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How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows at Home: A Beginner's Guide

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 20
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan and dust with powdered sugar. Set aside.
  2. Bloom Gelatin: In a stand mixer bowl, sprinkle 3 gelatin packets over 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit 10 minutes to bloom.
  3. 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.
  4. Combine: With mixer on low, carefully pour hot syrup into bloomed gelatin. Mix 1 minute on low.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour & Smooth: Quickly pour into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a greased or sugar-dusted spatula.
  7. Set: Let rest uncovered at room temperature for 4–12 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
  8. Cut & Coat: Dust a knife with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and coat each marshmallow in sugar or sugar-cornstarch mix.
  9. 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).