Description
Delight in these whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies, featuring a sweet cotton candy flavoring and optional pastel sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies bake up golden and are an ideal treat for parties, special occasions, or whenever you crave a fun, sweet indulgence.
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 Topping
- 1/2 cup cotton candy sprinkles or pastel sprinkles (optional, 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 ensure the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Flavoring: Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, beating until fully combined. Then stir in the cotton candy flavoring or extract, which gives these cookies their signature sweet and nostalgic taste.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Shape the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are 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 the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers appear set. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up further, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle with cotton candy sprinkles or pastel-colored sprinkles for an extra fun and colorful presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and tender cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
- Feel free to substitute cotton candy flavoring with a similar sweet, fruity extract if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Optionally, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
