Cotton Candy Cookies

Welcome, dear readers! Today, I’m overjoyed to share a recipe that’s sure to transport you back to the magical days of childhood fairs and carnival rides—Cotton Candy Cookies! The delightful aroma, the whimsical colors, and the nostalgic taste of cotton candy encapsulated in a cookie…it’s truly a dream come true! Let’s dive into this fun and delightful baking adventure!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cotton candy flavored bits
• Pink food coloring
• Cotton candy for topping (optional)

How to Make Cotton Candy Cookies

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Add Color and Flavor: Fold in the cotton candy bits and a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve that perfect light pink hue.
7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool and Top: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Top each cookie with a piece of cotton candy before serving, if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Butter Softening Tip: If you’re in a hurry, cut the butter into small pieces to soften it faster.
• Perfect Cookie Shape: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to measure the dough.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.

Substitutions and Variations

• Flavor Variations: Swap out the cotton candy bits for sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Color Play: Experiment with different food coloring shades to match any festive occasion.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

How do I store these cookies?

Store your Cotton Candy Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use real cotton candy in the dough?

While real cotton candy melts quickly and can affect the texture, it’s best used as a topping right before serving.

Storage Instructions

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and add a fresh piece of cotton candy on top if desired.

More Delightful Recipes

If you loved these Cotton Candy Cookies, you might also enjoy:

• Blueberry Cheesecake Rolls
• Irresistible Butterfinger Balls
• Chocolate Cranberry Oat Muffins

I hope you enjoy baking and tasting these whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies as much as I do! They’re perfect for parties, festive gatherings, or just a fun baking day at home. Happy baking!

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