Cotton Candy Cookies

Bring a touch of whimsy to your baking with Cotton Candy Cookies! These delightful cookies combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with the playful essence of cotton candy, making them an ideal treat for parties, celebrations, or just a fun baking project. The recipe starts with a basic sugar cookie dough, infused with vanilla and almond extracts, and optionally enhanced with cotton candy flavoring for an extra burst of nostalgia. The dough is divided and colored in vibrant pink and blue, then swirled together to create a fun and colorful design. After a quick bake, the cookies come out soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, with a beautiful swirl pattern that's sure to impress. Whether you're baking for a birthday party or just to indulge in some sweet memories, these Cotton Candy Cookies are sure to bring joy and a touch of magic to any occasion!

Cotton Candy Cookies bring a burst of fun and color to any occasion! These delightful treats combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the whimsical flavor of cotton candy, making them perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a playful snack. The dough is easy to prepare and can be customized with cotton candy flavoring for an extra touch of nostalgia.

INGREDIENTS

• All-purpose flour: 2 and 3/4 cups
• Baking soda: 1 tsp
• Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
• Salt: 1/2 tsp
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened
• Granulated sugar: 1 and 1/2 cups
• Large egg: 1
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
• Almond extract: 1/2 tsp
• Pink food coloring: A few drops
• Blue food coloring: A few drops
• Cotton candy flavoring (optional): Adjust to taste
• Sprinkles: Optional, for decoration

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4:

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. If using cotton candy flavoring, add it now and mix well.

Step 5:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6:

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one portion and blue food coloring to the other. Mix each portion until the colors are evenly distributed.

Step 7:

Take small amounts of each colored dough and gently press them together. Roll the combined dough into balls, then slightly flatten them into cookie shapes.

Step 8:

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, add sprinkles on top for extra fun.

Step 9:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies chewy and tender.

Step 10:

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve these cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Helpful Notes

• If you can't find cotton candy flavoring, the cookies will still taste amazing with just the vanilla and almond extracts.
• Customize the colors to match any theme or celebration by using different food coloring shades.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Emily suggests rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking for an extra sparkle and sweetness.
• Chef David recommends chilling the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie.