Cotton Candy Cookies
These cookies are soft, pillowy, and have a nostalgic cotton candy flavor that brings out the inner child in everyone — my husband included. He’s not typically a cookie person, but after one bite, he raised an eyebrow, smiled, and reached for a second. That’s when I knew we had a winner.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, even with little ones helping. It’s one bowl, no chill time, and the dough is so forgiving — perfect for tiny hands to scoop and roll. The pastel pink color adds a touch of whimsy, making them ideal for birthday parties, baby showers, or just a fun surprise in your kid’s lunchbox.
The texture is what makes these cookies stand out. They’re soft with a melt-in-your-mouth finish and just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite feels like a cloud — light, airy, and happy. And let me tell you: they don’t last long in our kitchen!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use a different flavor instead of cotton candy?
Yes! Try vanilla, strawberry, or even bubblegum extract for a fun twist.
Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
Most craft stores like Michaels or baking supply shops carry it, or you can find it online.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They stay soft for days in an airtight container. You can even freeze the dough balls and bake as needed.
Are they overly sweet?
Not at all. They’re sweet like any sugar cookie, with just a hint of that classic cotton candy flavor.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring works great and actually gives a more vibrant color without altering the texture.
What You Need to Make Cotton Candy Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Pink gel food coloring (optional, but recommended)
Tools Needed:
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Cookie scoop
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
How to Make Cotton Candy Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs and flavoring. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cotton candy extract.
Add color. Mix in a few drops of pink gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients.
Scoop dough. Use a cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9–11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft. Do not overbake!
Cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Best Cotton Candy Cookies
Use softened butter, not melted. This helps maintain the perfect cookie texture.
Don’t overmix the dough. Once the flour goes in, mix just until combined.
Gel food coloring is best. It gives that lovely cotton candy pink without thinning out your dough.
Let them rest. They’ll continue to set on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
Want a twist? Add white chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness and texture.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a HUGE hit at my daughter’s birthday party! So easy to make and absolutely adorable.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super soft and cute. I’d love a bit more cotton candy flavor next time, but still delish!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made these on a whim for a girls’ night — gone in minutes. Tastes like a childhood memory!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect texture and not too sweet. My kids helped make them and had a blast!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good recipe, but mine came out a little flat — I think my butter was too soft. Still tasty though!”
Printable Recipe
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Cotton Candy Cookies
Whimsical and soft, these Cotton Candy Cookies are a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a nostalgic flavor twist, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just a little weekday pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Pink gel food coloring (optional, but recommended)
- Tools Needed:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and flavoring. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cotton candy extract.
- Add color. Mix in a few drops of pink gel food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients.
- Scoop dough. Use a cookie scoop to drop balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look soft. Do not overbake!
- Cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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