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Cotton Candy Cookies 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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