Cotton Candy Marshmallows (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Marshmallow Base
01 -
3 unflavored gelatin packets (21g total)
02 -
1/2 cup light corn syrup
03 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
04 -
2 cups white sugar
05 -
Gel food dye (any color you like—pink, blue, etc.)
06 -
3/4 cup ice water, divided
07 -
1 teaspoon fun cotton candy flavor
→ Dusting Mix
08 -
1/4 cup cornstarch
09 -
1/2 cup powdered sugar
# Instructions:
01 -
Line a square 9×9 pan with parchment, letting it hang over for easy removal later. Lightly oil or spray the paper to stop sticking.
02 -
Sprinkle gelatin across 1/2 cup of ice water in a mixing bowl. Leave it alone for about 5-10 minutes until the surface looks clumpy and thick, similar to applesauce.
03 -
Combine the sugar, the remaining 1/4 cup water, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved. Then, crank up the heat to medium-high and stop stirring. Cook without touching until the temp hits 240°F (check using a candy thermometer).
04 -
Switch your stand mixer on at a low speed and slowly drizzle the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture. When it’s all in, crank the mixer to high and whip for 10-12 minutes until it turns thick, soft white, fluffy, and cool.
05 -
Stir in your cotton candy flavoring and toss in drops of your chosen food color. Stop mixing as soon as you’ve spread the color around. Want a groovy swirl? Use two dyes and swirl them once or twice with a spatula.
06 -
Pour the marshmallow fluff straight into your pan quickly before it firms up. Level the top using a greased spoon or spatula. Leave it out on the counter, uncovered, to completely set for 6-8 hours or overnight.
07 -
Mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Sprinkle some of it on your work area. Pop the whole marshmallow sheet from the pan onto the dusted surface, peeling away the parchment. Sprinkle the top too. Using oiled cutters or knives, slice into pieces or cool shapes.
08 -
Dunk the marshmallow chunks in the sugar-starch mix so all the sticky surfaces are covered. If there’s extra powder, give them a shake in a strainer. Store in an airtight container at room temp and layer with parchment if you’re stacking them.
# Notes:
01 -
Marshmallows stay good for about a week if you use a tight-lid container at room temperature.
02 -
Cotton candy flavoring is easy to buy online or at specialty baking shops.
03 -
Freshly sliced marshmallows are sticky at first—don’t worry, that’s normal!