Fluffy Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe: Sweet Homemade Magic

Sweet memories of childhood carnivals dance through my mind whenever I whip up these delightful cotton candy marshmallows.

Soft clouds of sugary magic melt effortlessly on your tongue with each bite.

Pastel hues swirl into fluffy squares that sparkle with sugary charm.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these whimsical treats that bring pure joy to any gathering.

Crafting these marshmallows feels like creating edible art right in your kitchen.

Playful and nostalgic, they promise to delight everyone who tastes them.

Let’s turn an ordinary afternoon into a carnival of flavor and fun!

Cotton Candy Marshmallows That Feel Like a Sweet Cloud

• Whip Up Nostalgic Sweetness: Capture the whimsical essence of carnival treats by transforming classic marshmallows into a cotton candy-inspired dessert that brings childhood memories flooding back.
• Surprisingly Simple Technique: Create gourmet marshmallows with minimal kitchen skills, using basic equipment like a stand mixer and just a few ingredients to craft an impressive homemade confection.
• Quick Treat for Special Moments: Prepare these delightful marshmallows in under an hour, making them perfect for unexpected gatherings, kids' parties, or spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Customize with Playful Flair: Experiment with cotton candy flavoring and vibrant colors to make these marshmallows a unique, Instagram-worthy treat that delights both children and adults.

Whipping Up Fluffy Cotton Candy Marshmallows? You’ll Need This

• Gelatin: Provides structure and helps create the marshmallow's signature bounce and texture.
• Water (Cold): Essential for activating and hydrating the gelatin, ensuring smooth incorporation.

• Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create the smooth, glossy marshmallow consistency.
• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and adds a silky, glossy finish to the marshmallows.

• Cotton Candy Flavoring: Adds the signature sweet, carnival-like taste to transform ordinary marshmallows.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting to prevent sticking and add a delicate, sweet coating.
• Cornstarch: Helps prevent marshmallows from becoming too sticky and aids in dusting.

Marshmallows Homemade Sweet Fluff Prep

Step 1: Prepare Gelatin Base

In a stand mixer bowl, pour cold water and sprinkle gelatin over the surface.

Allow the gelatin to bloom and soften for 5 minutes, creating a smooth foundation for your marshmallows.

Step 2: Create Sugar Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely.

Continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer, which is the soft-ball stage.

Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Hot Syrup

Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin.

Start mixing on low speed, gradually increasing to high.

Whip the mixture for 12-15 minutes until it becomes thick, white, and glossy, tripling in volume.

Step 4: Add Cotton Candy Flavor

• Cotton candy flavoring
• Vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring

Add cotton candy flavoring, vanilla extract, and a few drops of pink food coloring to the marshmallow mixture.

Mix until the color is evenly distributed and the flavor is well incorporated.

Step 5: Prepare Marshmallow Pan

• Powdered sugar
• Cornstarch

Generously dust a 9×13 inch baking pan with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.

This prevents the marshmallows from sticking and adds a delicate coating.

Step 6: Pour and Set Marshmallows

Pour the fluffy marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Cut and Coat Marshmallows

• Powdered sugar
• Cornstarch

Dust a cutting surface with powdered sugar and cornstarch.

Turn out the marshmallow slab and cut into squares using a sharp knife coated with the sugar mixture.

Step 8: Final Dusting

Toss the marshmallow pieces in additional powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Marshmallow Prep for Cotton Candy Magic

• Let the gelatin sit undisturbed in cold water, allowing it to fully absorb and create a smooth, silky texture that ensures ultra-soft marshmallows.
• Use fresh, high-quality gelatin and pure vanilla extract to elevate the flavor and ensure the most delectable cotton candy marshmallows.
• Use a candy thermometer to precisely hit 240°F (soft-ball stage), which guarantees the ideal marshmallow consistency and prevents grainy texture.
• Dust your workspace and marshmallow pan generously with powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to easily release the marshmallows and prevent sticking.
• Beat the marshmallow mixture until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks, which creates that signature fluffy cotton candy marshmallow texture.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Kept Fresh

• Store marshmallows in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 1 week.
• Wrap individual marshmallows tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen treats will stay fresh for 2-3 months.
• If planning to enjoy within 2-3 days, keep marshmallows in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Remove frozen marshmallows 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften naturally at room temperature.

