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Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe – Fun & Sweet Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

Cotton Candy Cookies are a whimsical and fun dessert featuring soft, chewy cookies infused with cotton candy extract and colorful bits of cotton candy. These delightful treats combine classic cookie flavors with a playful twist, perfect for parties, special occasions, or anyone craving a sweet, nostalgic dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet 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

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Add-ins and Garnish

  • 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

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step creates air pockets important for a soft, chewy texture.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
  5. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Add cotton candy pieces: Gently fold in the torn cotton candy pieces using a rubber spatula, distributing them evenly. Work quickly as cotton candy will dissolve when moist.
  7. Color the dough (optional): If desired, divide the dough in half and add a few drops of pink food coloring to one half and blue to the other. Mix gently until color is evenly distributed. For a marbled look, lightly twist the two colored dough portions together without fully combining.
  8. Form cookie dough balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into 1-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Place on prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches between cookies. Slightly flatten tops with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
  9. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers appear slightly underdone. The residual heat will finish baking the cookies for a soft and chewy texture.
  10. Cool and garnish: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, press small pieces of cotton candy onto cookies while warm for a decorative effect.
  11. Store properly: Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, best within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Work quickly when folding in cotton candy pieces to prevent them from dissolving into the dough.
  • For a fun visual effect, use gel food coloring and twist colored dough halves lightly to create a marbled design.
  • Do not overbake to ensure the cookies remain soft and chewy; slightly underbaked centers are ideal.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
  • Use cotton candy extract for authentic flavor instead of vanilla-only for best taste.

Keywords: cotton candy cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, fun dessert, colorful cookies, sweet treat, baking recipe, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/cotton-candy-cookies-recipe-fun-and-sweet-dessert-recipe/