Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Cotton Candy Cookies bring the whimsical sweetness of carnival cotton candy into a chewy, buttery cookie form. These soft and colorful treats are perfect for parties or whenever you want a playful dessert with a unique twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring. If desired, add food coloring to tint the dough.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Step 5: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a few drops of pastel food coloring to really capture the cotton candy look.
• Use clear vanilla extract to maintain pale cookie color if you want a more delicate appearance.
• For a fun twist, sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle and crunch.
• If cotton candy flavoring is unavailable, a mix of vanilla and a hint of strawberry or bubblegum extract can mimic a similar sweet taste.

Storage

Store cotton candy cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container. Reheat gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer warm cookies.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. The cookies may be slightly less rich and chewy.

Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy these whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies with a delightful cotton candy flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Perfectly sweetened and lightly colored, these cookies bring a nostalgic carnival treat to your kitchen with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring
• Food coloring (optional)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a soft texture in the cookies.
3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring for the signature taste. If you’re using food coloring, add it at this point to achieve the desired hue.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can toughen the cookies.
6. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 minutes until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft, giving them a tender bite.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes so they set properly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

• For best texture, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added.
• Optional food coloring can enhance the cotton candy aesthetic, use a few drops depending on your preference.
• Make sure to soften butter at room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cotton candy cookies, soft cookies, flavored cookies, carnival cookies, baking cookies, sweet treats