Cotton Candy Marshmallow Delight: A Whimsical Sweet Treat
Introduction
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of childhood fairs with these delightful Cotton Candy Marshmallows! Light, fluffy, and filled with the fun essence of cotton candy, this recipe is perfect for a joyful gathering, a whimsical party, or just a sweet treat at home. I’m thrilled to share this adorable recipe with you—let’s dive into a world of sugary sweetness together! If you’d like to receive this recipe by email, be sure to subscribe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, dreamy marshmallow that bursts with vibrant, sugary flavors! The combination of vanilla and cotton candy flavoring transports you straight to the carnival, making these marshmallows a delightful treat for all ages. They are super easy to make and a fantastic activity for families to do together. Plus, the vibrant pink and blue swirls make them a hit at any festive gathering!
Ingredients
– 1½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– ½ cup water
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (approximately 5 teaspoons)
– ½ cup cold water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
– A few drops of pink and blue food coloring
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Necessary Tools
– Medium saucepan
– Stand mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Spatula
– 9×13-inch baking pan
– Candy thermometer
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the cotton candy flavoring for other fun flavors like strawberry or bubblegum. You can also experiment with different food coloring combinations to create your own unique swirls. For a textured twist, consider folding in some mini marshmallows or sprinkles into the mixture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, ½ cup of water, and salt. Heat over medium flame, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 240°F on your candy thermometer.
2. In your stand mixer bowl, mix the gelatin with ½ cup cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This step creates that wonderfully fluffy texture.
3. Once your sugar mixture hits that magical 240°F, carefully pour it into the gelatin while the mixer runs on low speed.
4. Increase the mixer speed to high, beating the mixture for about 10-12 minutes until it becomes thick, glossy, and triples in size. In the final minute, add the vanilla and cotton candy flavoring.
5. Divide the fluffy mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one and blue to the other, gently folding to create a lovely swirling effect.
6. Dust a 9×13-inch baking pan with confectioners’ sugar and pour in the pink and blue mixtures alternately, creating a marbled masterpiece.
7. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle more confectioners’ sugar over the top.
8. Allow your marshmallows to set at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight—patience is key here!
9. Once set, turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board, cut them into squares, and dust all sides with additional confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These Cotton Candy Marshmallows are perfect on their own, but they can also be a fun addition to s’mores, hot chocolate, or packed into cute gift bags as a sweet surprise for friends.
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure to use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring—this really makes a difference in achieving that perfect texture!
– When adding food coloring, less is more. You want those colors to blend beautifully, not turn muddy.
– For an even fluffier texture, let your marshmallow mixture whip just a little longer.
Storing and Reheating
Store your delightful marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If they happen to dry out, you can revive them slightly in the microwave for just a few seconds.
FAQ Section
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
For this specific recipe, unflavored gelatin is best for achieving the desired consistency. Flavored gelatin may alter the taste and texture!
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
While a stand mixer gives the best results, you can use a hand mixer as well; just make sure to allow enough time for whipping!
Conclusion
There you have it—a super fun, easy-to-make recipe for Cotton Candy Marshmallows that will bring joy to your taste buds! These magical treats come together with simple ingredients and a splash of creativity. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I love sharing it with you. Don’t forget to leave your reviews or share photos of your marbled marshmallows on Pinterest or Instagram. Happy marshmallow making!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving (1 marshmallow):
Calories: 60
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 10mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 0g
Now, get ready to enjoy this cotton candy magic!
