Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight Recipe

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Imagine biting into a soft, cloud-like cookie that melts in your mouth, bursting with the nostalgic sweetness of your favorite carnival treat—cotton candy. These Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight are a pastel dream, combining swirls of baby pink and sky blue dough topped with a gentle shimmer of sugar crystals that make them sparkle like magic.

Perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or just an afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. They’re easy to make, eye-catching, and bring out the inner child in everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a sweet surprise, these cookies are bound to impress.

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Ingredients for this Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight Recipe

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
• Pink and blue gel food coloring
• 1/2 cup sanding sugar or edible glitter for topping

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavors

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring. Mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 6: Color the Dough

Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Tint one with pink gel food coloring and the other with blue. Stir each until the color is uniform.

Step 7: Swirl and Scoop

Take small portions from each colored dough and press them together gently. Roll them into balls and place on your prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Add Sparkle

Roll each dough ball lightly in sanding sugar or sprinkle with edible glitter for a sparkling finish.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to set. The centers will look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid food coloring can make the dough too sticky.

What if I can’t find cotton candy flavoring?

You can substitute with a bit of vanilla or almond extract. It won’t be the same, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for a month. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I keep the colors from blending too much?

Avoid over-mixing the colored doughs. Lightly press them together to keep the swirled effect distinct.

Can I make them without the glitter or sugar topping?

Absolutely. The cookies are still tasty and colorful without the sparkle, but the glitter adds that magical touch.

Are these cookies suitable for mailing?

Yes, they hold up well when packed in layers with parchment between each. Choose a snug container to prevent breakage.

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