Cotton Candy Cookies

Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat – Cotton Candy Cookies! These cookies bring a touch of carnival magic right to your kitchen, with their whimsical colors and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to add a bit of fun to your day, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this sugary adventure!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 drop soft pink gel food coloring
• 1 drop sky blue gel food coloring

For the Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
• 1 drop soft pink gel food coloring
• 1 drop sky blue gel food coloring

this Recipe

How to Make Cotton Candy Cookies

Prepare the Cookies:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and cotton candy flavoring.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Color the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Dye one half pink and the other half blue using the gel food coloring. Gently swirl the two colors together for a marbled effect.
7. Bake: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 6-10 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream:

1. Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter for about 2 minutes until it is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Flavor and Color: Add the cotton candy flavoring and continue to beat until well combined. Divide the buttercream in half, dye one half pink and the other half blue.

Helpful Tips

• Swirling Technique: To achieve the perfect swirl, don’t over-mix the colored doughs. A light hand will keep the colors distinct and vibrant.
• Buttercream Consistency: If your buttercream is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Substitutions/Variations

• Flavoring: If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, vanilla or almond extract can be used as a substitute for a different but equally delicious twist.
• Coloring: Feel free to experiment with other gel food coloring shades to match the theme of your event or personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Yes, but the colors might not be as vibrant. Gel food coloring works best for achieving bright, bold hues.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

How can I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

Storage Instructions

Keep your Cotton Candy Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them, as mentioned in the FAQ section.

More Relevant Recipes

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

• 4th of July Brownies
• Lemon Berry Firecracker Cake

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these Cotton Candy Cookies as much as I did. Happy baking! 🍭

Print