Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Bring the whimsical charm of the fairground to your kitchen with these Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies. With their soft, pastel colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are a dreamy treat that both kids and adults will adore. Each bite delivers the signature cotton candy flavor, balanced with a buttery richness and a pillowy chew.

These cookies aren’t just visually fun; they’re easy to make and perfect for parties, birthdays, or any time you want to brighten someone’s day. The combination of flavored extracts and colorful sugar crystals makes them feel like a celebration in every bite.

---

What Kind of Cotton Candy Flavor Should I Use?

To capture that nostalgic carnival taste, look for cotton candy flavoring in baking aisles or online. Brands often offer blue raspberry and pink vanilla varieties, which work beautifully together for a two-tone look and flavor. You can use either or both, depending on the colors and intensity you prefer. A drop of gel food coloring helps enhance the whimsy without thinning your dough.

---

Ingredients for the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring (divided or mixed)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pink and blue gel food coloring
• Colored sanding sugar (optional)

---

How To Make the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the base of your soft cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Color

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and your cotton candy flavoring. Divide the dough in half, adding pink gel coloring to one half and blue to the other. Blend until the colors are even.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Take small amounts of each colored dough and gently press them together, rolling into balls for a swirled effect. Place on a baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange chilled dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are just set and the centers remain soft.

Step 5: Cool and Sparkle

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For extra sparkle, sprinkle with sanding sugar while still warm.

---

How to Serve and Store Your Cotton Candy Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or a fruity iced tea. Their colorful swirl makes them a hit for baby showers, kids’ birthdays, and themed events.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to a month.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the swirl colors stand out more?

Use gel-based food coloring rather than liquid, as it provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.

Can I use other flavors?

Yes! Try bubblegum or strawberry extract for a fun twist, though it will change the signature cotton candy taste.

Can I skip the sanding sugar?

Absolutely. The cookies are delicious on their own, but sanding sugar adds sparkle and texture.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes. Shape into swirled balls first and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Do these cookies spread much?

Not too much. Chilling the dough helps keep their shape, giving you that thick, fluffy bite.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If these Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies made you smile, you’ll adore these other playful and flavorful creations:

• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for a creamy cinnamon-sugar delight.
• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies with festive red cherries and buttery richness.
• Healthy Cookies Recipe when you want indulgence with a nutritious edge.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for a layered dessert that tastes like nostalgia.
• Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough for a no-bake treat that’s protein-packed and spoon-ready.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full unicorn swirl or stick to classic pink and blue? Did you serve them at a party or just for fun?

I love seeing your takes on these recip

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?