🎡 Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

Perfect for: Parties, birthdays, or whimsical treats
Yields: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Calories per cookie: ~150–180 kcal (varies with candy mix-ins)

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🌈 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)

• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (optional but recommended for authentic flavor)

• 2 large eggs

• 1–2 drops pink food coloring

• 1–2 drops blue food coloring

Mix-ins & Toppings:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips or pastel M&Ms

• Optional: 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles

• Optional: Crushed cotton candy (for topping before serving, not for baking)

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🧁 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Set aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until creamy (about 1–2 minutes).

2. Add in the sugar gradually, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

4. Stir in vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring.

Step 3: Color and Combine

1. Divide the dough into two bowls.

2. Add a drop or two of pink food coloring into one bowl and blue food coloring into the other.

3. Gently fold each bowl of dough until the color is even.

4. Now, take small pieces of each color and press them together randomly to form swirled pastel balls – don’t overmix, you want a marbled effect.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins

1. Fold in white chocolate chips and sprinkles (if using) into both colored doughs.

2. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to scoop and help the cookies hold shape.

Step 5: Bake!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

3. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop rounded portions of the dough and place them about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.

5. Let the cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

1. Once fully cooled, optionally top with crushed cotton candy or a drizzle of white chocolate.

2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.

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✨ Tips & Tricks

• Cotton Candy Flavoring: You can find cotton candy extract online or in baking shops. LorAnn is a popular brand.

• No Flavoring? Use just vanilla and rely on the visual and sweetness to bring that playful vibe.

• Freeze for Later: Dough balls freeze well. Store in a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.

• Serving Idea: Stack these cookies on a pastel cake stand and sprinkle edible glitter for a cotton candy fantasy!

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💡 Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.

• Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and skip white chocolate or use dairy-free chips.

• Ice Cream Sandwich: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies for an extra magical treat!

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🧒 Who Will Love These?

• Kids (great for birthdays!)

• Anyone with a sweet tooth

• Fans of fun, colorful, Instagrammable desserts