1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring. Mix until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

6. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each (pink, blue, and purple). Gently knead each until color is incorporated.

7. Pinch small pieces of each colored dough and press them together. Roll into a ball, then slightly flatten into a disc.

8. Roll each disc in sparkling sugar to coat the outside.

9. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

10. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are set and centers still appear slightly soft.

11. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.