Cotton Candy Cookies

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Absolutely! Here’s a detailed, full-length recipe for Cotton Candy Cookies—complete with a fun introduction, a bit of history, detailed methods, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and even a nod to the fans of this whimsical treat.

Cotton Candy Cookies: A Whimsical Sweet Escape

Introduction

Soft, pastel-colored, and bursting with nostalgic joy—Cotton Candy Cookies bring the magic of the carnival straight into your kitchen. Inspired by the beloved spun-sugar treat that delights kids and adults alike, these cookies combine buttery chewiness with the dreamy flavor of cotton candy. With a delicate crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth center, they’re a sugar-spun fantasy baked into a treat.

Whether you’re planning a themed party, celebrating a birthday, or simply want a fun dessert to share with your loved ones, these cookies are a conversation starter and a sugar lover’s dream.

A Brief History of Cotton Candy

Cotton candy, also known as “fairy floss” in Australia and “candy floss” in the UK, was invented in the late 19th century by a dentist, of all people! In 1897, William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton created a machine that spun sugar into a fluffy treat. It debuted at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis and was an instant hit. Since then, cotton candy has been a staple of carnivals, amusement parks, and sweet-toothed memories.

Ingredients (Makes 12-14 cookies)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn brand recommended)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Mix-ins & Extras:

  • 1/2 cup cotton candy crumbles (fresh or dried, gently torn into small tufts)
  • Gel food coloring (pink, blue, or any pastel hue)
  • Optional: Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Electric mixer (stand or hand)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Cooling rack

Method & Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  • Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Add Color and Cotton Candy

  • Divide the dough into two or more portions, and tint each with gel food coloring (a little goes a long way).
  • Gently fold in the cotton candy crumbles, being careful not to overmix (you want the texture to stay soft and fluffy).
  • If using, add a sprinkle of edible glitter or confetti sprinkles.

Step 5: Form and Bake

  • Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each.
  • Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden and the centers look slightly underdone (they’ll set as they cool).
  • Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Lovers of Cotton Candy Cookies Say…

  • “They melt in your mouth like the real thing!”
  • “Perfect pastel cookies for birthday parties—my kids went wild!”
  • “A great grown-up throwback to childhood treats. Tastes like nostalgia!”

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t overbake! These cookies are meant to stay soft and chewy.
  • Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
  • For even more flavor, try adding white chocolate chips or a swirl of marshmallow fluff.
  • Want to freeze? Scoop and freeze the dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the time.

Conclusion: A Carnival in Every Bite

Cotton Candy Cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a mood. They’re the feeling of sticky fingers and laughter under string lights. They’re for dreamers, for party-throwers, for sugar-spinners at heart. Whether you enjoy them with kids, with your besties, or with a tall glass of milk all to yourself—these cookies are pure joy.

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