These homemade cotton candy marshmallows are one of my favorite easy party tricks. Yes, I did just say “homemade marshmallows” and “easy” in the same sentence! They’re made with just 7 simple ingredients and take only 30 minutes to prep– seriously! They’re super fun and colorful for kids’ parties– the perfect treat to add to hot chocolate, s’mores, or ice cream.
Flavored Marshmallow Recipe
If you buy marshmallows at the store, you should try making them at home! I couldn’t believe just how simple these cotton candy marshmallows were to make. My kids can’t get enough of how cool they look, and even adults love them for their nostalgic flavor. I love using them to make Cotton Candy S’mores!
There are a few key ingredients you’ll need to make these flavored marshmallows that you may not already have on hand. First, you’ll need gelatin powder or sheets, which help the marshmallows to set and get that spongy, bouncy texture we all know and love. Second, you’ll need light corn syrup, which prevents the sugar from crystallizing and keeps the marshmallows fluffy and chewy. And finally, you’ll need a yummy cotton candy flavoring, which you can get at specialty stores or online.
Email this Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Easy Dessert Recipes.
Cotton Candy Flavoring
Cotton candy comes predominantly in two flavors: blue raspberry and pink vanilla. The base for both is a compound that tastes like caramelized fruit and sugar mixed with vanilla. Pink vanilla cotton candy is then infused with strawberry flavoring, and blue raspberry is infused with raspberry flavoring. Either one will work in this recipe.
If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, I recommend mixing either raspberry and vanilla extracts or strawberry and vanilla extracts for a similar flavor.
Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Stand Mixer
- 9×13 Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 2½ tablespoons powdered gelatin (from 3 packets)*
- 1 cup cold water divided (50°F)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring (2 fl drams)**
- Pink and blue food coloring ***
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Bloom the gelatin in the bowl of a stand mixer by whisking the gelatin and half of the water. Let stand for 8-10 minutes.2½ tablespoons powdered gelatin, 1 cup cold water
- While the gelatin is blooming, whisk the remaining water, sugar, corn syrup and salt together in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Allow to simmer for 6-8 minutes, whisking constantly. The mixture will start to become clear. Remove from the heat.1½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup light corn syrup, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Using a whisk attachment, turn the mixer to low speed and slowly pour in the sugar mixture. Once incorporated, continue to whisk for another minute. Increase speed to high for 10 minutes or until a fluffy, white, marshmallow mixture has formed.
- Add in the cotton candy flavoring and whisk for another minute. Divide marshmallow mixture into two separate bowls. Color each of them pink and blue.2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring, Pink and blue food coloring
- Dust a 9×13-inch pan with powdered sugar to prevent the marshmallows from sticking. Spoon the marshmallow into the pan in alternating colors. Using a rubber spatula, smooth the top. Dust with the remaining powdered sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and let set for 8-12 hours.¾ cup powdered sugar
- Once set, remove the marshmallow slab from the pan and place it onto a cutting board. Dust off any excess powdered sugar. Cut the marshmallows into 1-inch squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- One packet of gelatin powder is equal to 1 teaspoon, so for this recipe, use 2½ tablespoons of powder or 10 sheets of gelatin.
- After letting your marshmallows set, you can dust off any excess powdered sugar.
- Cut the marshmallows into 1-inch squares or use a cookie cutter to make them into fun shapes.
- You can use different food coloring if you want to make your marshmallows a different color, such as green, red, or orange.
How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows Step-by-Step
Bloom the Gelatin: Bloom 2½ tablespoons (from 3 packets) of powdered gelatin in the bowl of a stand mixer by whisking the gelatin and ½ cup of cold water. Let stand for 8-10 minutes.
Simmer the Sugar: While the gelatin is blooming, whisk the remaining ½ cup of cold water, 1½ cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of light corn syrup, and ½ teaspoon of salt together in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Allow to simmer for 6-8 minutes, whisking constantly. The mixture will start to become clear. Remove from the heat.
Beat the Marshmallows: Using a whisk attachment, turn the mixer to low speed and slowly pour in the sugar mixture. Once incorporated, continue to whisk for another minute. Increase speed to high for 10 minutes or until a fluffy, white, marshmallow mixture has formed.
Flavor and Color the Marshmallows: Add in 2 teaspoons of cotton candy flavoring and whisk for another minute. Divide the marshmallow mixture into two separate bowls. Color each of them pink and blue with food coloring.
Set the Marshmallows: Dust a 9×13-inch pan with ½ cup of powdered sugar to prevent the marshmallows from sticking. Spoon the marshmallow into the pan in alternating colors. Using a rubber spatula, smooth the top. Dust with the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and let set for 8-12 hours.
Cut the Marshmallows: Once set, remove the marshmallow slab from the pan and place it onto a cutting board. Dust off any excess powdered sugar. Cut the marshmallows into 1-inch squares. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze
Store leftover cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month or freeze them for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature until soft enough to enjoy.
Leave a Reply