Introduction
Delicious Cotton Candy Cookies are sweet, soft, and wonderfully whimsical treats that capture the fun flavor of cotton candy in cookie form. With pastel colors and a playful taste, these cookies are perfect for parties, bake sales, kids’ snacks, or anytime you want a fun dessert.
The cotton candy flavor and optional pink and blue swirls make these cookies a visual delight, while their soft and chewy texture keeps people coming back for more. They combine the nostalgic sweetness of cotton candy with the comforting familiarity of homemade cookies.
Ingredients (Makes about 12 cookies)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy extract (for authentic flavor)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins and Decorations
- ½ cup pink and blue cotton candy, torn into small pieces
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional for color effect)
- Extra cotton candy for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Flavorings
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well mixed before adding them to the wet mixture.
5. Mix Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — the dough should be soft and slightly pliable, but not sticky.
6. Fold in Cotton Candy Pieces
Using a spatula, gently fold in the small torn pieces of cotton candy. Work quickly, as cotton candy begins to dissolve when it touches moisture.
7. Add Color (Optional)
If you want colorful cookies, divide the dough into two equal parts. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one portion and blue to the other. Mix each portion gently until the color is even. For a swirled look, gently twist parts together without fully blending.
8. Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough into balls about 1 inch (2 tablespoons) each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten the tops of the dough balls with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
9. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes. The cookies should have set edges with centers that look slightly soft — they will finish cooking from residual heat after being removed.
10. Cool and Garnish
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack. If desired, press a few tiny bits of extra cotton candy onto the top while they are still warm for a decorative finish.
Storage Tips
Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, though they’re best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal texture.
Conclusion
Delicious Cotton Candy Cookies bring the carnival to your kitchen. These soft, chewy cookies combine the classic charm of sugar cookies with a nostalgic twist that both kids and adults will love. Whether you want a fun baking project or a colorful dessert for a special occasion, these cookies deliver sweet satisfaction in every bite.