mixture until fluffy.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: For setting the marshmallows.
• Whisk and Rubber Spatula: To mix and smooth the marshmallow mixture.
• Kitchen Scale (optional): For accurate measurement of ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by placing the gelatin and half of the cold water in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk the mixture and allow it to sit for 8-10 minutes to bloom. This process activates the gelatin, making the marshmallow base firm and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Syrup Mixture
While the gelatin blooms, combine the remaining water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 6-8 minutes until the mixture becomes clear. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Whisk the Mixtures
Set your stand mixer to low speed and slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Once combined, increase the speed to high and whisk for 10 minutes until the mixture forms fluffy, white marshmallow fluff.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color
Add the cotton candy flavoring to the marshmallow mixture and whisk for an additional minute. Then, divide the mixture into two bowls. Add the pink food coloring to one bowl and the blue food coloring to the other. Gently mix until the colors are vibrant.

Step 5: Set the Marshmallows
Dust a 9×13-inch pan with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Spoon the marshmallow mixture into the pan in alternating layers of pink and blue. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top, then dust the top with the remaining powdered sugar.

Step 6: Let the Marshmallows Set
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the marshmallows set for 8-12 hours at room temperature. This will allow the marshmallows to firm up and become the perfect chewy texture.

Tips for Success

• Gelatin Substitute: If you don’t have powdered gelatin, you can use gelatin sheets. Use 4 sheets per tablespoon of powdered gelatin.
• Flavor Variations: You can use other cotton candy flavors like blue raspberry or strawberry. Just ensure you use a high-quality flavoring to get that authentic taste.
• Food Coloring: For more vibrant colors, opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid. It will give your marshmallows a more saturated hue.
• Storing Marshmallows: Store your cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow frozen marshmallows to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Marshmallows

These homemade cotton candy marshmallows are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for how you can enjoy them:

• S’mores: Use these cotton candy marshmallows for a fun twist on classic s’mores.
• Hot Chocolate: Drop a few marshmallows into your hot chocolate for a sweet, fluffy treat.
• Candy Bar: Set up a cotton candy marshmallow bar at your party with other toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or graham crackers.
• Cotton Candy Drinks: Drop a few marshmallows in sparkling water or milk for a cotton candy-flavored drink.

Why You’ll Love These Cotton Candy Marshmallows

These marshmallows are a nostalgic treat that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or a special treat for a loved one. Not only are they fun and delicious, but making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

With their fluffy texture and vibrant colors, these cotton candy marshmallows are bound to be a hit. Try making them today and treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet, colorful delight.

Conclusion

Creating your own cotton candy marshmallows is easier than you might think, and they make for a fun and whimsical treat for any occasion. From their fluffy texture to their nostalgic flavor, these marshmallows are sure to delight all who try them. Perfect for parties, desserts, or just because, they are an unforgettable addition to any treat table.

Enjoy the process of making these marshmallows and get creative with flavors and colors. Whether you’re making them for a themed party or a fun family activity, these cotton candy marshmallows will always be a crowd-pleaser.