Homemade Cotton Candy Recipe

Step 1

Cover your working surface with a large plastic wrap or tarp. This activity can also be done outside — it may get messy!

Step 2

Spray a wire cooling rack lightly with the nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and salt. Stir until the sugar is melted.

Step 4

Using a candy thermometer, carefully measure the liquid's temperature. Heat to 320 degrees.

Step 5

Once the liquid reaches the desired temperature, pour the molten sugar into a heat-resistant bowl. Add any food coloring or flavoring extract and stir well with the cut whisk.

Step 6

Working quickly, dip the special whisk into the molten sugar syrup and drizzle it quickly back and forth over the tray, letting small wisps of the liquid fall down. Repeat, drizzling the whisk back and forth until you have several strands that begin to form a nest of sugar.

Step 7

Gather the wisps in your hand and form little balls around the lollipop sticks or cones. Serve immediately!