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Cotton candy marshmallows bring together soft, pillowy homemade marshmallows with that unmistakable carnival sweetness. Their fun pastel swirls and nostalgic flavor make them the ultimate treat for everything from birthday parties to cozy mugs of hot chocolate. Each bite tastes like a trip down memory lane and looks festive enough for any celebration.
The first time I whipped these up for my niece’s birthday, the kids went wild for them. Now it is a tradition for every special occasion.
Ingredients
- Cold water: provides moisture and helps bloom the gelatin. Use filtered water if possible for pure flavor
- Unflavored gelatin: gives marshmallows their signature squish. Make sure to use fresh packets for best results
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps create that firm yet fluffy structure. Choose fine sugar so it dissolves easily
- Light corn syrup: keeps the texture smooth and prevents crystallization. Opt for clear syrup for pastel colors to show through
- Salt: highlights sweetness and balances flavors. Table salt works just fine
- Cotton candy flavoring: brings that classic nostalgic taste. Look for concentrated types in baking aisles or online
- Gel food coloring: creates the bright swirls. Gel holds up better than liquid and will not water down your mix
- Powdered sugar: softens the outside of each marshmallow and prevents sticking. Sift before using for best dusting
- Cornstarch: works with powdered sugar as a coating so the marshmallows do not clump together. Use pure cornstarch for a clean finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a nine-inch square baking pan with parchment paper making sure it covers the bottom and sides. Lightly grease it so the marshmallow does not stick
- Bloom the Gelatin:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer combine half a cup of cold water and all the gelatin. Let this mixture sit for up to ten minutes so the gelatin softens and fully hydrates
- Cook the Sugar Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan combine the granulated sugar corn syrup salt and the rest of your water. Warm this mixture over medium heat stirring until you do not see any grains of sugar left. Once dissolved raise the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Using a candy thermometer check until it reaches two hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit
- Whip the Marshmallow Mixture:
- Carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin with your mixer on low. Gradually turn the speed to high. Let this whip for up to twelve minutes until it thickens becomes glossy and is not too hot. Add the cotton candy flavoring and your desired color then mix until even
- Transfer to the Pan:
- Pour the billowy pink and blue mixture into your prepared pan. Grease a spatula and smooth out the top. Leave this somewhere safe on the counter for six hours or until it is set
- Cut and Coat the Marshmallows:
- Mix your powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Dust your work surface then turn the marshmallow slab out of the pan. Peel away the parchment paper and dust the top with your sugar mix. Use a greased knife or shaped cutters to slice marshmallows then toss each piece in the sugar mixture so they stay separate
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My favorite part is tinting each batch in swirled pastel colors. My sister still remembers the first time we surprised her kids with homemade marshmallows at the family reunion and that sweet cotton candy aroma filled the house.
Storage Tips
Keep marshmallows in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for about a week. Avoid the fridge since moisture can make them sticky
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the cotton candy flavoring for vanilla or fruity extracts like strawberry or raspberry to create different versions. A drizzle of honey can stand in for some of the corn syrup but this will slightly change the flavor and color
Serving Suggestions
Pile them high on dessert tables for a colorful display or skewer them for whimsical party treats. These look gorgeous on top of cupcakes or as an extra sweet topping for hot cocoa
Cultural and Historical Context
Homemade marshmallows have been a kitchen project for generations but fluffy varieties like these became especially popular as snacks for American fairs and carnivals. Cotton candy itself dates back to the early 1900s when carnival vendors spun sugar into feather light clouds
Recipe Questions
- → How do I add vibrant colors to the marshmallows?
Use a few drops of gel food coloring during mixing to create pastel or bright hues. Swirl two shades for a tie-dye effect.
- → What flavors work well besides cotton candy?
Vanilla, strawberry, or other favorite extracts can be used instead of cotton candy flavoring for a unique taste.
- → How do I prevent marshmallows from sticking?
Dust the work surface and marshmallows liberally with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch for a non-stick finish.
- → Can I use these marshmallows for toppings?
Absolutely! Enjoy them atop hot chocolate, cakes, or cupcakes for a fun and whimsical garnish.
- → How should homemade marshmallows be stored?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their soft texture.