Description

This detailed guide shows you how to make perfectly fluffy cotton candy marshmallows at home — soft, sweet, and full of nostalgic fairground flavor. A fun, easy recipe that’s perfect for parties, gifts, and creative desserts!

Ingredients

Scale

3 packets (21g each) unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water, divided
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
1/2 – 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
1/4 cup cornstarch (optional, for coating)

Instructions

Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan and dust with powdered sugar. Set aside.
Bloom Gelatin: In a stand mixer bowl, sprinkle 3 gelatin packets over 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit 10 minutes to bloom.
Make Syrup: Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, heating to 240°F (115°C) without stirring. Remove from heat.
Combine: With mixer on low, carefully pour hot syrup into bloomed gelatin. Mix 1 minute on low.
Whip: Increase to high speed and whip 8–10 minutes until thick, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add vanilla and cotton candy flavoring in the last minute.
Pour & Smooth: Quickly pour into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a greased or sugar-dusted spatula.
Set: Let rest uncovered at room temperature for 4–12 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
Cut & Coat: Dust a knife with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and coat each marshmallow in sugar or sugar-cornstarch mix.
Store: Keep in airtight container at room temperature up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure syrup reaches 240°F. Do not skip gelatin blooming or setting time. Avoid making marshmallows on humid days for ideal texture. Vegan option: substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder (1 ½ tsp per packet).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 marshmallow
Calories: 20
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cotton candy marshmallows, homemade marshmallows, candy recipe, sweet treats, party desserts, fluffy marshmallow recipe