Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Sweet, whimsical, and irresistibly colorful, Cotton Candy Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a playful twist on classic desserts. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy ensures each bite is a rush of joy. Perfect for kids’ parties, bake sales, or any moment you want to bring smiles, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe
These cookies stand out for their eye-catching pastel hues and authentic cotton candy flavor, created with the simple addition of flavored extracts and colored dough swirls. Not only do they make a beautiful addition to dessert tables, but their soft, creamy centers and slightly crisp edges deliver layered texture and flavor. They’re easy to customize and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any gathering.
The Secret to Fluffy, Flavorful Cotton Candy Cookies
To achieve that distinct cotton candy essence, you’ll use a blend of vanilla and cotton candy extracts. Creaming your butter and sugars thoroughly ensures the dough is airy and bakes up light, while just a hint of food coloring gives these cookies their signature, swirled look. For best results, weigh your flour for precision using the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display.
Shaping and Baking the Perfect Cookies
Divide your dough and tint it with pastel food colors—classic options include pink and blue. Gently swirl the colors together for that true cotton candy effect before portioning the dough. For even baking and effortless cleanup, arrange cookie dough balls on a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
Soft, precise dough balls bake best, so consider using a cookie scoop or small spoon to portion dough evenly. After baking, let the cookies cool fully to lock in the delicate flavors and maintain their airy bite.
Serving & Presentation Ideas
Present cotton candy cookies piled high on a serving tray lined with a playful runner like the Socomi Pink Easter Cheesecloth Table Runner. For outdoor parties, keep things tidy with Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack. These cookies make great lunchbox surprises—keep them fresh in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers.
Nutrition & Batch Information
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Each palm-sized cookie is about 120 calories, making them a light and festive indulgence. They’re easy to halve or double as needed, and the dough freezes well for spontaneous baking sessions.
Cotton Candy Cookies (Recap)
Cotton Candy Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and fun—soft, colorful, and bursting with carnival flavor. Whether you’re sharing with friends or seeking a whimsical treat, they never fail to delight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with sheets from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for even baking and easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. For accuracy, measure your flour with an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use a stand or hand mixer for best results.
- Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavor extract until incorporated.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Divide the dough in half. Tint one portion with pink food coloring and the other with blue. Swirl the two doughs together gently—do not fully mix, to maintain a marbled, cotton-candy look.
- Portion dough into 1½-tablespoon balls. Evenly space on the baking sheets, allowing room to spread.
- For a bakery-style finish, add sprinkles to the tops before baking, if desired.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Rotate pans halfway through for even baking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Final Thoughts
With their gorgeous pastels, authentic cotton candy essence, and delightfully soft texture, these cookies are sure to capture hearts and taste buds alike. Make a batch for your next event or surprise your family with a sweet twist on traditional cookies!
