Description
This nostalgic, fluffy homemade cotton candy recipe is perfect for bringing fair-day joy to your kitchen. Made with sugar and corn syrup, it’s simple to prepare in a cotton candy machine without special tools. Customizable with food coloring and your favorite extract, it’s a fun project for families or a quick sweet treat.
Ingredients
Granulated sugar
Corn syrup
Water
Flavored extract (vanilla, strawberry, or raspberry recommended)
Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves.
Once dissolved, raise the heat slightly and stop stirring to avoid introducing air bubbles.
Insert a candy thermometer and cook until the syrup reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Remove from heat, add the flavored extract and gel food coloring (if using), and stir until combined.
Let the syrup cool slightly, then transfer it into the cotton candy machine’s cooking pot following the machine’s instructions.
Plug in the machine and wait for it to heat up until it starts extruding the sugar floss.
Collect the cotton candy in a cone or bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
Use superfine sugar for a smoother texture.
Adjust food coloring and flavor extract to customize the treat.
Ensure the cotton candy machine is clean and preheated for best results.
Use alcohol-free flavored extract if avoiding alcohol.
Store leftovers in an airtight container, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Baking
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg