Nina Johnson
If you’re looking to bring a touch of whimsy to your baking, these Cotton Candy Cookies are just what you need. With their soft, chewy texture and dreamy swirls of pastel pink and blue, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or just a fun weekend bake, these cookies combine sweet cotton candy flavor with a buttery cookie base that melts in your mouth.
The vibrant colors and delicate powdered sugar dusting make them irresistible — a treat that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet and playful, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day.
Ingredients for Cotton Candy Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (optional but enhances the flavor)
- Pink and blue food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring (if using) and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms.
Step 2: Add the Colors
Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Stir each batch well until the colors are fully blended and vibrant.
Take small portions of each colored dough and gently press them together to create a marbled effect. Avoid over-mixing to maintain distinct color swirls.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them lightly in your hands to maintain the swirl pattern. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies should appear slightly puffy and crackled.
Step 4: Dust and Cool
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a sweet, frosty finish.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Cotton Candy Cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extended freshness, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you’d like to freeze these cookies, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Estimated Nutrition
Per cookie (based on a batch of 24):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Sugar: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use other colors for the swirls?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different pastel colors like purple, yellow, or green to match specific themes or occasions.
Q2: Is cotton candy flavoring necessary?
No, but it enhances the cotton candy experience. The cookies will still taste fantastic without it.
Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for great results.
Q4: How do I achieve perfect color swirls?
Gently press the colored dough pieces together rather than kneading or over-mixing to keep the colors distinct.
Q5: Can I add toppings like sprinkles or candy bits?
Sure! Adding sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy pearls can make these cookies even more festive.
Q6: Why did my cookies spread too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if needed.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.
Q8: Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Pack them in clear bags or cookie boxes with colorful ribbons for a charming presentation.
Cotton Candy Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
Add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness to your dessert table with these dreamy Cotton Candy Cookies. Their soft, chewy texture combined with pastel pink and blue swirls make them perfect for celebrations, holidays, or just a fun baking project. With a buttery base and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies melt in your mouth and deliver a sweet flavor reminiscent of classic carnival cotton candy. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day.
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Pink and blue food coloring
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring (if using) and mix well. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until combined.
- Add the Colors: Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Add pink food coloring to one and blue food coloring to the other. Stir until the colors are fully blended. Gently combine portions of each colored dough to create a marbled effect.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set.
- Dust and Cool: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. While warm, dust them with powdered sugar for a frosty finish.
