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These cotton candy marshmallows bring the sweet magic of a fairground right to your kitchen. Whether you want a conversation-starting treat for parties or a playful twist to a dessert table, their soft pastel swirls and airy bite make them truly memorable.
My kids always light up when they see these on the counter and helping them swirl in the food coloring has become an unmissable weekend ritual for us
Ingredients
- Unflavored gelatin: three envelopes for that signature fluffy marshmallow texture try to pick a well-known brand for best results
- Cold water: essential for blooming gelatin and creating the perfect mix filtered water helps for a clean taste
- Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and structure use fresh sugar for best consistency
- Light corn syrup: keeps the marshmallows smooth and helps prevent crystallization clear is best for a pure look
- Salt: just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and round out flavors
- Cotton candy flavoring: what gives that fun birthday party twist choose a reputable baking supply brand
- Gel food coloring: for swirling in vibrant color gel type keeps the texture right water-based dyes make things runny
- Powdered sugar and cornstarch: for dusting the finished pieces and keeping them from sticking together
When picking ingredients make sure your gelatin and corn syrup are well within date for maximum softness and shine
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your nine inch square baking pan with parchment paper pressing well into the corners and lightly grease with oil so the finished marshmallows release easily
- Bloom the Gelatin:
- Pour half a cup of cold water into the bowl of your stand mixer sprinkle all three gelatin envelopes evenly over the top and let it sit undisturbed for ten minutes this will hydrate the gelatin and make sure your marshmallows are tender
- Cook the Sugar Syrup:
- Add the granulated sugar corn syrup salt and the remaining quarter cup of cold water to a saucepan set over medium heat stir just until the sugar has dissolved then raise the heat bring the mixture up to a gentle boil watching closely until the temperature on a candy thermometer reads two hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit do not rush or stir too much as this can cause crystallization
- Whip the Marshmallow Mixture:
- Set your mixer on low with the bloomed gelatin ready then slowly stream the piping hot sugar syrup into the bowl careful not to splash as it will be extremely hot increase speed to high and whip for twelve minutes until it turns thick shiny and billowy it should form soft peaks and the outside of the bowl will cool noticeably
- Add Flavor and Color:
- Drizzle in the cotton candy flavoring and add your favorite gel coloring a few drops at a time whip just until you see even color or use a spatula to swirl in a tie dye pattern
- Transfer to the Pan:
- Spritz a spatula with oil and quickly scrape the thick marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan working fast to smooth the top you can use a swirling motion if you have multiple colors
- Set and Cure:
- Leave the pan uncovered at room temperature for six to eight hours overnight is even better so the marshmallows can fully set and build their chewy bounce
- Cut and Coat:
- Mix powdered sugar with cornstarch and cover your counter with the blend turn the slab of marshmallow out peel off the paper and dust the top too slice into even pieces with a greased knife or use cookie cutters for shapes then toss every piece well in the sugar mix to keep them from sticking
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Cotton candy flavoring is what truly transforms these from regular marshmallows into a dazzling treat I have loved seeing each new color combination my kids pick sometimes the batch ends up a swirl of every rainbow color after a busy afternoon in the kitchen
Storage Tips
If you want to keep your marshmallows soft and pillowy be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature Never refrigerate as this causes stickiness Always recoat with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mix if they begin to feel tacky
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cotton candy flavoring with classic vanilla or fruit extracts like strawberry For a natural spin try freeze dried berry powder stirred in instead of synthetic color For corn syrup alternatives golden syrup will work but may shift the color and taste slightly
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Serving Suggestions
These marshmallows make whimsical toppers for mugs of cocoa tray bake brownies or even as a fun sundae addition Try sandwiching a few with chocolate cookies or gifting them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons
Cultural and Historical Context
Homemade marshmallows go back centuries in American kitchens but the cotton candy twist brings a modern carnival spirit that echoes childhood memories across many countries Combining two nostalgic treats cotton candy and marshmallows gives you a dessert that is both old fashioned and playfully new
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get the swirl effect in these marshmallows?
Add a few drops of different food colorings while mixing, then lightly swirl with a toothpick before pouring into the pan.
- → Can I use a different flavor than cotton candy?
Yes, try vanilla, strawberry, or any preferred extract for a different twist on the classic marshmallow.
- → How should I store these marshmallows?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to one week.
- → What tools help cut marshmallows cleanly?
A greased knife or cookie cutter works best. Dust surfaces and tools with powdered sugar mixture to prevent sticking.
- → Can these be used in hot drinks?
Absolutely! Drop them into hot chocolate, coffee, or atop desserts for a fun, flavorful accent.