Description
Learn how to make cotton candy at home without a machine using simple ingredients and tools.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp flavored extract (vanilla, strawberry, raspberry, etc.)
- 1–2 drops gel food coloring (optional)
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Whisk with ends cut off, fork, or 2 long skewers
- Optional: paper cones or lollipop sticks for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and tools. Measure sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Prepare the sugar syrup by combining sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then heat to 320°F.
- Once syrup reaches 320°F, remove from heat and stir in flavored extract and food coloring if using.
- Dip the modified whisk, fork, or skewers into the hot syrup, letting excess drip off, and drizzle over the parchment-lined baking sheet to create cotton candy strands.
- Shape the cotton candy strands into mounds or wrap around cones or sticks for serving. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Watch the syrup closely to avoid burning.
- Work quickly after removing syrup from heat, as it cools fast.
- Kids can help shape the cotton candy once cooled.
- Best enjoyed within a day for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg