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Cotton Candy Fudge

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes cooling)
  • Yield: 36 (1‑inch squares) 1x
  • Category: Candy / Confection
  • Method: Stovetop / Candy making
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A fluffy, pastel-hued fudge with the sweet taste of cotton candy—a whimsical treat that’s easy to slice and share.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavored extract (or vanilla if unavailable)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 teaspoon food coloring (pink or blue, optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and butter melts.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until it reaches the soft-ball stage (235–240 °F / 113–116 °C) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
  5. Add vanilla extract, cotton candy flavored extract, and food coloring if using. Stir until evenly colored.
  6. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Let cool at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes for clean slicing.
  8. Use the parchment overhang to lift fudge from the pan and cut into 1‑inch squares.

Notes

  • For extra flair, sprinkle cotton candy-flavored sprinkles or edible glitter before the fudge sets.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  • Use pastel food coloring to mimic classic carnival cotton candy hues.
  • Ensure the fudge reaches soft-ball stage for the right texture—too cool and it’ll be grainy, too hot and it may be too firm.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 0.5 oz)
  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 4.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg