How to Make Colored Sugar for a Cotton Candy Machine

Bright, bold and beautiful color is the most intriguing part of the hot spun cotton candy. When making cotton candy at home, you must use a colored sugar. It is possible to find already colored sugar, but it is costly. Making your own colored sugar for cotton candy is economical and gives you full range over the hue of your product. You can use either liquid or powder food dye, however with liquid dye the presence of moisture must be acknowledged and an extra drying step must be taken. Colored sugar in jars also acts as a great homemade gift.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 -- 3 drops colored food dye, or
• ¼ tsp powdered food dye
• Glass jar
• Baking sheet
• Bowl

Instructions

Liquid Food Dye

1. Place 1 cup white granulated sugar in a bowl and add 1 -- 2 drops of liquid food coloring. Sugar will clump with any amount of moisture, so make sure you stir briskly immediately after adding the dye. If you desire a darker color add one more drop, though be wary of the extra moisture added.

2. Spread the colored sugar out evenly on a wax paper or silpat lined backing sheet. Place the tray in an off oven to dry out. Stir it every now and then to agitate the crystals and release any moisture.

3. Pour the colored sugar in a jar and secure tightly with a lid. Use the sugar within the next couple of days for cotton candy or as a decoration to other baked goods. If the sugar becomes clumpy in the jar, run it through a food processor or blender to break up the clumps before using.

Powdered Food Dye

1. Purchase powdered food dye. Using dry dye to color sugar is a much easier and effective way to color sugar as it eliminates the chances of moisture clumping and allows you to store it for an extended period of time. You can find powdered food dye at any baking supply store.

2. Fill a jar with 1 cup sugar and add ¼ tsp of food dye powder. Screw the lid on tightly, and shake. Adjust the intensity of the color by adding another 1/8 tsp if necessary.

3. Store the colored sugar in the jar until you need it. When ready to make cotton candy, your sugar is already ready to go.

References

• Cake Journal: Colored Sugar Sprinkles