A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane
Cotton candy has always had a way of bringing out the kid in me. I remember the thrill of walking through the fairgrounds, sticky fingers from holding a giant swirl of pink and blue cotton candy, and that first bite—so light it almost disappeared on my tongue. There was something magical about it, a treat that felt like eating a cloud spun from sugar.
As I got older, I found myself craving that same nostalgic sweetness, but in a form that I could recreate at home. That’s how I discovered homemade cotton candy marshmallows—a soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth confection that brings back childhood memories with every bite.
These marshmallows aren’t just delicious; they’re fun, colorful, and perfect for gifting, hot chocolate, or just snacking straight from the jar. With their airy texture, pastel hues, and unmistakable cotton candy flavor, they turn an ordinary day into something special.
Why You’ll Love These Marshmallows
1. They Capture the Magic of Cotton Candy
Unlike store-bought marshmallows, which can sometimes be dense and overly sweet, these homemade marshmallows are light, fluffy, and delicately flavored with cotton candy essence. Every bite melts in your mouth, just like real cotton candy.
2. A Fun and Customizable Treat
One of the best things about making marshmallows from scratch is that you can customize them to your heart’s content. Want to swirl in multiple colors? Go for it. Prefer a different flavor? Swap out the cotton candy essence for vanilla, strawberry, or even bubblegum.
3. No Corn Syrup? No Problem
While many marshmallow recipes rely on corn syrup, this one allows for flexibility. If you prefer a natural sweetener, you can substitute honey or golden syrup, though the texture may be slightly different.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These pastel-colored, pillowy-soft marshmallows make an excellent gift for birthdays, baby showers, or holiday treat boxes. Package them in a clear bag with a ribbon, and you have a homemade gift that’s both beautiful and delicious.
5. Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make
If you have little ones at home, making marshmallows is a great kitchen activity. They’ll love watching the liquid sugar transform into fluffy peaks of sweetness, and the best part—eating the results!
Ingredients
- For the Marshmallow Base:
- ¾ cup (180 ml) cold water, divided
- 3 envelopes (7 g each) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or any color of your choice)
- For the Coating:
- ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
Directions
- Bloom the Gelatin – In a stand mixer bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over ½ cup cold water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Syrup – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and the remaining ¼ cup of water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil, cooking until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Whip It Up – Slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture while whisking on low speed. Increase speed to high and whip for 10-12 minutes, until thick, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add cotton candy flavoring and a few drops of food coloring, then mix until combined.
- Set the Marshmallows – Pour the mixture into a greased and parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan. Smooth the top and let it sit uncovered for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Cut and Coat – In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and cornstarch. Dust a cutting board with the mixture, turn the marshmallows out, and cut into squares. Toss each piece in the coating to prevent sticking.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 1g
Creative Ways to Enjoy Cotton Candy Marshmallow
1. A Dreamy Hot Chocolate Topping
Drop a few of these cotton candy marshmallows into a mug of hot chocolate, and watch them melt into a sweet, colorful foam. It’s like drinking a cup of warm nostalgia.
2. Homemade S’mores with a Fun Twist
Swap traditional marshmallows for these pastel-colored ones in your next s’mores session. The cotton candy flavor pairs surprisingly well with graham crackers and chocolate.
3. As a Cake or Cupcake Decoration
Use small cubes of these marshmallows as decorative toppings for cupcakes, cakes, or even ice cream sundaes. Their vibrant colors and airy texture make them a standout addition to any dessert.
4. A Gourmet Popcorn Mix
Toss a handful of chopped marshmallows into freshly popped popcorn, along with white chocolate drizzle and rainbow sprinkles, for a movie-night snack like no other.
5. Cotton Candy Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats
Replace regular marshmallows in your Rice Krispie treats recipe with these cotton candy-flavored ones for an extra fun, flavorful twist.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
1. How long do homemade marshmallows last?
Homemade marshmallows stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause them to become sticky.
2. Can I use different flavors instead of cotton candy?
Absolutely! While cotton candy essence gives these marshmallows their signature fairground flavor, you can easily substitute vanilla, strawberry, bubblegum, or even peppermint extract for a different twist.
3. What’s the best way to cut homemade marshmallows?
To keep the marshmallows from sticking to your knife, lightly grease the blade with oil or dust it with powdered sugar before slicing. A sharp knife or a pizza cutter works best.
4. Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
Yes, but keep in mind that gel food coloring produces more vibrant colors without adding excess liquid. If using natural liquid-based food coloring, you may need to reduce the amount of water slightly.
5. What can I do if my marshmallows turn out too sticky?
If your marshmallows feel too sticky to handle, dust them with extra powdered sugar and cornstarch to absorb the excess moisture. Letting them sit for an extra hour before cutting can also help.
6. Can I make these marshmallows vegan?
Traditional marshmallows rely on gelatin, but you can make a vegan version using agar-agar instead. However, agar-agar sets differently, so the texture will be slightly firmer and less stretchy.
7. How do I package marshmallows for gifts?
Place the marshmallows in clear cellophane bags, tie with a pastel-colored ribbon, and include a handwritten tag for a charming homemade treat.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Treat That Brings Joy
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making homemade marshmallows, especially when they capture the whimsical, sugary magic of cotton candy. These marshmallows aren’t just a treat—they’re a reminder of childhood fun, carnival nights, and the simple joys of life.
Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these fluffy, pastel-colored, cotton candy-flavored marshmallows are sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead—whip up a batch, share them with loved ones, and savor the nostalgia, one bite at a time.
Print
Pastel Cotton Candy Marshmallows
- Total Time: 6 hours (including setting time)
- Yield: 24 marshmallows 1x
Description
Soft, fluffy, and bursting with nostalgic sweetness, these homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows bring the magic of the fair to your kitchen. Infused with cotton candy flavor and swirled with pastel colors, they are perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to hot chocolate and desserts. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these marshmallows are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
For the Marshmallow Base:
- ¾ cup cold water, divided
- 3 envelopes (7 g each) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or any color of your choice)
For the Coating:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare the Gelatin – Sprinkle the gelatin over ½ cup of cold water in a mixing bowl and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes.
Make the Syrup – In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and the remaining ¼ cup of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil and cook until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
Whip the Mixture – Slowly pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin while whisking on low speed. Increase to high speed and whip for 10-12 minutes until thick, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add cotton candy flavoring and food coloring, mixing until combined.
Set the Marshmallows – Pour the mixture into a greased and parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan. Smooth the top and let it set uncovered for 6 hours or overnight.
Cut and Coat – In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and cornstarch. Dust a cutting board with the mixture, turn out the marshmallows, and cut into squares. Toss each piece in the coating to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Create a Swirled Effect: Divide the marshmallow mixture and add different colors, swirling them together before setting.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Serving Ideas: Use in hot chocolate, s’mores, or as a topping for cakes and cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
