Description
These magical cotton candy cookies transform a fairground favorite into a delectable treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. With their whimsical appearance and unique flavor profile, these cookies create a nostalgic experience that appeals to both children and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups cotton candy bits
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 2–3 drops of pink or blue food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients at room temperature. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Using a mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and food coloring if using.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cotton candy bits and white chocolate chips using a spatula.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Portion the dough into 1½-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but centers still look slightly underdone.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use only baking-stable cotton candy bits designed for high temperatures, as regular cotton candy will dissolve in the dough.
- Don’t skip the chilling phase to prevent flat, overly spread cookies.
- Avoid overbaking to preserve the delicate cotton candy flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more effectively and create a more cohesive dough.
- For vegan option, replace butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flax eggs.
- For gluten-sensitive option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- If cotton candy bits aren’t available, try using cotton candy-flavored extract with colored sugar crystals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cotton candy cookies, fairground cookies, sweet treats, nostalgic desserts, fun baking, colorful cookies, kids desserts, party cookies