Cotton Candy Cookies

Cotton candy cookies are a whimsical, sweet treat that brings the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy to soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or a fun baking project, these colorful cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic flavor: Tastes just like the classic carnival treat.
• Vibrant and fun: Eye-catching colors make them perfect for celebrations.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, colorful swirls, or your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Cotton candy extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pink and blue food coloring (optional, for the classic cotton candy look)
• Optional mix-ins: White chocolate chips or sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. Preheat oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients:
   • Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy extract until well combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Add Color and Shape:

5. Divide and color:
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add pink food coloring to one half and blue food coloring to the other. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
6. Swirl the dough:
   • Take small pieces of pink and blue dough and gently swirl them together to form a marbled effect. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.

Bake the Cookies:

7. Bake:
   • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

9. Enjoy:
   • Serve as is, or garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra cotton candy flavoring for an extra touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Sprinkle surprise: Add rainbow or cotton candy-colored sprinkles to the dough.
• Extra sweetness: Mix in white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
• Glittery effect: Use edible glitter or shimmer dust for a magical finish.
• Mini cookie sandwiches: Spread frosting between two cookies for a fun twist.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or serving.

FAQs

1. Where can I find cotton candy extract?

Cotton candy extract is available at specialty baking stores or online.

2. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, the flavor will remain the same, but the cookies will have a natural, neutral color.

3. Can I use pre-made sugar cookie dough?

Yes, mix the extract and coloring into the dough, then bake as directed.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

6. Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, plant-based food coloring works, though the colors may be less vibrant.

7. What if I can’t find cotton candy extract?

You can use a mix of vanilla and raspberry or strawberry extract for a similar flavor profile.

8. How do I get a perfect marbled effect?

Avoid overmixing the pink and blue dough; gently swirl them together before rolling into balls.

9. Can I add real cotton candy to the dough?

It’s not recommended, as cotton candy melts and becomes sticky when baked.

10. What pairs well with these cookies?

Serve with milk, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy treat.

Conclusion

Cotton candy cookies are a delightful, fun dessert that brings a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Their vibrant colors and sweet flavor make them a standout treat for any occasion. Customize them to your liking, and enjoy the magic of cotton candy in cookie form!

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