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featured cotton candy marshmallow.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Set Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 18 marshmallows
Calories: 127kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
These homemade cotton candy marshmallows are the ultimate easy party trick! Made with 7 ingredients in 30 minutes, prepare to be wowed!
Print Recipe
US Customary - Metric

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Stand Mixer
  • 9x13 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
    the ingredients for a cake are shown on a white table.
  • 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
    cotton candy marshmallow ingredients in a saucepan.
  • 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.
    fluffy whipped marshmallow mixture in a stainless mixing bowl.
  • 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
    pink and blue marshmallow mixtures being added to a white rectangular pan.
  • Dust a 9x13-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
    swirled cotton candy marshmallow mixture in a white rectangular pan.
  • 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!
    set cotton candy marshmallows cut into a 6 by 3 grid on a white cutting board.

Notes

*I used packets of powdered gelatin. You can also use gelatin sheets, substituting 4 sheets per tablespoon of gelatin powder.
**I recommend LorAnn for the most authentic flavor.
***I used pink and blue gel food coloring to get vivid colors. Water-based food coloring will also work but may not turn out as bright.
Tips:
  • 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.
Storage: Store cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1marshmallow | Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 32g | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg