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Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet cotton candy cookies bring nostalgic carnival magic to your dessert plate. Delightful pink-swirled treats deliver sugary childhood memories with each playful, melt-in-your-mouth bite you’ll cherish.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Coloring and Decoration:

  • A few drops pink food coloring
  • A few drops blue food coloring
  • Cotton candy flavoring (optional), adjust to taste
  • Sprinkles (optional), for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base.
  4. Incorporate egg, vanilla, almond extract, and cotton candy flavoring, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  6. Separate dough into two equal portions, adding pink and blue food coloring to each section, mixing until colors are vibrant and evenly spread.
  7. Create a marbled effect by gently pressing pink and blue dough together, then rolling into uniform balls and flattening slightly on the baking sheet.
  8. Arrange cookie dough balls approximately 2 inches apart, optionally sprinkling decorative toppings for additional visual appeal.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for set edges and soft centers – a key indicator of perfectly textured cookies.
  10. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a delightful, soft texture.

Notes

  • Customize color combinations by experimenting with different food coloring hues for a playful, unique twist on the classic cotton candy cookie.
  • Swap vanilla extract with cotton candy flavoring for an intensified sweet carnival-like taste that kids and adults will adore.
  • Chill dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain vibrant color definition during baking.
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more saturated colors without altering dough consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 132 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg