Cotton Candy Swirl Marshmallows

These marshmallows are like candy clouds. Soft, sweet, and swirled with fun colors. The first time I made them, I honestly felt like a kid again.

They taste just like cotton candy. And they’re so pretty with all the pastel swirls.

If you want a treat that’s fun to make and fun to eat—this is it. Let’s make some magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy and Sweet: The texture is light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the cotton candy flavor brings an extra sweetness that you’ll crave.
• Fun and Vibrant: With the swirl of pink and blue, these marshmallows not only taste amazing but are visually stunning too!
• DIY Fun: If you’ve ever wanted to make marshmallows from scratch, this is the perfect recipe. It’s surprisingly easy and a fun activity to do with kids or friends.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These marshmallows are an excellent treat for birthday parties, showers, or any celebration that calls for a little extra sweetness.
• Customizable: You can adjust the color or flavoring to suit your preferences. Want a rainbow effect? Add more colors! Feel like mixing up the flavor? No problem!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a list of tools you’ll need to make these irresistible cotton candy swirl marshmallows:

• Medium Saucepan: For boiling the sugar syrup.
• Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): This helps whip the marshmallow mixture to the perfect fluffiness. A stand mixer is especially useful as it saves you time and effort.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure precise measurements for the ingredients.
• Spatula: For stirring and scraping the marshmallow mixture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This will be the mold for your marshmallows, so you can shape them properly.
• Candy Thermometer: To get that precise temperature needed to achieve the perfect marshmallow texture.
• Sifter: For dusting the marshmallows with confectioners’ sugar.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cotton candy marshmallows (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener to give the marshmallows their signature sweetness.
• Light Corn Syrup: Adds the smooth texture that marshmallows are known for.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup for the syrup mixture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• Unflavored Gelatin: This is the magic ingredient that gives marshmallows their pillowy, soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that comforting, familiar flavor we all love in marshmallows.
• Cotton Candy Flavoring: This special flavoring makes these marshmallows taste just like the spun sugar treat we all know and love.
• Food Coloring: Pink and blue food coloring for that swirl effect that gives the marshmallows their fun cotton candy look.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: For dusting the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking and give them that smooth finish.

Variations for Cotton Candy Swirl Marshmallows

• Add More Colors: While this recipe calls for pink and blue food coloring, you can easily experiment with other colors to match the occasion or your preferences. Try pastel purples, yellows, or greens for a different twist.
• Use a Different Flavoring: If you don’t have cotton candy flavoring, try using vanilla or a fruity flavor like strawberry, watermelon, or bubblegum.
• Infused Marshmallows: You can infuse your marshmallows with extra flavors like mint, chocolate, or caramel for a fun variation.
• Mini Marshmallows: If you want to make tiny, bite-sized versions, you can easily shape them into smaller marshmallows.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Gelatin

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup cold water and the 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit and bloom for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the gelatin dissolve properly when added to the hot sugar mixture.

2. Make the Sugar Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, ½ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, and let the syrup cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C), also known as the soft-ball stage. Be sure to watch it closely as it approaches the correct temperature.

3. Combine the Gelatin and Syrup

Once the sugar syrup reaches the right temperature, carefully pour the hot syrup into the bowl of gelatin. Use a spatula to gently stir the syrup into the gelatin mixture. Be cautious as the syrup will be very hot. This will activate the gelatin and create the marshmallow base.

4. Whip the Marshmallow Mixture

Place the bowl of gelatin and syrup onto a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) fitted with the whisk attachment. Turn the mixer on low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase to high speed once the mixture is smooth. Let the mixture whip for about 10-12 minutes, or until it becomes thick, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks.

5. Add Flavors and Color

Once the marshmallow mixture is fluffy, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring. Mix until combined. Then, divide the marshmallow mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other, stirring gently to create the cotton candy swirl effect.

6. Transfer to the Baking Pan

Dust the 9×13-inch baking pan generously with confectioners’ sugar. Start by spooning the pink marshmallow mixture into the pan, then add the blue marshmallow mixture in dollops. Use a spatula or knife to gently swirl the two colors together for a fun, marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix so that the distinct colors remain visible.

7. Let It Set

Once the marshmallow mixture is spread evenly in the pan, dust the top with more confectioners’ sugar. Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape.

8. Cut and Serve

Once the marshmallows have set, turn the pan upside down onto a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar. Gently lift the pan away and use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the marshmallow block into squares or fun shapes. Dust each piece with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Serving and Decoration

These cotton candy swirl marshmallows are perfect for a wide variety of fun and creative uses:

• On their own: Perfect as a sweet snack or to serve at a party.
• In Hot Cocoa: Add them to your favorite hot chocolate for a whimsical touch.
• In S’mores: Make a twist on classic s’mores with these cotton candy marshmallows.
• In Gift Jars: Package them in mason jars with ribbons as a cute homemade gift.
• As a Decoration: Use these colorful marshmallows to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream sundaes.

Storing Cotton Candy Swirl Marshmallows

To keep your homemade marshmallows fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Avoid Refrigeration: Don’t store marshmallows in the fridge as this can cause them to become too firm and lose their fluffy texture.
• Freezing: If you want to store marshmallows longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to dust them with powdered sugar before freezing to prevent sticking.

Estimated Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 marshmallow (approx. 25g)
Yield: 24 marshmallows

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	70 kcal
Total Fat	0 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	10 mg
Total Carbohydrates	18 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Total Sugars	17 g
└ Includes Added Sugars	17 g
Protein	1 g
Calcium	0 mg
Iron	0 mg
Potassium	2 mg

Cotton Candy Swirl Marshmallows FAQs

Can I use regular gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin?

You’ll need unflavored gelatin for the right consistency. Flavored gelatin won’t work the same way and could affect the taste and texture.

What can I use instead of cotton candy flavoring?

If you don’t have cotton candy flavoring, you can use vanilla extract for a more classic marshmallow flavor or experiment with other fun flavorings like strawberry or bubblegum.

How can I make these marshmallows without a stand mixer?

If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or even whip the marshmallow mixture by hand (though this will take a bit more effort and time). Just be sure to whip the mixture until it holds stiff peaks.

Conclusion

Making cotton candy swirl marshmallows is a fun, rewarding experience that’s well worth the effort! These marshmallows are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a nostalgic cotton candy flavor. Whether you’re indulging in them on their own, gifting them, or adding them to another dessert, they’re sure to be a hit! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this sweet treat from scratch—and once you’ve tasted them, you’ll never go back to store-bought marshmallows again!