why make this recipe
These cotton candy cookies are bright, fun, and easy to share. Kids and guests will like the color and soft taste. You can make them for parties, birthdays, or a simple treat. Read about our site for more recipes here: about us.
introduction
This recipe makes soft, colorful cookies that smell sweet. The dough splits into pink and blue parts for a fun look. You do not need hard skills to make them. Try other easy recipes from our collection: browse recipes.
how to make Cotton Candy Cookies
Make the dough, split it into two colors, and shape small rounds. Chill briefly if the dough is soft. Bake until edges set and the centers stay soft. The cookies come out light and fluffy with a cotton candy hint.
Ingredients :
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or 1/4 cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (pink and blue)
- Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Directions :
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth. Add a small amount of cotton candy flavoring if you like.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add pink gel color to one part and blue gel color to the other. Mix each gently until color is even.
Step 7: Form the Cotton Candy Cookies
Take small pieces from each color and press them together briefly so they stick but keep the swirl look. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges set but centers are soft. Baking time can change with oven and cookie size.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling.
how to serve Cotton Candy Cookies
Serve cookies at room temperature. Arrange them on a bright platter to show the colors. These go well with milk, lemonade, or a simple ice cream.
how to store Cotton Candy Cookies
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Cotton Candy Cookies
- Use gel color for bright shades without thinning dough.
- If dough is sticky, chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Use a cookie scoop for even sizes.
- Add cotton candy flavor slowly; it is strong.
- For a soft texture, do not overbake.
Learn about the baker behind the site here: Anna Wilson biography.
variation (if any)
- Add sprinkles to the outside before baking for extra fun.
- Make full pink or full blue cookies if you prefer one color.
- Use a small drop of purple to make pastel shades.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the cotton candy flavoring?
A: Yes. The cookies still taste sweet and pretty without it.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: You can, but butter gives better flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Wrap and chill the dough for up to 24 hours before shaping.
Q: What if my colors bleed together?
A: Chill the dough for a short time before shaping to keep colors separate.
Conclusion
Try similar fun treats like these colorful pinwheels: Rainbow Rice Krispie Treat Pinwheels – Easy & Fun Recipe. For another take on cotton candy cookies, see this helpful guide: A Sweet Treat: How To Make Cotton Candy Cookies – Your Baking …. If you like no-bake sweets with a circus theme, check this recipe: No-Bake Circus Cookie Bark | Wishes and Dishes.
Cotton Candy Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or 1/4 cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- to taste gel food coloring (pink and blue)
- to taste cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth, adding cotton candy flavoring if desired.
- Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and add pink gel color to one part and blue gel color to the other. Mix each until color is even.
- Take small pieces from each color, press them together briefly to stick, and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
