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Cotton Candy Recipe: Sweet, Fluffy Treat
Maya Bennett

Cotton Candy Recipe: Sweet, Fluffy Treat

A machine-free homemade cotton candy recipe using sugar, corn syrup, and water. Customize with vibrant colors and flavors like strawberry or mango for parties or family fun. Achive melt-in-your-mouth clouds in minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar (use gluten-free if needed)
  • ½ cup corn syrup (or light agave for vegan)
  • ½ cup water (distilled preferred)
  • 1 tsp flavored extract (vanilla, strawberry, or almond)
  • 2 drops food coloring (gel form recommended)

Method
 

  1. Place parchment paper on a 12x18" baking sheet
  2. In a 3-quart saucepan, mix granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves
  4. Skim foam then stop stirring. Attach candy thermometer
  5. Boil to 240°F (soft ball stage) for cotton candy texture
  6. Remove from heat, add extract and food coloring
  7. Pour syrup onto parchment. Let cool 60 minutes before handling

Notes

Use a 3-quart Dutch oven to avoid uneven heating
Test a small batch (¼ recipe) first to calibrate heat
For vivid colors, use gel food coloring at 3-4 drops
Cool syrup 60-90 minutes for optimal workability
Work quickly once spun, as cotton candy becomes brittle rapidly