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

Making cotton candy marshmallows at home might sound complicated, but with this easy recipe, you can create fluffy, colorful marshmallows bursting with nostalgic cotton candy flavor in just 30 minutes. Perfect for kids’ parties, themed dessert tables, or a sweet treat, these marshmallows will impress everyone who tries them.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 24 marshmallows 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2½ tablespoons Gelatin: This sets the marshmallow mixture, creating the fluffy texture.
  • 1 cup Cold water: Activates the gelatin and allows it to bloom.
  • 1½ cups Granulated sugar: Sweetens the marshmallows.
  • ¾ cup Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, helping the marshmallows stay soft.
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons Cotton candy flavoring: Choose pink vanilla or blue raspberry for the authentic cotton candy taste.
  • Food coloring (Pink and Blue): To achieve the traditional cotton candy look.
  • ¾ cup Powdered sugar: To coat the marshmallows and prevent sticking.

Instructions

  • Bloom the Gelatin: Place the gelatin and half of the cold water in a stand mixer. Whisk and let it sit for 8-10 minutes to activate.
  • Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the remaining water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Heat over medium and stir constantly for 6-8 minutes until clear. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk the Mixtures: Slowly pour the syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Increase the mixer speed to high and whisk for 10 minutes until fluffy.
  • Add Flavor and Color: Add the cotton candy flavoring. Divide the mixture into two bowls and add pink and blue food coloring to each. Mix gently.
  • Set the Marshmallows: Dust a 9×13-inch pan with powdered sugar. Alternate spoonfuls of the pink and blue marshmallow mixture into the pan. Smooth the top and dust with powdered sugar.
  • Let the Marshmallows Set: Cover with plastic wrap and let set for 8-12 hours at room temperature.

Notes

  • Gelatin Substitute: Use 4 gelatin sheets per tablespoon of powdered gelatin if you don’t have powdered gelatin.
  • Flavor Variations: Try different cotton candy flavors like blue raspberry or strawberry.
  • Food Coloring: For vibrant colors, opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen marshmallows at room temperature.
  • Author: Leslie V.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes