Can I use a different flavor instead of cotton candy?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully as a base for any flavor of marshmallow you'd like to create. Simply swap the cotton candy flavoring for vanilla, peppermint, strawberry, or any other extract you enjoy. Just keep in mind that some flavors are more concentrated than others, so you may need to adjust the amount to taste.

Why did my marshmallows turn out too soft or sticky?

Soft or overly sticky marshmallows usually indicate that they haven't set long enough or there was too much moisture in the recipe. Make sure you're precise with your water measurements and give them the full setting time. Also, humidity in your kitchen can affect marshmallows, so on particularly humid days, you might need a bit more powdered sugar for dusting.

Can I make these without corn syrup?

While corn syrup serves the important function of preventing crystallization in the sugar mixture, you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly. For the closest result to the original recipe, I recommend sticking with corn syrup if possible.

How do I get perfectly clean cuts when slicing my marshmallows?

For picture-perfect marshmallow squares, dust a sharp knife with powdered sugar or lightly coat it with cooking spray between cuts. Some pastry chefs even use a pizza wheel dusted with powdered sugar! Working with dry, clean tools is key—and don't be afraid to dust any sticky edges with additional powdered sugar after cutting.

Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe

Name: Cotton Candy Marshmallows Recipe
Prep time: 12 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ tablespoons powdered gelatin (from 3 packets); 1 cup cold water, divided (approximately 50°F); 1½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup light corn syrup; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring (2 fluid drams); Pink and blue food coloring; ¾ cup powdered sugar

These homemade Cotton Candy Marshmallows are a magical treat that will transport you straight to the fairground with every bite. Fluffy, sweet, and infused with nostalgic cotton candy flavor, these pink and blue swirled marshmallows are surprisingly simple to make at home. Perfect for special treats, hot chocolate toppers, or a fun weekend project with the kids, these marshmallows will bring joy to anyone with a sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Special Equipment Needed: Just a stand mixer and basic kitchen tools are all you need to create these pillowy treats.
Impressive Results: These two-toned, cotton candy-flavored marshmallows look and taste like they came from a specialty candy shop.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them when you have time and enjoy them for weeks afterward—they store beautifully!
Customizable: Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with endless flavor and color combinations.
Perfect Homemade Gift: Package these up in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for an adorable handmade present that will delight anyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Powdered Gelatin: The foundation that gives marshmallows their bouncy, stable structure—think of it as the scaffolding for all that fluffiness.
Cold Water: Keeps the gelatin happy and helps dissolve the sugar properly. Temperature matters here—too warm and your gelatin won’t set correctly.
Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that forms the base of your marshmallow syrup. It dissolves completely for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization and helps create that characteristic chewy marshmallow texture. Don’t skip this—it’s crucial for success!
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the cotton candy flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that makes these marshmallows taste “complete.”
Cotton Candy Flavoring: The star of the show! This special flavoring gives an authentic fairground taste that regular vanilla just can’t match.
Food Coloring: Creates the classic pink and blue cotton candy look. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant colors without adding excess liquid.
Powdered Sugar: Coats the outside of the marshmallows to prevent sticking and adds that final touch of sweetness. It’s both functional and delicious!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Flavors and Colors

Switch up the flavoring and create marble effects with different colors—try strawberry and vanilla with red and white swirls, or mint extract with green and white for a wintery version.

Coated Marshmallows

Roll finished marshmallows in colored sugar, crushed graham crackers, or even dip them halfway in melted chocolate for extra decadence.

Shaped Marshmallows

Instead of cutting into squares, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars, hearts, or seasonal designs for holidays and special occasions.

Layered Marshmallows

Pour each color as a separate layer instead of swirling for a striped effect that looks amazing when cut.

How to Make Cotton Candy Marshmallows

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the powdered gelatin with half a cup of cold water until well combined. Let it stand undisturbed for 8-10 minutes. During this time, the gelatin will absorb the water and swell up, creating a thick, spongy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

While the gelatin is blooming, combine the remaining half cup of water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly as the mixture simmers for 6-8 minutes. You’ll notice it becoming clearer as the sugar dissolves completely. Once it reaches this point, remove it from the heat immediately.

Step 3: Create the Marshmallow Base

Attach the whisk to your stand mixer and set it to low speed. Carefully and slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin. Once it’s fully incorporated, continue whisking for another minute before cranking the speed up to high. Let the mixer work its magic for a full 10 minutes—you’ll watch in amazement as the mixture transforms from a clear liquid to a voluminous, bright white, fluffy cloud.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color

Pour in the cotton candy flavoring and whisk for another minute to distribute it evenly. Now for the fun part! Divide your marshmallow mixture between two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other, gently folding each until the color is uniform.

