Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe You’ll Love Forever

There’s something magical about the soft, fluffy texture of cotton candy that makes it a nostalgic favorite for many. Now, imagine that cotton candy sweetness transformed into a delicious, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite. This Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe will transport you back to those carefree carnival days, while adding a colorful twist to your cookie jar. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just a fun baking project with kids, these pastel cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat!

Key Benefits

This cotton candy cookie recipe brings the whimsical sweetness of cotton candy into a deliciously chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treat. The vibrant pastel colors and the nostalgic flavor are bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

• Nostalgic Flavor: With the signature sweetness of cotton candy, these cookies bring back memories of fairgrounds and summer fun.

• Fun for the Whole Family: A simple yet exciting baking project, perfect for families to bond over in the kitchen.

• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust the flavors and colors to match the occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy afternoon snack.

• Festive and Vibrant: These cookies are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. The pastel colors make them a perfect fit for any celebration.

Ingredients For Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these fun, pastel-colored cotton candy cookies and the dreamy cotton candy buttercream that brings it all together:

Cotton Candy Cookies Sandwiches

• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1/4 cup buttermilk

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon JRC Liquid Cotton Candy* or cotton candy flavoring

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 drop soft pink gel food coloring

• 1 drop sky blue gel food coloring

Cotton Candy Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 2 teaspoons JRC Liquid Cotton Candy* or cotton candy flavoring

• 1 drop soft pink gel food coloring

• 1 drop sky blue gel food coloring

How to Make Cotton Candy Sandwich Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the sugar and butter on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

• In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and cotton candy flavoring. With the mixer on low, gradually add this buttermilk mixture to the butter-sugar mix, stirring until well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix for another 15-30 seconds.

• Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder, mixing on low until just incorporated. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of buttermilk at a time until it’s scoopable.

Step 2: Add the Colors

• Divide the dough into two bowls. In one, add a drop of soft pink gel food coloring, and in the other, add a drop of sky blue gel food coloring. Mix the dough by hand or knead gently until the colors are evenly distributed, but be careful not to overwork it.

• Gently swirl the pink and blue doughs together in one bowl to create a marble effect without over-mixing.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

• Use a 1-1/2 inch scoop to portion out dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.

• Flatten each scoop of dough slightly with the base of your palm to form round discs about 2-1/2 inches in diameter.

• Bake for 6 minutes or until the edges start to brown. If your cookies aren’t quite done, you can bake them for an additional 3-4 minutes (my batch required 10 minutes). Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Buttercream

• In the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the butter for 2 minutes until soft and fluffy.

• Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

• Add the cotton candy flavoring and beat for another minute until fully incorporated.

• Divide the buttercream evenly into two bowls. Color one with soft pink gel food coloring and the other with sky blue food coloring. Mix until the colors are smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

• Transfer the buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (No. 8B). Pipe a generous amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie, starting from the center and spiraling outward, leaving a small border.

• Top with another cookie, flat side down, and gently press to form a sandwich. The buttercream will spread to the edges.

• Refrigerate the cookie sandwiches for about 30 minutes to set the buttercream and make them easier to handle.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Sugar Roll: For an extra burst of sweetness, roll your cookie dough in colored sugar before baking to add a sparkly finish.

• Flavor Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or candy pieces for a delicious crunch.

• Color Variations: Experiment with different cotton candy flavors like blue raspberry or pink vanilla to suit your party theme.

Serving Suggestions

These pastel cookies are perfect for any celebration. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Pair with Milk: Serve these cotton candy sandwich cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories.

• Cookie Platter: Arrange these colorful cookies on a festive platter for a fun and eye-catching addition to your party table.

• Coffee Break: These cookies also make a great pairing with a hot cup of coffee, giving your coffee break a delightful twist.

Conclusion

Cotton candy cookies bring a fun and whimsical touch to any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and nostalgic sweetness, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, family gathering, or just treating yourself, these cookies are a sweet reward that everyone will enjoy.

FAQs

This cotton candy cookie recipe is the perfect combination of sweet nostalgia and modern flair, offering a fun way to treat yourself and your loved ones. Happy baking!