Cotton Candy Cookies

Introduction & Inspiration

This Cotton Candy Cookies recipe is a fun, colorful, and surprisingly sophisticated treat that captures the sweet, airy flavor of cotton candy in a soft, chewy cookie. I’ve always been fascinated by the unique flavor of cotton candy – it’s sweet, but not overly so, with a hint of vanilla and a slightly caramelized taste. It is magical.

The inspiration came from a desire to create a cookie that was both visually appealing and delicious, something that would be a hit at parties, bake sales, or just as a special treat. I wanted a cookie that was soft and chewy, with a unique flavor that would stand out from the crowd.

The combination of a buttery cookie base, cotton candy extract, and a swirl of pastel pink and blue food coloring creates a truly eye-catching and delicious cookie. It’s a treat that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

I’m excited to share this recipe because these cookies are always a hit whenever I make them. They’re fun to bake, fun to decorate, and even more fun to eat! They’re also a great way to add a touch of whimsy to any occasion.

Nostalgic Appeal

Cotton candy, with its fluffy texture and sweet, airy flavor, is a treat that often evokes childhood memories of carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks. It’s a flavor that’s associated with fun, excitement, and carefree days.

These Cotton Candy Cookies tap into that nostalgia, offering a fun and playful way to enjoy the unique flavor of cotton candy in a new and exciting format. They’re a reminder that baking can be whimsical and that it’s okay to embrace your inner child.

The pastel pink and blue swirl also adds to the nostalgic appeal, reminiscent of classic cotton candy colors. It’s a cookie that’s both visually appealing and delicious, a perfect way to relive those fond childhood memories.

And that’s the beauty of these cookies – they combine the familiar comfort of a classic cookie with the playful magic of cotton candy, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and delightful.

Homemade Focus

I am passionate about homemade.

These Cotton Candy Cookies are a perfect example of how easy and rewarding it can be to bake something special at home. They require minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients, but the results are far from ordinary.

This recipe is also an invitation to get creative in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors of food coloring, different extracts, or even different add-ins to make these cookies your own.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal of these Cotton Candy Cookies is to capture the unique, sweet, and slightly caramelized flavor of cotton candy in a soft, chewy cookie. We want the cotton candy extract to be the star, complemented by the buttery cookie base and a hint of vanilla.

The butter and sugar provide richness and sweetness, while the egg adds moisture and helps to bind the ingredients together. The cotton candy extract provides the signature flavor that makes these cookies so special.

We’re aiming for a texture that’s soft and chewy in the center, with slightly crisp edges. The swirl of pink and blue food coloring adds a visual appeal that enhances the overall cotton candy experience.

Ultimately, the flavor goal is to create a cookie that’s both whimsical and delicious, a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and cotton candy flavors that will transport you back to your childhood.

Ingredient Insights

Let see the ingredients! Butter, sugar, egg, cotton candy extract, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pink and blue food coloring.

Essential Equipment

Baking sheets, parchment paper, large bowl, electric mixer, whisk.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

• 1 C salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 & 1/3 C white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp cotton candy extract
• 2 & 1/2 C all-purpose flour, spooned and levelled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 drops pink and blue food colouring

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Extract: Add in the egg and cotton candy extract and mix till well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix till well combined.
6. Divide and Color Dough: Divide dough into 2 equal pieces. With one pieces of dough at a few drops of pink food colouring. In the other add a few drops of blue.
7. Swirl Dough: To swirl the two doughs together rip off parts of each dough and squish them together to form a large ball. Then rip dough ball in half a few more times. Squishing it back together.
8. Scoop and Bake: Once dough is all mixed together, scoop dough into 3 tbsp balls and place on the lined cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes.
9. Cool.

Troubleshooting

Cookies spreading too much: Cookies too dry: Color not vibrant enough:

Baking.

Tips and Variations

• Different Extracts:
• Add Sprinkles:
• Dip in White Chocolate:

Be creative!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Parties, bake sales. Milk or coffee.

Nutritional Information

Treat, enjoy in moderation.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Fun and delicious cookies.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes!

Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies? A: Yes!

Q: Where can I find cotton candy extract? A: Online or at baking supply stores.