Why make this recipe
Cotton Candy Cookies are not just cookies; they are a fun and colorful treat that brings joy to both kids and adults. With their sweet, fluffy flavor and vibrant colors, these cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or any day you want to add a little cheer to your dessert table. Plus, the smell of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen with a warm feeling that everyone loves.
How to make 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 mixed with 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 to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything comes together.
Step 6: Divide the dough into two parts. Use pink gel food coloring for one half and blue for the other, mixing until the colors are fully incorporated.
Step 7: Roll both colors of dough into small balls and then combine them slightly to create a swirl effect.
Step 8: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on a rack before serving.
How to serve Cotton Candy Cookies
You can serve these cookies as they are or add a little extra fun by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make for a cheerful treat at birthday parties or festive gatherings. Consider arranging them on a colorful plate to showcase their vibrant colors!
How to store Cotton Candy Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Tips to make Cotton Candy Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For more intense colors, add a bit more gel food coloring.
- If you want to enhance the cotton candy flavor, adding a few drops of cotton candy flavoring can take these cookies to the next level.
Variation
Feel free to substitute the gel food coloring with any other colors you like. You can also experiment by adding sprinkles or using different flavorings like vanilla or almond for a unique twist!
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can mix 1/4 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape the cookies.
Cotton Candy Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and colorful cookies that bring joy to both kids and adults, perfect for any celebration.
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 mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (pink and blue)
- Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything comes together.
- Divide the dough into two parts. Use pink gel food coloring for one half and blue for the other, mixing until colors are fully incorporated.
- Roll both colors of dough into small balls and combine them slightly to create a swirl effect.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. For more intense colors, add more gel food coloring.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cotton candy, cookies, colorful dessert, fun baking, sweet treat