Introduction

These Cotton Candy Cookies are a fun and whimsical treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, flavorful, and beautifully colored, they bring the nostalgic taste of cotton candy to your cookie jar. They’re easy to make and sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

A stack of three soft, pink cookies with a cracked surface covered in granulated sugar sits on a simple white plate. The top cookie shows a small bite taken out of it, revealing the chewy inside with a slightly darker pink shade. The texture of the cookies is crumbly and powdery, and a few more pink cookies are blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. A few small pink candy pieces lie scattered near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
Pink food coloring, a few drops
Blue food coloring, a few drops
Cotton candy flavoring (optional), adjust to taste
Sprinkles (optional), for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cotton candy flavoring if using.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one half and a few drops of blue food coloring to the other half, kneading each until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Take small amounts from each colored dough and gently combine them to form small multicolored balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Optionally sprinkle the tops with sprinkles for added decoration.
Step 8: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger cotton candy flavor, adjust the cotton candy extract to your preference or add a little more vanilla for sweetness.
Try using different pastel food coloring combos like lavender or mint for a fun twist.
If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or substitute with a little extra vanilla.
Sprinkles add a nice festive touch but can be left out for a more classic cookie look.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To maintain softness, warm cookies briefly in a low oven or microwave before enjoying.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a stack of three soft, pink cookies coated with white sugar crystals, each cookie having a cracked surface texture. The cookies are placed on a smooth white plate, which rests on a white marbled texture surface. The top cookie has a small bite taken out of it, revealing a slightly lighter, fluffy inside. Blurred similar cookies appear in the background, adding depth to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer plain cookies. They will still taste delicious but won’t have the signature cotton candy look.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter is fine; just reduce or omit the salt in the dry ingredients to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.