Description
Welcome to a world of sweet nostalgia! If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your baking, these Cotton Candy Cookies are the perfect treat. Infused with vibrant colors and a hint of sugary sweetness, they capture the essence of cotton candy in a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Whether you’re planning a party or just want to indulge in something whimsical, these cookies are bound to bring smiles and spark joy!
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 (you can substitute with 1/4 cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (pink and blue)
- Cotton candy flavoring (optional, for an added burst of that nostalgic cotton candy flavor)
Feel free to swap the buttermilk with any plant-based milk if you’re making a dairy-free version. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt through the flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for giving your cookies the perfect texture.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Divide and Color the Dough
Split the dough into two equal parts. In one bowl, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring, and in the other, add blue gel food coloring. Mix each portion of dough until the colors are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Form the Cotton Candy Cookies
Take a small amount of pink dough and a small amount of blue dough, roll them together into a ball, and gently swirl them to create a cotton candy effect. Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow them to spread as they bake.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want to overbake these delicate cookies.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, serve and enjoy these delightful treats!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use gel food coloring: Gel coloring provides more vibrant shades than liquid food coloring and won’t alter the dough’s texture.
- Chill the dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chilling it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes will make it easier to work with.
- Swirl, don’t mix: When combining the pink and blue doughs, gently swirl them to create a fun cotton candy look. Avoid overmixing, which will blend the colors too much.