Name: Cotton Candy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour); ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ tsp cotton candy flavoring (LorAnn or similar); ½ tsp vanilla extract; Pink and blue food coloring (gel preferred); Optional: sprinkles, edible glitter, or sanding sugar for decoration

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re not only delicious but also so much fun to make. The cotton candy flavoring gives them a unique twist, while the soft centers and chewy edges keep them irresistibly good. I can tint the dough with pastel food coloring to make them extra eye-catching, which makes them especially great for birthdays or themed gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
egg
vanilla extract
cotton candy flavoring (or extract)
food coloring (optional, pastel pink and blue for effect)
optional: cotton candy sprinkles or white chocolate chips

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, I cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
I beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring.
I slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
If I want a colorful look, I divide the dough into two bowls, tint one pink and one blue, then gently swirl them together.
I scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
I bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers are soft.
I let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 8–10 minutes to bake, for a total of about 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I fold in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or add pastel sprinkles for a festive touch. If I want more dramatic colors, I swirl three shades instead of two. I’ve also tried making sandwich cookies by filling them with cotton candy-flavored frosting.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—I place them in a freezer-safe bag and keep them for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, I reheat one in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

FAQs

Do these cookies actually taste like cotton candy?

Yes, with cotton candy flavoring or extract, the cookies capture that sweet, nostalgic flavor.

Can I use real cotton candy in the cookies?

I don’t recommend it because it melts into nothing, but I can use cotton candy sprinkles on top.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it in scoops for quick baking later.

Do I need food coloring?

No, the flavor is what makes them special. The colors are just for fun and presentation.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and they turn out great.

Conclusion

These cotton candy cookies are a sweet, playful twist on a classic favorite. They’re chewy, colorful, and packed with nostalgic flavor that always brings a smile. Whether I’m baking them for kids, a party, or just myself, they’re a delightful treat that feels as magical as a trip to the fair.

Cotton Candy Cookies