These Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a fun and whimsical treat that combines the sweetness of cotton candy with the soft, pillowy texture of marshmallows. With a delicate cotton candy flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth consistency, these marshmallows are perfect for special occasions, as a gift, or as a sweet snack for any time. Simple to make and oh-so-delicious, you’ll never want store-bought marshmallows again!
Personal Story & Background:
I’ve always loved cotton candy. There’s something so nostalgic and fun about watching it spin into fluffy, colorful clouds of sweetness at a fair or carnival. One day, I wondered if it was possible to capture that same cotton candy flavor in a marshmallow, and after a bit of experimenting, I found the perfect recipe. These Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a playful twist on a classic, bringing that familiar sweet, airy flavor into a completely new form. Now, every time I make them, it takes me back to those carefree days of carnival visits and sugar-filled smiles. These marshmallows not only look beautiful but taste even better, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any party!
Ingredient Notes:
- Unflavored Gelatin: This is the base of your marshmallows. It helps give them that soft, spongy texture that’s characteristic of marshmallows. Make sure to bloom the gelatin in cold water to ensure it dissolves properly.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is what gives the marshmallows their sweetness. For the cotton candy flavor, sugar is the key component.
- Corn Syrup: Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and ensures the marshmallows have that smooth, creamy texture. It also adds to the elasticity of the marshmallow.
- Cotton Candy Flavoring: This is what gives these marshmallows their unique cotton candy flavor. You can find cotton candy flavoring at specialty stores or online. A little goes a long way!
- Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking together. It helps keep them separate and easy to handle.
- Water: Water is essential for dissolving the sugar and gelatin and for creating the syrupy base.
Substitutions:
- Gelatin Alternatives: If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can substitute the gelatin with agar-agar, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Cotton Candy Flavor: If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, you can substitute with a few drops of a cotton candy-flavored extract or even a pink or blue food coloring combined with a hint of vanilla extract for a similar fun flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
Start by preparing your gelatin. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1/2 cup of cold water. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin over the water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. This helps the gelatin absorb the water and soften, ensuring your marshmallows turn out light and fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
While the gelatin is blooming, combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is dissolved, bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the soft-ball stage, which is ideal for marshmallows.
Step 3: Combine the Gelatin and Syrup
Once the sugar syrup has reached 240°F, carefully pour it into the bloomed gelatin while mixing on low speed. Slowly increase the speed to high and beat for about 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and begins to hold stiff peaks. This step is what gives the marshmallows their fluffy, airy texture.
Step 4: Add the Cotton Candy Flavoring
With the mixer still running on high, add 1 teaspoon of cotton candy flavoring (or to taste) and a few drops of food coloring if you want to give your marshmallows a soft pink or blue hue. Continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes to incorporate the flavoring and coloring.
Step 5: Pour the Mixture into a Pan
Once the marshmallow mixture is ready, pour it into a greased 9×9-inch square pan or an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure the mixture is evenly spread. You may need to lightly oil your spatula to prevent it from sticking.
Step 6: Let the Marshmallows Set
Allow the marshmallows to set at room temperature for about 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The marshmallows need time to firm up and hold their shape.
Step 7: Cut and Coat with Powdered Sugar
Once the marshmallows have set, turn them out onto a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar. Cut them into squares with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Toss each marshmallow in a little powdered sugar to coat them and prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Precision is key when making marshmallows. A candy thermometer ensures the syrup reaches the perfect temperature to create the right texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Let the Marshmallows Set: Be patient and allow the marshmallows to set fully before cutting. If you try to cut them too early, they may be too sticky.
- Storage: If your marshmallows are sticking together, dust them with more powdered sugar. You can also store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Suggestions:
- Marshmallow Treats: These cotton candy marshmallows are perfect for s’mores, hot chocolate, or as a sweet treat on their own.
- Gift Idea: Package them in cute jars or bags with a bow for a fun homemade gift.
- Party Snacks: Serve them at birthday parties, carnivals, or any fun celebration to add a pop of color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing: These marshmallows freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use homemade cotton candy for this recipe?
While you can enjoy homemade cotton candy as a treat on its own, it’s not a substitute for the flavoring in this recipe. The flavoring is concentrated, which helps recreate that authentic cotton candy taste in the marshmallows.
How do I make the marshmallows less sticky?
If you find the marshmallows are too sticky after cutting them, simply toss them in a little more powdered sugar or cornstarch. This will help keep them from sticking together.
Can I make these marshmallows without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer, though it might take a little longer to beat the marshmallow mixture. Just be sure to mix on high speed until the marshmallows are thick and fluffy.
Conclusion:
These Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a whimsical treat that will brighten up any occasion. Soft, fluffy, and with that perfect cotton candy flavor, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, a carnival-themed party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these marshmallows are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist! Let me know how they turn out or if you add your own twist to the recipe—happy marshmallow making!
Print
Homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows: Sweet, Fluffy Magic in Every Bite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 26–30 marshmallows (increased from normal 24) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a fun and fluffy treat that brings the nostalgic taste of cotton candy into soft, pillowy marshmallows. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a dreamy pastel color, they’re perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
- 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring
- Few drops of pink or blue food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1/2 cup cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
2. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
3. Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring to a boil. Cook until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
Step 3: Combine Syrup and Gelatin
4. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin while mixing on low speed.
5. Gradually increase speed to high and beat for 10 minutes, until thick and glossy.
Step 4: Add Flavor & Color
6. Add the cotton candy flavoring and food coloring. Beat for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Pour and Set
7. Grease a 9×9-inch pan (or line with parchment paper) and pour the marshmallow mixture in.
8. Smooth the top and let set at room temperature for 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 6: Cut & Dust
9. Dust a surface with powdered sugar, turn out the marshmallow slab, and cut into squares.
10. Toss each marshmallow in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use a Candy Thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Allow full setting time before cutting.
- For storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 marshmallow
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
[…] Source link […]