Description
Delightfully sweet and whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies that capture the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy in a soft, buttery cookie. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for parties, celebrations, or any time you want a fun and unique treat. Featuring a delicate cotton candy extract and optional colorful sprinkles, they bring a playful twist to classic cookies.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup cotton candy sprinkles or pastel sprinkles (for added fun)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside to combine flavors and prepare for incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Flavoring: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined. Then stir in the cotton candy flavoring or extract to infuse the signature sweet cotton candy taste.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Flatten the Cookies (Optional): For thinner cookies, press each dough ball lightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers before baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers look set. The cookies will firm up more as they cool down.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle cotton candy or pastel sprinkles on top for an extra colorful and festive touch.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Adding sprinkles is optional but adds a fun visual appeal and extra sweetness.
- If cotton candy flavoring is unavailable, a similar sweet vanilla or berry extract can be used as a substitute.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
