There’s something magical about cotton candy—the sweet, airy treat that melts in your mouth and brings a smile to your face. But what if I told you that you could bring that same sweet, nostalgic flavor into marshmallow form? Yes, you heard me right! These Cotton Candy Marshmallows combine the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of marshmallows with the fun, sugary goodness of cotton candy. It’s a treat that takes you back to the fair or carnival, but now you can enjoy it right from your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of cotton candy, then these marshmallows are an absolute must-try. They’re not only fun to make but also super customizable. You can make them as soft and fluffy as your heart desires, and the flavor of cotton candy adds a unique twist to your typical marshmallow. Whether you’re enjoying them by themselves, using them in hot chocolate, or dipping them in chocolate for a sweet treat, these marshmallows are sure to be a hit. Plus, making marshmallows from scratch is way easier than you might think, and the results are beyond worth it!
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Unflavored gelatin
- Cotton candy flavoring or cotton candy syrup (you can find this online or at specialty stores)
- Powdered sugar
- Cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract (optional)
(For the full ingredient list and measurements, check below. But with these basics, you’re already on your way to creating something incredible!)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and dusting it lightly with powdered sugar and cornstarch (this will help prevent the marshmallows from sticking). You can use a silicone baking mat if you prefer, but parchment paper works great too.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, pour 1/2 cup of water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom.” This means the gelatin will absorb the water and soften, making the marshmallows nice and fluffy when they set.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature—it should reach 240°F (115°C), also known as the “soft-ball stage.” This ensures the syrup will firm up into the perfect marshmallow consistency.
Step 4: Combine the Gelatin and Syrup
Once the syrup reaches the correct temperature, remove it from the heat. Then, pour the syrup into the bowl with the bloomed gelatin. Be careful, as the syrup will be extremely hot! Stir the mixture until the gelatin is fully dissolved and incorporated.
Step 5: Whip It Up
Now comes the fun part—whipping! Using an electric mixer (stand or hand), beat the gelatin-syrup mixture on high speed for about 10-15 minutes. The mixture will become thick, glossy, and marshmallow-like. Add in your cotton candy flavoring or syrup, along with a pinch of salt and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Keep whipping until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture holds stiff peaks.
Step 6: Pour and Set
Pour the marshmallow mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out into an even layer using a spatula. Dust the top with more powdered sugar and cornstarch to keep the marshmallows from sticking to your hands. Let the marshmallows sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.
Step 7: Cut and Enjoy
Once the marshmallows have set, remove them from the pan and cut them into squares using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. You can dust the edges with a little more powdered sugar to keep them from sticking together. Now, they’re ready to be devoured!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t have cotton candy flavoring, you can make your own by using a few drops of flavored extract like raspberry, strawberry, or bubblegum. Just make sure you use food-grade flavoring that’s designed for candy-making.
- The key to getting the fluffiest marshmallows is to whip the mixture long enough to create air pockets, but not so long that it starts to harden before you pour it into the pan.
- If you want to make your marshmallows more colorful, add a few drops of food coloring while you’re whipping the mixture. A pastel pink or blue would look just like traditional cotton candy!
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup—it can burn you easily. Always use a thermometer to check the temperature and handle the syrup with caution.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Flavored Marshmallows: While cotton candy flavoring is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other flavors like vanilla, mint, or fruit flavors.
- Colorful Marshmallows: To make your marshmallows even more fun, you can divide the marshmallow mixture into separate bowls and add different food colors to each. Swirl them together for a colorful effect.
- Vegan Marshmallows: If you want to make a vegan version, you can substitute the gelatin with agar-agar powder (which is plant-based). You’ll also need to use a vegan-friendly corn syrup.
- Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows: For an extra indulgent treat, dip your cotton candy marshmallows in melted chocolate and let them set. They’ll look even more fabulous and taste amazing!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Cotton candy marshmallows are a treat on their own, but here are a few ways you can serve and enjoy them:
- Hot Chocolate: Drop a couple of these marshmallows into your hot chocolate for a sweet, melty treat. They’ll add a fun twist to your favorite winter drink.
- Gift Idea: Package the marshmallows in cute jars or bags as homemade gifts. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
- S’mores: Use these cotton candy marshmallows in place of regular marshmallows for a unique s’mores experience. You’ll love the added sweetness and flavor.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crushed-up pieces of these marshmallows would make an adorable and delicious topping for ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate them with layers of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.
4 FAQs
- Can I make marshmallows without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer. Just be prepared for a little more work, as hand mixers take longer to beat the mixture to the right consistency. - Do I have to use corn syrup?
Corn syrup is used to give marshmallows their smooth texture, but you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup if you prefer. Just note that the flavor might change slightly. - Can I make cotton candy marshmallows without flavoring?
Absolutely! If you prefer plain marshmallows, just omit the cotton candy flavoring. They’ll still be soft, fluffy, and delicious. - Why are my marshmallows sticky?
If your marshmallows are too sticky, it could be because they didn’t set long enough. Let them sit longer, and make sure you coat them generously with powdered sugar or cornstarch when cutting them.
Conclusion
These Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a fun and whimsical treat that will bring out your inner child. With their fluffy texture and sweet cotton candy flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them yourself. Once you try making marshmallows from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought! Enjoy the sweet, airy goodness, and let your taste buds take a trip back to the carnival!
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Cotton Candy Marshmallows: A Sweet, Fluffy Dream Come True
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (includes setting time)
- Yield: 12–16 marshmallows 1x
- Category: Dessert, Sweet Treats
- Method: Stovetop, Whisking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cotton Candy Marshmallows combine the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of marshmallows with the sweet, nostalgic flavor of cotton candy. They’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup) + 1/2 cup water (for blooming gelatin)
- 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring or 2 tablespoons cotton candy syrup (available online or at specialty stores)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for dusting)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, dust lightly with powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, pour 1/2 cup of water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the water. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Heat until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
- Combine Gelatin and Syrup: Remove syrup from heat and pour into the bloomed gelatin. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Whip It Up: Using an electric mixer, beat the gelatin-syrup mixture on high for 10-15 minutes until thick and glossy. Add cotton candy flavoring, salt, and vanilla (if using).
- Pour and Set: Pour marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Dust with powdered sugar and cornstarch, let set at room temperature for 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, remove from pan, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- The longer you whip the mixture, the fluffier your marshmallows will be, but be careful not to over-whip.
- Make sure to coat marshmallows with powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 marshmallow
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg