Description
These Cotton Candy Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a unique cotton candy flavor and optional colorful sprinkles for fun. Soft, sweet, and perfectly baked, they are ideal for parties, celebrations, or any time you crave a whimsical treat.
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 Garnish
- 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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a mixer or hand whisk, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Flavoring: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then stir in the cotton candy flavoring or extract to infuse the dough with a sweet, carnival-inspired taste.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten the Cookies (Optional): If you prefer thinner cookies, gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to slightly flatten them before baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle cotton candy sprinkles or pastel-colored sprinkles over the top for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- For a stronger cotton candy flavor, you can add a little more cotton candy extract incrementally to taste.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make sure the butter is softened (not melted) to properly cream with the sugars and achieve the best texture.
- To make the cookies gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
- If you do not have cotton candy flavoring, vanilla extract alone will still yield delicious cookies, just with a classic flavor.
- For extra decoration, add sprinkles before baking or immediately after while still warm.
