Easy Cotton Candy Marshmallows

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There’s something almost magical about combining two childhood favorites into one dreamy treat. Enter: Easy Cotton Candy Marshmallows. These no-bake, bite-sized cuties are as fun to eat as they are to make and if you’re a fan of colorful, chewy, crispy, marshmallow candies, you’re about to fall in love.

This treat brings the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy marshmallow flavor into a gooey snack that’s perfect for birthday parties, movie nights, or anytime you’re craving a little sugary joy. Best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of your time. It doesn’t get more “easy” than that.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Cotton Candy Marshmallows

5-minute prep with just a microwave and a spoon
Combines candy with marshmallow and cereal crunch
A great use for leftover cotton candy (if that’s ever a thing)
No baking required just melt, mix, and munch
Looks adorable with pastel sprinkles or edible glitter

Whether you’re adding them to dessert platters or sneaking them out of the fridge one by one (hey, we’ve all been there), these sweet treats will steal the show.

What You’ll Need

(Scroll to the recipe card below for quantities!)

This recipe starts with mini marshmallows, melted down with a little butter and white chocolate chips for added creaminess. The fluffy magic happens when you stir in cotton candy, some crispy rice cereal, and maybe a few sprinkles for color and crunch.

The final touch? A light dusting of cotton candy cornstarch (yep, that pastel powdery stuff) if you want to keep them from sticking and add a little flair.

How to Make Easy Cotton Candy Marshmallows

Step 1: Melt the Base

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 2: Mix In the Fun

Quickly stir in the cotton candy (torn into smaller pieces) and crispy rice cereal. Work fast, as the mixture starts to set pretty quickly!

If you’re feeling extra, toss in sprinkles or a few candy pearls here for an extra pop.

Step 3: Scoop and Set

Spoon the mixture into small silicone molds, mini cupcake liners, or simply drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined tray. Let cool for about 15 minutes at room temp (or refrigerate to speed it up).

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Once set, optionally roll the marshmallow bites in cotton candy cornstarch to give them that signature fluffy touch and to keep them from sticking together. Serve as-is or pop them into treat bags for gifting!

Estimated Nutrition

Per marshmallow bite (approx. 1 of 12):

Calories: 90
Fat: 3g
Carbs: 14g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time:

Prep: 5 minutes
Chill/Set: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Tips for Success

Use fresh cotton candy so it blends smoothly into the mixture.
Don’t overheat the chocolate low and slow is key!
Add a tiny bit of vanilla or cotton candy extract if you want a bolder flavor.
Use damp hands when shaping the mixture to prevent sticking.
Want a colorful twist? Use multiple cotton candy flavors in one batch!

How to Serve and Store

These marshmallow bites are perfect for parties, snack tables, lunchbox surprises, or anytime you’re craving marshmallow candies that feel a little extra.

Storing:
Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For best texture, avoid humidity (cotton candy melts fast!).

Freezing? Not recommended the cotton candy doesn’t love it. But they’re so fast to make, fresh is best anyway!

A Little Sweet Story

The first time I made these, I had leftover cotton candy from a carnival-themed birthday party (shocking, I know). My daughter said, “Can we put this in marshmallows?” And boom these were born. Now they’re a staple for holidays, movie nights, and anytime she sees cotton candy at the store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes! Just chop them up to help them melt faster. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly, but either works.

Where can I find cotton candy cornstarch?

It’s the powder that coats store-bought cotton candy! You can mimic it with a mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar for a silky finish.

Can I use colored marshmallows for a more vibrant treat?

Absolutely. The more color, the more fun!

Is this safe for kids to help with?

Yes! Once the mix cools a bit, kids love helping shape the bites and add sprinkles. Just supervise the melting step.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Totally. They stay fresh for several days, just store them in a sealed container to maintain texture.

Will the cotton candy melt completely?

It softens into the mix and adds flavor, but you’ll still see and taste wisps of it!

Can I use flavored rice cereal?

Sure! Fruity rice cereal adds an extra pop of color and sweetness great for parties.

What’s the best way to keep them from sticking?

Use cotton candy cornstarch or line your tray with parchment and give each bite a little space.

Fluff Up Your Snack Game!

These Easy Cotton Candy Marshmallows are the ultimate chewy-sweet snack with that dreamy carnival flair. From the creamy base to the crunchy cereal and candy topping, it’s a treat that’s as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re into candy with marshmallow or simply want to surprise someone with a bite of pure fun this recipe’s got you covered.

Ingredients and steps are listed just below in the recipe card!