Introduction

These Cotton Candy Cookies are a fun and sweet dessert that brings a nostalgic twist to your cookie jar. Soft, chewy, and bursting with cotton candy flavor, they’re perfect for parties or a whimsical treat anytime.

The image shows a white plate filled with seven round, cracked cookies that have a soft texture. Each cookie is colored with pink and blue swirls mixed into a white base, giving a marbled effect. The cookies are topped with small white and light blue sugar pearls scattered unevenly on their surface. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a slightly blurred pink and blue background. The lighting highlights the soft texture of the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, using an electric or stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Gently fold in the torn cotton candy pieces using a rubber spatula, distributing them evenly. Work quickly as the cotton candy may dissolve slightly.
Step 7: (Optional) Divide the dough into two portions and add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other. Mix gently to distribute color and twist together lightly for a marbled effect.
Step 8: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches between each cookie. Slightly flatten the tops with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
Step 9: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Step 10: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For extra flair, press small pieces of cotton candy on top while cookies are still warm.

Tips & Variations

Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
Work quickly when folding in cotton candy to prevent it from fully dissolving into the dough.
Try substituting cotton candy extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor twist.
For a festive look, swirl the pink and blue dough lightly instead of fully mixing for a marbled effect.

Storage

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh up to 5 days but are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal softness and flavor. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred as it provides more vibrant color without thinning the dough. If using regular food coloring, add very small amounts to avoid changing dough consistency.

Will the cotton candy pieces melt completely during baking?

The candy pieces will soften and dissolve slightly but will still add pockets of sweetness and a fun texture inside the cookies.