Step into a world where childhood nostalgia meets sophisticated baking with these irresistible Cotton Candy Cookies.
I first tried making these cookies for my niece’s birthday party, and they were an absolute hit! The fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness capture the essence of cotton candy perfectly.
What makes these cookies special is the clever use of cotton candy-flavored extract and a touch of pink food coloring. These simple additions turn an ordinary sugar cookie into a whimsical treat that looks as delightful as it tastes.
I also experimented with a cotton candy cake, which was equally charming and fun. Both recipes are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.
Trust me, your guests will be talking about these Cotton Candy Cookies long after the last crumb is gone. So, grab your apron and give this recipe a try—you’ll love the results!
Why I Love This Recipe?
- I’ve found these cookies to be the perfect pick-me-up on a gloomy day – one bite, and I’m transported to a sunny fairground.
- The recipe is surprisingly forgiving, allowing me to experiment with different food coloring shades for various occasions.
- My kids have become little sous chefs whenever I make these, turning baking time into cherished family moments.
- I’ve discovered they make fantastic ice cream sandwiches when paired with vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
- The cookies stay soft for days (if they last that long!), making them ideal for gifting or preparing in advance for events.
Tips Time For My Personal Tips!
- Crush the Cotton Candy: Ensure the cotton candy is finely crushed or spun into a powder before mixing it into the dough. This helps it blend evenly and prevents large chunks from affecting the texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even mixing.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. Too much flour can make the cookies dry and dense, so be precise.
- Chill the Dough: If your cookie dough is too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
Cotton Candy Cookies
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Room Temperature
- 1 cup Granulated White Sugar
- 1 Large Egg Room Temperature
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 3/4 tsp Cotton Candy Super Strength Flavoring LorAnn brand
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
Cotton Candy Royal Icing
- 1 Tbsp Light Corn Syrup
- 3/4 tsp Clear Vanilla Extract
- 5 Tbsp Meringue Powder I use Genie’s Dream
- 1 cup Water
- 2 lbs Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Cotton Candy Super Strength Flavoring LorAnn brand
Instructions
Cotton Candy Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add cotton candy flavoring, vanilla, and egg; mix well.
- Combine baking powder, salt, and flour, then mix into the dough.
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick, cut into shapes.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, cool on the sheet, then transfer to a rack.
Cotton Candy Royal Icing
- Combine meringue powder, light corn syrup, clear vanilla extract, cotton candy flavoring, and water in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the mixture is foamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until slightly incorporated.
- Beat on medium-high for 5 minutes.
- Icing will thicken, whiten, and form soft peaks.
- Your Royal Icing is now ready to color and adjust for decorating.
What To Serve With Cotton Candy Cookies?
