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Whip up some cotton candy marshmallows for a super fun twist on the usual treat—they blend soft marshmallow goodness with that classic carnival cotton candy taste. They're perfect for chill movie nights, birthday parties, or just when you’ve got a sweet tooth. With their eye-catching colors and playful vibes, they’ll make anyone grin from ear to ear.
I’ve thrown these marshmallows together plenty of times, and folks always rave about them. When I first set them out at a family get-together, the kids devoured them, and even the grown-ups couldn’t stop eating them because of that old-time flavor.
Must-Have Ingredients and What They Do
- Unflavored Gelatin: This magic powder is what makes the marshmallows puff up and get all light and bouncy.
- Granulated Sugar: That’s the main source of sweetness and helps the marshmallows hold their shape.
- Corn Syrup: This keeps things silky smooth and stops sugar crystals from ruining the party.
- Water: Needed to dissolve your sugar and gelatin—it’s the base for the marshmallow mix.
- Cotton Candy Flavoring: This is what sends your marshmallows right back to birthday parties under a circus tent—use a good flavoring so it really pops!
- Powdered Sugar and Cornstarch: Coat your finished marshmallows in this blend so they don't get sticky and have a sweet finish.
Magical Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Let Gelatin Soak
Sprinkle gelatin onto half a cup of water in your biggest bowl. Leave it alone for five minutes so it puffs up and soaks all that water in. Don’t skip this or your marshmallows won’t be right.
Make the Syrup
Mix together sugar, corn syrup, and water in a pot. Keep it on medium-high until your thermometer says 240°F (115°C). Getting it to this exact point helps the marshmallows turn out just right.
Mix and Fluff Up
Take that hot syrup and slowly pour it over the gelatin you soaked earlier, mixing all the while. With a hand or stand mixer, beat it for like 10–15 minutes on medium. You know you’re done when it's thick, glossy, and super fluffy. This is where it turns into that soft, cloud-like texture.
Flavor and Color
Once your marshmallow mix looks good, blend in your cotton candy flavor and toss in a little food dye if you want a fun color to go with the vibe.
Let It Set Up
Pour that gooey mixture into a greased 9x9 inch pan, then even it out on top. Let it sit on your kitchen counter (don’t rush it) for at least four hours or till it’s firm when you press on it.
Slice and Coat
When it’s set, sprinkle with powdered sugar and cornstarch. Cut your marshmallows into squares or go wild with shapes using scissors or a sharp knife.
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I’m all about that classic pink cotton candy flavor—it takes me straight back to summer festivals. My crew can’t get enough, so now I make a batch for pretty much every family hangout when it warms up.
Serving Inspiration
Perfect Pair-Ups
Pair these marshmallows with other fun snacks like chocolate bars, popcorn, or drop a few in your hot chocolate. They’re awesome on top of ice cream or in a super cool milkshake too.
Party Highlights
Line up your marshmallows in pretty jars or bowls if you’re going for a party vibe. Or, stick them on skewers for a sweet carnival look that guests will love.
Grab-n-Go Treats
Pop a handful of squares into small bags or tubs—makes for quick party favors or easy snacking when you’re out and about.
Cool Versions
Switching for Diets
Want plant-based? Swap gelatin for agar-agar and find vegan cotton candy flavor—just as tasty!
Flavor Mashups
Mix flavors like blue raspberry with vanilla for your own twist. Even a touch of regular vanilla is awesome for a new layer.
Color Fun
Go subtle with natural pastel colors or paint the rainbow with bold, bright shades—anything goes!
Keeping ‘Em Fresh
Sealed-Up Storage
Keep marshmallows in an airtight jar or bag so they stay nice and soft. Glass or good zip-top bags do the trick.
Keep Them Dry
Moisture is the enemy—keep them somewhere dry so they don’t get sticky and weird.
Freezer Ready
If you want them to last, stick them on a tray in the freezer till solid, then toss in a sealed container or bag. Let ‘em thaw on the counter before digging in.
These cotton candy marshmallows aren’t just sweet—they’re the kind of thing that makes folks smile and brings back memories. Great for gifting, a party table, or just because—it’s a little bit of magic in every piece. Try a batch and bring back some good, simple fun.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different flavor instead of cotton candy?
- Go ahead and swap the cotton candy flavor for strawberry, vanilla, or any tastes you love.
- → How long do these marshmallows last?
- Just keep them in a sealed jar or box and they'll be good for about seven days on your counter.
- → Can I make these marshmallows without a stand mixer?
- Stand mixers make it way easier, but a handheld one will get the job done if you don’t mind working a bit harder.
- → What can I use instead of corn syrup?
- Try swapping in honey or golden syrup, but your marshies might not feel exactly the same.
- → Can I make these marshmallows in different shapes?
- You sure can! Use cookie cutters once they've set to make all sorts of fun shapes.