Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These delicious Cotton Candy Cookies bring a fun, whimsical twist to classic cookies with a burst of colorful sprinkles and the sweet flavor of cotton candy. Perfect for parties or a playful treat, they’re easy to make and sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cotton candy flavored candy pieces or cotton candy extract
• 1 cup colorful sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well until fully combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the cotton candy flavored candy pieces and colorful sprinkles.
7. Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies 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, use cotton candy extract instead of candy pieces.
• Swap the sprinkles for mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different twist.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent cookies from spreading too much.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy them thawed at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular candy instead of cotton candy flavored pieces?

Yes, but the unique cotton candy flavor may be less pronounced. You can also add cotton candy extract to the dough for a more authentic taste.

Will the sprinkles melt during baking?

The sprinkles generally hold their shape but may soften slightly. To keep them bright and colorful, add some on top of the dough balls just before baking.

Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 114 reviews

Delight in these whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies, featuring a buttery base studded with cotton candy flavored candy pieces and colorful sprinkles. Perfectly soft with lightly golden edges, these cookies bring a nostalgic carnival treat to your kitchen that’s easy to bake and wonderfully fun to share.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor & Mix-ins

• 1 cup cotton candy flavored candy pieces or cotton candy extract
• 1 cup colorful sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
4. Add Flavor: Gently fold in the cotton candy flavored candy pieces along with the colorful sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of sweetness and color.
5. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the portions about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden. The centers will remain soft and slightly underbaked, continuing to set as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and savor these delightful cotton candy treats!

Notes

• If using cotton candy extract instead of candy pieces, add it carefully to the wet ingredients to infuse flavor without affecting texture.
• For extra softness, avoid overbaking and remove cookies as soon as edges turn golden.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Sprinkles add color and texture but can be omitted or substituted with mini chocolate chips if desired.

Keywords: Cotton Candy Cookies, baked cookies, fun cookies, colorful cookies, sweet treats, party cookies, easy dessert