Sweet Treats With Cotton Candy Marshmallows

• Pair Sweet Cotton Candy Marshmallow Magic with Complementary Delights
• Blend Sparkling Rosé: Crisp, bubbly wine complements the marshmallow's sugary sweetness, creating a playful adult treat that dances on the palate with light effervescence.
• Match Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety cocoa provides a warm contrast to the fluffy marshmallow, melting together in a luxurious blend of comfort and indulgence.
• Create Nostalgic Ice Cream Float: Vanilla bean ice cream topped with crumbled cotton candy marshmallows delivers a whimsical dessert experience that combines childhood memories with gourmet flair.
• Boost with Fruity Cocktail: Tropical rum punch or strawberry daiquiri adds vibrant color and tangy notes that highlight the marshmallow's cotton candy essence, transforming a simple treat into a festive celebration.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Fluffy Blends

• Vegan Cloud Puffs: Replace gelatin with agar-agar powder and use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a plant-based marshmallow experience that's just as soft and dreamy.
• Gluten-Free Carnival Treats: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the corn syrup and vanilla extract, making these marshmallows safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Cotton Candy Clouds: Swap traditional sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly version that still captures the nostalgic cotton candy flavor.
• Allergy-Friendly Marshmallow Mix: Use alternative milk-free corn syrup and eliminate egg-based ingredients to craft a version suitable for people with common food allergies.

FAQs

• What gives these marshmallows their unique cotton candy flavor?

The cotton candy flavor comes from specially formulated cotton candy flavoring extract, which is added during the mixing process to infuse the marshmallows with a nostalgic, sugary carnival taste.

• Are these marshmallows difficult to make at home?

While they require some specialized equipment like a stand mixer and candy thermometer, the process is straightforward and achievable for home bakers with basic cooking skills and patience during the whipping and setting stages.

• Can I use regular sugar instead of corn syrup in this recipe?

Corn syrup is crucial for creating the smooth, glossy texture of marshmallows and preventing sugar crystallization. Substituting it directly might result in a grainy, less stable marshmallow with a different texture.

• How long will these cotton candy marshmallows stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these marshmallows will maintain their soft, fluffy texture for about 5-7 days, though they’re best enjoyed within the first few days of making them.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Cotton candy marshmallows bring whimsical nostalgia to classic dessert lovers. Silky smooth cubes melt with sugary childhood memories, promising pure delight for those craving playful sweetness.

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Ingredients

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Marshmallow Base:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

Flavoring and Color:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cotton candy flavoring
• Few drops of pink or blue food coloring

Coating:

• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish by generously coating it with non-stick spray and dusting with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
2. Pour cold water into the stand mixer bowl and sprinkle gelatin evenly across the surface, allowing it to hydrate and soften for approximately 5 minutes.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and remaining water, stirring gently to ensure sugar dissolves without crystallizing.
4. Heat the sugar mixture over medium-high heat, avoiding stirring, and allow it to reach 240°F on a candy thermometer, which indicates the soft-ball stage.
5. Activate the stand mixer with the gelatin mixture and slowly stream the scalding sugar syrup down the side of the bowl, mixing on low speed to prevent splattering.
6. Gradually increase mixer speed to high, whipping the mixture until it transforms into a thick, glossy, and voluminous marshmallow cream, which takes about 12-15 minutes.
7. Incorporate cotton candy flavoring and food coloring, blending until the mixture is uniformly pale pink and fragrant.
8. Quickly transfer the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, using a silicone spatula to spread it evenly and smoothly.
9. Allow the marshmallow to set at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until it becomes firm and stable.
10. Dust a cutting surface with powdered sugar, then carefully unmold the marshmallow and slice into delicate, cloud-like cubes using a sharp knife coated in powdered sugar.
11. Roll each marshmallow piece in additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking and create a delicate, ethereal coating.

Notes

• Bloom gelatin carefully to create a smooth, uniform texture that prevents lumpy marshmallows.
• Use fresh, high-quality gelatin for the most stable and elastic marshmallow structure.
• Experiment with different cotton candy extracts or flavored sugars to enhance the playful, nostalgic taste profile.
• Line your pan with extra parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cutting of marshmallow squares.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg