Description
Delight in these whimsical Cotton Candy Cupcakes, featuring light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes infused with optional cotton candy flavoring and topped with airy cotton candy for a fun and festive treat perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Topping
- Cotton candy for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Liners: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until smooth. If desired, add cotton candy flavoring to enhance the cotton candy taste.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating that the cupcakes are fully baked.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove cupcakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting and top with fresh cotton candy just before serving to prevent it from melting.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugar.
- Adding cotton candy flavoring is optional; the cupcakes can be delicious without it.
- Only add the cotton candy topping immediately before serving to maintain its airy texture.
- Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, but topping with cotton candy should be done fresh.
- Feel free to experiment with different frosting flavors, such as vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
