Description
These soft and chewy Cotton Candy Cookies are whimsical, colorful treats flavored with vanilla and cotton candy extract, then decorated with real cotton candy for a nostalgic twist. Perfect for parties or playful desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pink and blue cotton candy, torn into small pieces
- Pink and blue food coloring (gel preferred, optional)
- Extra cotton candy for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the small cotton candy pieces using a rubber spatula, distributing evenly throughout the dough.
- If using food coloring, divide dough into two parts and color one pink and the other blue. For a marbled effect, lightly twist the two colors together.
- Portion dough into 1-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your hand or a glass bottom.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set but centers are slightly underdone. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Press extra cotton candy on top while warm, if desired.
- Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to maintain dough texture and vibrant color.
- Work quickly when folding in cotton candy, as it dissolves upon contact with moisture.
- Don’t overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Store cookies with a slice of bread to maintain softness longer.
- Decorate right after baking for best adhesion of extra cotton candy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
