How to Make Cotton Candy in a Machine

Making cotton candy is easier than you might think, but how exactly do you create this sugary delight? Whether at stadiums, concession stands, amusement parks, or even at banquet tables, cotton candy is a staple that every kid (and adult) with a sweet tooth craves. But what's the secret behind this fluffy confection? We're here to guide you through the process, showing you how to master commercial cotton candy machines with ease.

In this article, not only will you learn how to create cotton candy, but you'll also discover valuable tips and tricks to elevate your confections. Whether you're looking to craft the perfect fluffy texture or experiment with vibrant colors, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll dive into some of the latest cotton candy trends, like intricate shapes and creative designs that are taking the world by storm. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to make cotton candy that's as impressive as it is delicious, perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Cotton Candy in a Commercial Cotton Candy Machine

Make sure to read the instructions in your equipment's manual carefully.

Use this diagram as an example:

1. • Fill the floss head 90% full of Flossugar. Never overfill the tank, and never add sugar while the motor is running. Follow instructions for power and heat control.
   • Make sure the room temperature isn't too hot, or the cotton candy won't have the light and airy appearance we are looking for.
   • As soon as the unit starts making floss, choose a paper cone. With a light flick of your wrist, roll the floss cone into the web of floss in the pan.

   

2. With the floss wrapped around the cone, lift the cone and rotate it so that the floss is wrapped around the cone. Don't try to roll it with the cone still inside. It will be too tight and will make your batch of cotton candy look dense.
3. If the floss isn't sticking to the cone, pass the floss near the spinning head to get a start of melted sugar from it.
4. Then lift it out and wrap the floss around it using a figure-eight motion with your hand.

Featured Product: Omcan USA 41337 28" Bowl Stainless Steel Countertop Cotton Candy Machine

Steps for Making Cotton Candy With a Cotton Candy Maker

If you're wondering how to make these sweet treats, follow these 8 easy steps. You can use these with premixed floss or a mixture of basic table sugar and floss concentrate that has already been combined.

1. Turn on the power switch to let the machine run, then check whether the machine runs normally after running for 1-2 minutes. If the machine shakes vigorously, make sure to adjust the machine so that it is stable and the head runs properly.
2. Turn on the machine to its highest setting, then wait for it to warm up for about four to five minutes.
3. Put the floss (cotton candy mix) into the center of your cotton candy machine, which is called the floss head or the spinning head. Don't touch the floss when it's running.
4. After 30 seconds, the candy floss will start to form. Use a bamboo stick or reusable cones to gather the candyfloss, turning and following it inside. (Make sure the stick being used to gather the candy floss is clean before using it). As the floss begins to come out of the spinning head, reduce the heat.
5. Once enough fluffy cotton candy gathers, use a cone to twist it out of the machine If you've got trouble with this step, use a small amount of hot water on the cone to help the cotton candy stick to it.

6. To remove the remaining cotton candy from any type of cotton candy machines, just run the and let it burn itself out.

7. After making a batch of delicious cotton candies, turn off and unplug the machine for cleaning. Use a soft damp cloth to wash your machine, rather than using detergent. Make sure the machine is completely dry before plugging it back in.
8. To make more fresh cotton candy, simply repeat the above steps.

Featured Product: Winco CCM-28M Showtime Cotton Candy Machine With Cart

What You Need

The process is similar to caramelizing sugar on a skillet. Sugar crystals are poured into the machine's spinning head, where the heating elements melt them. The force of the rotating mechanism pushes the sugar against a heating element. So, the sugar is turned into tiny strands, like hard candy.

Featured Product: Winco 81011A Stainless Steel Bowl Two Stitch Operation Benchmark Zephyr Cotton Candy Machine

• Formulated Floss Sugar: It's made up of a larger granulated sugar, which absorbs color and flavor more consistently, making a more consistent fairy floss. Flossugar produces the signature look and flavor customers expect, from traditional Pink Vanilla and Blue Raspberry to more gourmet flavors like Peach Mango, and Watermelon.
• Cotton Candy Cones: You may use disposable cones or biodegradable cones.

How to Make Cotton Candy Without A Machine

Creating cotton candy in large quantities is virtually impossible without a machine designed specifically for doing so. An affordable option that you can do to make your own beautiful cotton candy from scratch is by using threads of spun or pulled sugar if you have some patience, know-how, and a few common household tools.

How to Make Cotton Candy At Home (Hand-Spun Cotton Candy Method)

Step 1: Combine and Melt

Combine 4 cups of sugar, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Place the mixture into the saucepan and stir the ingredients together until the sugar is melted. Use a pastry brush to wipe down the sides of the pan to keep sugar crystals from forming.

Step 2: Heat

Clip on a candy/temperature thermometer and heat the sugar syrup to 320°F (about 160°C). Next, pour the hot liquid from the kettle into a shallow and heat-resistant container. Then, add the extracts and food colorings to make different cotton candy colors and mix them well. You can add a few drops of food coloring or extract in this recipe.

Step 3: Spread

Spread the candy thread over the parchment. Make sure that the sugar on parchment paper does not spill over the floor.

Step 4: Spin the sugar

Dip the head of the whisk into the sugar syrup until it becomes coated. Hold it over the container and allow the sugar to fall back into the container for a second. Hold the pan about 30 centimeters above the parchment and swing the sugar strands and forth so that thin strands of sugar begin falling onto the paper. Keep going a few more times until you've got a nice looking nest of candy strands. Don't expect it to look like the candy floss vending machine you're used to. It will be different.

Step 5: Wrap

Wrap the cotton candy around cones or sticks immediately. Make sure to this step properly to avoid brittle candy bits.

Step 6: Serve

You can enjoy this airy treat right away, but you can also store it in an airtight container to keep the moisture away.

Homemade cotton candy using Hand-Pulled Method

Step 1: Combine and Melt

Make sure to combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan using medium-high heat. Place 4 1/3 cups of leftover sugar, 2 cups of water, 1 tsp. of vinegar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup (liquid sugar), and 1 drop of food coloring and candy flavoring in the pan. Stir them together very gently so you don't end up forming any sugar crystals on the side of the pan.

Step 2: Boil

Boil the mixture and use a candy thermometer. When it reaches 268°F (131°C), remove it from the heat and allow it to cool until it gets down to 212°F (100°C).

Step 3: Use Candy Molds

Divide the candy evenly into four 1-quart plastic containers or candy molds. Once it has reached room temperature, remove it from its container. To do this, squeeze it gently while you carefully twist the container.

Step 4: Use Cornstarch

Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on a baking sheet. The baking sheet should have sides.

Step 5: Prepare Candy for Pulling

Cut a hole in the middle of the candy. Use your thumb and index finger to burrow a hole through the middle of the candy. Next, use pressure to make your circle larger, while the candy stays the same thickness around the string you've made. Once the rope is sufficiently long, twist it into a double-figure eight and bring both ends together.

Step 6: Pull Candy

Hold the candy in your hands. With your front hand, keep it stable while your back hand gently pulls back. Keep rotating your hands around the candy until the candy strands are nice. Keep pulling the candy until you feel like you've pulled it enough times. You should end up with sugar thread consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Enjoy this delicious pulled candy while it's in good shape. You can make custom cotton candy flavors such as bubble gum and Piña Colada. You can also experiment when it comes to the arrangement of cotton candy to appease your customers.

Popular Trends in Cotton Candy Art

Cotton Candy Art has evolved from simple sugary treats into intricate edible art, especially popular in countries like China, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea. These vibrant and imaginative designs, often shaped into flowers, animals, and even popular cartoon characters, have captured the attention of locals and tourists at street markets and events.

Countries like China, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea are leading the cotton candy art trend. In China, street vendors in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai craft intricate designs like multi-colored flowers and animals that draw crowds.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's night markets, especially Jonker Street in Melaka, showcase vibrant fluffy shapes appealing to all ages. In Japan's Harajuku, cotton candy art aligns with the kawaii culture, featuring pastel colors and detailed forms.

Lastly, in South Korea, markets like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun highlight this trend, with vendors creating large, eye-catching cotton candy shapes that are a staple of the street food scene.

Incorporating Cotton Candy Art into Businesses

Cotton Candy Art is not merely a whimsical street food; it offers businesses an innovative opportunity to enhance their product range. By integrating this visually captivating treat into your menu, you can attract a broader customer base, create distinctive experiences, and set your brand apart in a competitive market.

Embracing cotton candy art can also provide excellent marketing potential through social media, as customers share their delightful creations, ultimately boosting your visibility and foot traffic.

Birthday Parties and Events

Cotton candy art is guaranteed to be a hit at children's parties, infusing events with a sense of whimsy and delight. The ability to create customized shapes—ranging from hearts and flowers to favorite cartoon characters—makes this treat an enticing option for event planners.

Food Trucks and Pop-Up Stalls

Incorporating cotton candy art into food trucks or temporary stalls can effectively attract crowds, especially during festivals and markets. The visually captivating display and the engaging spectacle of watching the candy being spun right before their eyes will spark the curiosity of potential customers.

At Home

With a variety of cotton candy machines now easily accessible, creating cotton candy art at home has never been simpler. Families can unite in crafting imaginative shapes, transforming this activity into a playful and enchanting experience suitable for all ages.

DIY Cotton Candy Flower Tutorial:

If you're curious about how talented cotton candy makers craft whimsical shapes like flowers or hearts, here's a refined step-by-step guide to help you master these delightful techniques:

1. Prepare Your Materials: Start with a cotton candy machine and some colored granulated sugar.
2. Start the Cotton Candy: Pour the colored sugar into the machine and place a skewer or chopstick over the center.
3. Form the Base Shape: As the layers of cotton candy shoot out, rotate the stick to allow the layers to form around it. Continue rotating until all the sugar has turned into cotton candy.
4. Add More Colors: Add a different color of sugar into the machine, rotate the stick as before, and let the layers build up.
5. Shape the Flower: Use a wet skewer to carefully make indents on the outer circle of the cotton candy to create the petals of the flower.
6. Finish the Flower: Add another color of sugar, rotate again, and make additional indents on the outer circle.

And there you have it—a beautiful flower-shaped cotton candy ready to impress!

Thinking of Buying a Cotton Candy Machine?

Here at Culinary Depot, we carry different types of cotton candy makers perfect for any occasion. Contact us or visit our online store for more information.