Cotton Candy Cookies
Fun & colorful cookies that bring the nostalgic taste of cotton candy to life with vibrant hues and delightful flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour King Arthur recommended for reliable results
- 1 cup granulated sugar C&H is a great brand for sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps with rising
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Aiding in the perfect texture
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances out the sweetness
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature for easy creaming; usually use Land O'Lakes
- 1/4 cup buttermilk Can substitute with 1/4 cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 large egg Always at room temperature for best results
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure for rich flavor
Coloring and Flavoring
- as needed Gel food coloring (pink and blue) These colors make the cookies pop!
- as needed Cotton candy flavoring (optional) For that extra nostalgic kick; usually use LorAnn’s flavoring
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until blended.
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts, adding blue gel food coloring to one half and pink to the other, kneading until evenly colored.
Baking
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, create swirls from both colored doughs and place on a lined baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Centers may look underbaked.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months. You can prepare the dough a day in advance. For variations, consider using different flavorings or colorings.