Place your metal mixing bowl in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes. If you have hard candy or other mix-ins, freeze them too. A cold bowl helps make a thick Blizzard instead of a runny shake.

Scoop 2 to 2½ cups of firm vanilla ice cream into your chilled bowl. If the ice cream has softened, return it to the freezer for 10 minutes.

Put the chilled bowl on the stand mixer and attach the paddle. Start the mixer on low speed (setting 2 or 3). Mix until the ice cream starts to break down, which takes about 20 to 30 seconds.

While the mixer is on low, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cotton candy syrup and a few drops of pink food coloring. Mix for 30 to 45 seconds until the color is even. Do not over-mix; it should stay thick and creamy.

Turn off the mixer. Use a rubber spatula to fold in your candy pieces gently. If you have cotton candy, add it now and work quickly before it dissolves. You can also add sprinkles or hard candy gently.

Scoop the Blizzard mixture into cups. Top with extra candy for decoration. Add a swirl of blue food coloring on top and gently drag a toothpick through it for a pastel swirl.

To see if your Blizzard is thick enough, flip the cup upside down for a second. If it keeps its shape, you did it right. If it slides out, it's too thin. Check the tips for fixing this.