Hey y'all! If you're searching for a magical, melt-in-your-mouth treat that's sure to bring smiles, you're in the right place. Cotton Candy Marshmallows combine the whimsical flavor of cotton candy with the pillowy texture of homemade marshmallows—making them perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, gift-giving, or just a sweet snack at home. These pastel-hued confections are as fun to make as they are to eat. Ready to whip up a batch of dreamy Cotton Candy Marshmallows? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe
- They have a soft, pillowy texture with a nostalgic cotton candy flavor.
- Each batch can be customized with your favorite colors and sprinkles.
- Perfect for parties, edible gifts, or a standout hot cocoa topper.
- No special candy thermometer required—just simple pantry staples.
- Keeps well for days, ready whenever your sweet tooth calls!
Ingredients for Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 21g or 0.75 oz total)
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (find it here)
- Pastel gel food coloring (pink, blue, or your choice)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Spray a 9x9-inch baking pan generously with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch. Dust the pan with half the mixture, tapping out any excess.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
Pour ½ cup cold water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle gelatin over the water and let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom.
Step 3: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine remaining ½ cup water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil—let it boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Whip the Marshmallow Base
With the mixer on low, slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin. Gradually increase speed to high and whip for 10-12 minutes, until tripled in volume, glossy, and thick. Add vanilla and cotton candy flavoring in the last minute. Divide the mixture if desired, gently folding in food coloring for a swirling effect.
Step 5: Set and Cut the Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Quickly pour the fluffy mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing with a greased spatula. Let sit uncovered at room temperature for 6 hours (or overnight) until set. Dust the top with remaining powdered sugar-cornstarch mix. Turn out onto a board, cut into squares, and toss each one in more sugar mixture to prevent sticking.
Notes for Perfect Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Use a stand mixer for best results; hand mixers may not provide enough power or volume.
- For even more flavor variations, explore other extracts and food colorings (coloring tips here).
- Be sure your syrup is hot—boiling for 1 minute is essential for the right texture.
Variations on Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Rainbow Marshmallows: Swirl in multiple pastel colors for a tie-dye effect.
- Sparkle Marshmallows: Roll cut marshmallows in edible glitter or colored sugars.
- Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows: Dip half of each marshmallow in melted white chocolate for an extra treat.
Required Equipment for Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment
- 9x9-inch baking pan
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small bowls for dusting mixture
How to Store Cotton Candy Marshmallows
Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature (do not refrigerate) for up to 2 weeks. Dust with extra powdered sugar before storing to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Float them in hot chocolate for a festive, colorful topping.
- Skewer with fresh berries for a fun party kabob.
- Package in cellophane bags with ribbons as homemade gifts.
Pro Tips for Fluffy Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Work quickly when pouring and coloring—the mixture sets fast.
- Use a greased knife or pizza cutter for clean, non-sticky cuts (marshmallow cutting tips).
- Let marshmallows dry uncovered for a few hours after cutting for the best texture.
Cotton Candy Marshmallows FAQ
- Can I make Cotton Candy Marshmallows without a stand mixer?
- You can use a hand mixer, but the process will take longer and may not achieve the same fluffy volume as a stand mixer.
- Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
- Look for cotton candy flavoring online or in specialty baking stores. Brands like LorAnn offer strong, high-quality extracts.
- Can I freeze homemade marshmallows?
- It's not recommended, as freezing can change the texture. Room temperature storage in an airtight container works best.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (including setting)
Ingredients
- 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 21g)
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
Instructions
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1Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and dust generously with powdered sugar.
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2In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup cold water. Let it bloom while you prepare the syrup.
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3In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining ½ cup water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
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4With the mixer on low speed, carefully pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture. Increase speed to high and beat for 10-12 minutes until thick, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add cotton candy flavoring and food coloring if desired.
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5Quickly spread the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a greased spatula. Let set at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
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6Dust a cutting board with powdered sugar, turn out the marshmallow slab, and cut into squares. Dust all sides with more powdered sugar before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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