Step 5: Create the Cotton Candy Swirl

Generously dust a 9×13-inch pan with powdered sugar. Alternately spoon dollops of pink and blue marshmallow mixture into the pan, creating a random pattern. With a rubber spatula, give the top just a light swirl and smooth it out. Dust the top with more powdered sugar, cover with plastic wrap, and let the marshmallows set undisturbed for 8-12 hours.

Step 6: Cut and Enjoy

Once set, carefully remove the marshmallow slab from the pan onto a cutting board dusted with powdered sugar. Gently brush off any excess sugar. Using a sharp knife (coating it with a bit of cooking spray helps), cut into 1-inch squares. Toss the cut marshmallows in a bit more powdered sugar if they feel sticky at all, and they’re ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep It Clean: Spray your spatula with cooking spray to prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to it—this makes working with the sticky fluff much easier.
Mind Your Temperatures: The gelatin needs cold water to bloom properly, while your sugar syrup needs to reach the right temperature for perfect marshmallows. A candy thermometer can help (aim for about 240°F), but the visual cue of a clear mixture works too.
Patience Is Key: Give your stand mixer the full 10 minutes on high speed. This incorporates air and creates that perfect fluffy texture that makes homemade marshmallows so special.
Perfect Cutting: Lightly coat your knife with cooking spray between cuts for clean edges. Some people even use kitchen scissors dusted with powdered sugar!
Timing Matters: Don’t rush the setting time—giving your marshmallows the full 8-12 hours to set will ensure the perfect texture.

How to Serve

Hot Beverages

These marshmallows elevate a simple cup of hot chocolate to something extraordinary. The cotton candy flavor adds a unique twist that will surprise and delight your taste buds. They also work beautifully in coffee or even chai tea!

S’mores With a Twist

Use these colorful marshmallows to create cotton candy-flavored s’mores. The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and cotton candy flavor creates an unexpected but delicious treat.

Ice Cream Topper

Chop these marshmallows into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over ice cream. They’ll add a chewy texture and fun pop of color and flavor.

Dessert Platters

Include these colorful marshmallows on dessert charcuterie boards alongside cookies, chocolates, and fruits for a visually striking sweet spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cotton candy marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent sticking, place sheets of parchment paper between layers. Properly stored, these marshmallows will stay fresh and fluffy for up to a month! There’s no need to refrigerate them—in fact, refrigeration can make them tough.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these magical treats! Place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. The texture may change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Reheating

These marshmallows don’t need reheating for regular enjoyment, but if you’re using them for s’mores or wanting to melt them, they’ll behave just like store-bought varieties. They toast beautifully over a fire and melt perfectly into hot drinks.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor instead of cotton candy?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully as a base for any flavor of marshmallow you’d like to create. Simply swap the cotton candy flavoring for vanilla, peppermint, strawberry, or any other extract you enjoy. Just keep in mind that some flavors are more concentrated than others, so you may need to adjust the amount to taste.
Why did my marshmallows turn out too soft or sticky?

Soft or overly sticky marshmallows usually indicate that they haven’t set long enough or there was too much moisture in the recipe. Make sure you’re precise with your water measurements and give them the full setting time. Also, humidity in your kitchen can affect marshmallows, so on particularly humid days, you might need a bit more powdered sugar for dusting.
Can I make these without corn syrup?

While corn syrup serves the important function of preventing crystallization in the sugar mixture, you can substitute it with honey or agave nectar. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile slightly. For the closest result to the original recipe, I recommend sticking with corn syrup if possible.
How do I get perfectly clean cuts when slicing my marshmallows?

For picture-perfect marshmallow squares, dust a sharp knife with powdered sugar or lightly coat it with cooking spray between cuts. Some pastry chefs even use a pizza wheel dusted with powdered sugar! Working with dry, clean tools is key—and don’t be afraid to dust any sticky edges with additional powdered sugar after cutting.

Final Thoughts

These Cotton Candy Marshmallows are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a little piece of carnival magic you can create in your own kitchen. The swirls of pink and blue, the fluffy texture, and that unmistakable cotton candy flavor make these homemade marshmallows truly special. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself to something delightful, these marshmallows are sure to bring smiles all around. Give yourself the gift of this creative kitchen project—I promise the results are worth every minute!