Description
Bring the magic of a carnival to your kitchen with these whimsical cotton candy cookies! Their vibrant colors and nostalgic flavor make them perfect for parties, family treats, or a fun baking day. Soft, chewy, and delightful, these cookies are a treat for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (pink and blue, as needed)
- Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Divide and Color Dough:
- Split the dough into two equal portions.
- Add pink gel food coloring to one portion and blue gel food coloring to the other. Mix until evenly colored.
- Shape Cookies:
- Take small pieces of pink and blue dough, roll them together gently into a ball, and swirl slightly for a marbled effect.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for a soft texture.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy the vibrant, nostalgic sweetness!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar.
- Refrigerate sticky dough for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American