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–+ servings
Fine delicate spun sugar threads held over a clean kitchen counter. (Homemade Cotton Candy Without a Machine)
FL Recipes

Homemade Cotton Candy Without a Machine: The Secret to Fluffy Spun Sugar

Learn how to create delicate, pink spun sugar threads at home using the classic 'hard crack' method. This guide delivers a machine-free, wispy, and crystalline cotton candy texture perfect for whimsical desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bundles
Course: Desserts, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Sugar Base
  • 2 cups Granulated White Sugar 400g
  • 2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup 160ml
  • 3/4 cup Water 180ml
  • 1/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt 1.5g
  • 2 drops Pink Gel Food Coloring
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract 5ml

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • 1 Digital candy thermometer Must reach 300°F
  • 1 Wire whisk (ends cut off) Used for spinning threads
  • 4 Wooden Skewers To catch the sugar clouds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Line your counters with parchment paper and set up a 'bridge' using wooden spoon handles weighed down by heavy objects to flick sugar over.
Cooking
  1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan. Heat without stirring until the mixture reaches exactly 300°F (149°C).
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the pink food coloring and extract. Let sit for 1 minute to slightly thicken.
Spinning
  1. Dip the modified whisk into the syrup and flick it rapidly back and forth over your parchment station to create fine threads.
  2. Twirl a wooden skewer through the threads to gather them into a tangled, airy bundle. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal

Notes

Humidity is the enemy; only make this on a dry day.
Use a modified whisk with cut ends for the finest threads.
Keyword DIY candy,Homemade Cotton Candy Without a Machine,pink cotton candy,spun sugar

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