Fluffy Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Whimsical cotton candy marshmallows dance between childhood nostalgia and grown-up dessert magic.

Sweet memories of carnival treats spark unexpected culinary creativity in this playful recipe.

Soft, pillowy squares capture the essence of sugary fairground delights with unexpected charm.

Pastel swirls of color peek through these delicate confections, promising pure joy in every bite.

Professional pastry techniques merge with pure fun to create something remarkable.

Unexpected flavor combinations make these marshmallows stand out from typical sugary treats.

You’ll want to experiment and create your own magical version of this delightful confection.

These cotton candy marshmallows invite pure imagination onto your dessert plate.

Treats That Go Well with Cotton Candy Marshmallows

• Pair Cotton Candy Marshmallows with Complementary Flavors
• Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and whipped cream to create a smooth, sweet companion that echoes the cotton candy's sugary essence.
• Mix fresh strawberries, yogurt, and a touch of honey for a bright, tangy drink that balances the marshmallow's intense sweetness.
• Craft a warm beverage with white chocolate, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla, providing a rich, luxurious counterpoint to the playful marshmallow texture.
• Serve a zesty, refreshing palate cleanser that cuts through the marshmallow's sweetness and provides a crisp, cool contrast.

Flavors to Try with Cotton Candy Marshmallows

• Vegan Marshmallow Delight: Replace gelatin with agar-agar powder, using plant-based corn syrup and aquafaba for binding. Utilize organic cane sugar to maintain the sweet cotton candy essence.
• Gluten-Free Cloud Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, including corn syrup and flavoring. Carefully select cornstarch and powdered sugar from reliable gluten-free sources.
• Low-Sugar Cotton Candy Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the fluffy marshmallow texture and cotton candy flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Marshmallow Creation: Use erythritol instead of sugar, replace corn syrup with sugar-free syrup, and incorporate MCT oil for binding. Add sugar-free cotton candy flavoring to keep the signature taste without added carbohydrates.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows for Whimsical Sweets

• Break free from ordinary desserts and transform your kitchen into a nostalgic fairground experience with these cotton candy marshmallows.
• Whip up these delightful treats in just a few hours, making them perfect for spontaneous family baking sessions or surprise party treats.
• Engage little helpers in measuring, mixing, and cutting marshmallows, turning cooking into an interactive and fun bonding activity that sparks creativity.
• Elevate hot chocolates, decorate cakes, or enjoy them solo- these marshmallows bring playful cotton candy flavor to multiple dessert scenarios with minimal effort.

Ingredients Required for Cotton Candy Marshmallows

• Unflavored Gelatin: Provides structure and creates the fluffy marshmallow texture, choose a high-quality brand for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create the marshmallow's smooth consistency, pure white sugar works best.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and adds glossy smoothness to the marshmallows.
• Water: Essential for dissolving sugar and blooming gelatin, use filtered water for best flavor.

• Cotton Candy Flavoring: Captures the classic cotton candy taste, select a food-grade concentrated flavor.
• Food Coloring: Adds vibrant color to match cotton candy's playful appearance, gel colors provide intense hues.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a non-stick coating for marshmallows, helps with cutting and presentation.
• Cornstarch: Prevents marshmallows from sticking together, use a fine-ground variety for smooth coating.

How to Whip and Set Cotton Candy Marshmallows

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over water in a large bowl. Let it sit and absorb liquid for about 5 minutes until it looks puffy and soft.

Step 2: Create Sugar Magic

• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water

Heat the mixture on medium-high heat until it reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch your candy thermometer closely for the perfect moment.

Step 3: Merge Gelatin and Sugar

Carefully pour hot sugar syrup into gelatin mixture. Use a mixer to beat ingredients until they transform into a thick, glossy cloud-like texture. Keep mixing for 10-15 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and dreamy.

Step 4: Infuse Cotton Candy Excitement

Add cotton candy flavoring to your marshmallow mixture. Drop in a few colors to make them look as playful and vibrant as a carnival treat.

Step 5: Create Marshmallow Landscape

Pour the fluffy mixture into a greased 9×9-inch pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Let it rest at room temperature for 4 hours until completely set.

Step 6: Transform and Dust

Sprinkle a powdered sugar and cornstarch blend over the marshmallows. Slice into squares or fun shapes using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Enjoy your homemade cotton candy marshmallows!

Tips to Help Your Marshmallows Stay Fluffy

• Prevent Sticky Situations: Generously grease your pan with cooking spray or butter before pouring the marshmallow mixture to ensure easy removal and clean cutting.
• Control Flavor Intensity: Start with a small amount of cotton candy flavoring, then taste and adjust gradually to achieve the perfect sweet, nostalgic flavor without overwhelming the marshmallow base.
• Master the Sugar Syrup: Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature monitoring, as reaching exactly 240F ensures the perfect marshmallow texture and prevents crystallization.
• Whip with Patience: Beat the marshmallow mixture consistently for 10-15 minutes, watching for a thick, glossy consistency that's crucial for achieving light, fluffy marshmallows with a cloud-like texture.
• Dust Like a Pro: Mix powdered sugar and cornstarch in equal parts for the final coating, creating a non-sticky surface that keeps marshmallows fresh and prevents them from clumping together.

Ways to Store Cotton Candy Marshmallows the Right Way

• Store cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days.
• Wrap marshmallows individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove marshmallows from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain soft, fluffy consistency.
• If marshmallows become slightly hard, place a damp paper towel in the container for a few hours to help restore moisture and softness.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Whimsical cotton candy marshmallows bring childhood nostalgia and sugary dreams to life with their cloud-like texture and carnival-inspired flavor. Sweet memories melt together, promising pure delight for dessert enthusiasts seeking a playful twist on classic treats.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 3 envelopes (7 g each) unflavored gelatin
• ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
• ¾ cup (180 ml) cold water, divided

Flavor and Color Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
• Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or any color of your choice)

Dusting and Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate gelatin by sprinkling it over water, allowing the mixture to transform and become gelatinous for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Create a sugar solution by combining granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan, heating the mixture until it reaches precise candy-making temperature of 240°F.
3. Carefully integrate the hot sugar syrup into the gelatin base, using an electric mixer to whip the combination into a voluminous, silky-smooth confection for 10-15 minutes.
4. Introduce cotton candy flavoring and optional pastel food coloring, gently folding to distribute the vibrant essence throughout the marshmallow mixture.
5. Transfer the fluffy concoction into a prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
6. Allow the marshmallow mixture to stabilize and solidify at room temperature for a minimum of 4 hours, ensuring a firm, pillowy texture.
7. Generously dust the set marshmallow slab with a cornstarch and powdered sugar blend to prevent adhesion.
8. Slice the marshmallow block into uniform squares or whimsical shapes using sharp kitchen scissors or a clean knife, creating delightful cotton candy-inspired treats.

Notes

• Enhance the cotton candy flavor by adding extra drops of cotton candy extract for a more intense taste profile.
• Select high-quality gelatin to ensure smooth, consistent marshmallow texture and prevent graininess.
• Experiment with pastel food coloring to create a whimsical, carnival-like appearance that matches the cotton candy theme.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, as even a few degrees can significantly impact the marshmallow’s final consistency and texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg