Have you ever wanted to taste the stars? With Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples, you can! These Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples are a dazzling treat, coated in a mesmerizing mix of black, purple, and blue candy that shimmers like the night sky. Each bite delivers the perfect crunch of a candy-coated apple, balanced with a touch of sweet cotton candy magic. Whether you’re making them for a themed party, a spooky Halloween treat, or just to add some cosmic charm to your dessert table, these apples are sure to be a showstopper!
Why You’ll Love These Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
- A Showstopper: These apples are a visual delight! The combination of deep space colors, edible shimmer, and hand-painted stars makes them almost too pretty to eat almost!
- Deliciously Crisp & Sweet: The crunchy candy shell balances beautifully with the juicy, tart apples inside.
- Fun to Make: Whether you’re making them solo or as a family activity, watching the candy transform into a galaxy on each apple is pure magic.
Ingredients Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their tartness)
- 4 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- Black, purple, and blue gel food coloring
- White food coloring or white edible paint
- Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional, but highly recommended for a true cosmic effect)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for a hint of extra flavor)
- Candy thermometer
- A small, clean paintbrush (for adding stars and celestial details)
(Full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below!)
Step-by-Step Instructions Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
1. Prep the Apples
Before you start, wash your apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Dry them completely and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, making sure it’s secure. Set them aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Make the Candy Coating
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar, but once it starts to heat up, avoid stirring to prevent crystallization. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
Allow the mixture to reach 300°F (hard crack stage). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once it hits temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and a few drops of black food coloring. Swirl in the blue and purple food coloring but do not overmix you want those beautiful galaxy-like streaks!
3. Dip the Apples
Carefully dip each apple into the candy mixture, rotating it to coat evenly. Allow excess candy to drip off before placing the apple back on the parchment paper. If desired, while the coating is still wet, sprinkle a touch of edible glitter for that extra cosmic sparkle!
4. Add the Stars
Once the candy has fully set (about 15-20 minutes), dip a small paintbrush into white food coloring and flick tiny specks onto the apples to mimic stars. You can also paint small dots or constellations for an extra magical touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
- Work Quickly! Candy hardens fast, so have everything ready before you begin dipping.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring can alter the consistency of the candy coating.
- Watch Your Thermometer: If your sugar mixture doesn’t reach 300°F, your candy won’t harden properly.
- Want Even More Shine? A light spritz of edible shimmer spray can take these apples to the next level!
How to Store Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
These candy-covered apples are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, wrap them individually in wax paper and keep them in an airtight container.
FAQs Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
Is there an apple that tastes like cotton candy?
Yes! The Cotton Candy apple is a rare variety with a naturally sweet flavor that resembles cotton candy. However, it’s not widely available like other apple types.
What are Galaxy apples?
Galaxy apples are a variety of Gala apples, known for their vibrant red and yellow skin and sweet, crisp flavor. They’re a delicious choice for snacking and baking but are not directly related to galaxy-themed candy apples.
What apple makes the best candy apple?
The best apples for candy apples are Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp because they have a firm texture and a tart or balanced sweetness that pairs well with the sugary candy coating.
What year did candy apples come out?
Candy apples were invented in 1908 by William Kolb, a candy maker from New Jersey, who created them as a festive holiday treat.
How much did candy apples first sell for?
When they were first introduced, candy apples sold for 5 cents each, making them an affordable and popular treat.
Do candy apples expire?
Yes, candy apples expire over time. If stored properly in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks, but at room temperature, they should be eaten within a few days to maintain freshness.
What year did Winter Candy Apple come out?
Winter Candy Apple is a popular fragrance from Bath & Body Works, first released in 1999 as part of their holiday collection.
How are you supposed to eat a candy apple?
The best way to eat a candy apple is by biting carefully from the side rather than the top to avoid hurting your teeth. Some people prefer to slice the apple into wedges to make it easier to eat.
A Sweet Conclusion
Making Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples is like crafting your own little edible universe. Whether you’re hosting a space-themed party, treating your kids to a fun dessert, or just indulging your inner astronaut, these apples will transport you straight to the stars. Give them a try, and let your creativity shine!
Happy candy-making, and may your kitchen be as magical as the cosmos!
Galaxy Cotton Candy Apples
Equipment
- Candy Thermometer
- Small Paintbrush
Ingredients
- 4 large apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their tartness
- 4 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- black, purple, and blue gel food coloring
- white food coloring or white edible paint
- edible glitter or shimmer dust Optional, but highly recommended for a true cosmic effect
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional, for a hint of extra flavor
- 1 small clean paintbrush For adding stars and celestial details
Instructions
- Wash apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Dry completely and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Attach a candy thermometer and allow the mixture to reach 300°F (hard crack stage), about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and black food coloring. Swirl in blue and purple colors, but do not overmix.
- Dip each apple into the candy mixture, rotating to coat evenly. Allow excess candy to drip off, then place the apples on parchment paper.
- While the coating is still wet, sprinkle a touch of edible glitter for an extra cosmic sparkle.
- Once the candy has fully set (about 15-20 minutes), use a small paintbrush dipped in white food coloring to flick tiny specks onto the apples, mimicking stars.