Cotton Candy Cookies Sweet Bites

Featured in: Sweet Treat Fix

These cotton candy cookies offer a playful twist, combining the nostalgic sweetness of carnival treats with soft, chewy goodness. Made with all-purpose flour, brown sugar for caramel notes, and a hint of cotton candy flavoring, each bite brings fun and color to any gathering. Add pastel food coloring or sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfect for parties, picnics, or simply bringing a smile on a quiet afternoon, these cookies are easy to make and sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy warm from the oven or freeze for a quick treat any time.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:06:00 GMT
Fluffy cotton candy cookies topped with colorful sprinkles on a baking sheet.  Pin It
Fluffy cotton candy cookies topped with colorful sprinkles on a baking sheet. | fordish.com

Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Cotton Candy Cookies? If not, youre in for a delightful treat! I first stumbled upon this whimsical recipe at a summer fair, where the aroma of fresh-baked cookies mingled with the sweet, sugary scent of cotton candy. I was instantly hooked! The idea of combining the nostalgia of carnival fare with the comforting hug of a cookie was simply irresistible.

These cookies not only taste delightful, but they bring back childhood memories with every bite. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a fun afternoon at home, I promise these will become a family favorite! So, lets dive into this sweet adventure together! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, fluffy cookie that tastes just like cotton candy. It sounds dreamy, right? And the best part? Theyre surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

  • Flour: The backbone of our cookie dough! All-purpose flour gives perfect chewiness.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise for soft, cake-like texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter for rich taste and control over saltiness.
  • Sugar: Granulated and brown sugar add moisture and a caramel note.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • Cotton Candy Flavoring: The magical ingredient for that sweet taste.
  • Food Coloring (optional): Adds pastel fun—think pink or blue!
  • Sprinkles (optional): Festive pastel sprinkles complete the carnival feel.

Instructions

Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugars:
Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Egg & Flavor:
Mix in egg and cotton candy flavoring. Add food coloring if desired.
Combine:
Stir dry mixture into wet ingredients until just combined.
Add Sprinkles:
Gently fold in sprinkles if using.
Shape:
Scoop tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets, spacing evenly.
Bake:
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden, centers soft.
Cool:
Cool on baking sheets a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Indulge in whimsical cotton candy cookies adorned with soft pastel hues.  Pin It
Indulge in whimsical cotton candy cookies adorned with soft pastel hues. | fordish.com

I really hope you give these Cotton Candy Cookies a try! Share your creations with friends and family, theyll be delighted. And if youve got any fun variations of your own, Id love to hear about them! Happy baking!

A Sprinkle of Fun!

Feel free to experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond for a tasty twist. Every batch can have its own unique flair!

Is Cotton Candy Cookies Good for You?

Cotton Candy Cookies are a sweet treat to be enjoyed occasionally. With moderation, delight in the nostalgic flavors as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Servings

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself.

Delightful cotton candy cookies fresh from the oven, perfect for any celebration. Pin It
Delightful cotton candy cookies fresh from the oven, perfect for any celebration. | fordish.com

Every bite is a playful burst of fun and sweetness. Make these cookies part of your next celebration for extra smiles!

Recipe FAQs

What creates the cotton candy flavor?

Cotton candy flavoring extract is added to the dough to mimic the signature carnival sweetness.

Can I use regular butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred for better flavor control, allowing you to add salt separately if desired.

How do I make the cookies colorful?

Add pastel food coloring like pink or blue to the dough for a fun, festive look reminiscent of cotton candy.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

Pastel-colored sprinkles enhance the carnival vibe and add a playful crunch to every bite.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes, once cooled, freeze them in an airtight bag. Warm for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.

Are there alternatives to cotton candy flavor?

Vanilla or almond extract can be used for different flavor profiles and variety in each batch.

Cotton Candy Cookies Sweet Bites

Fluffy cookies with cotton candy flavor. A festive delight for parties, picnics, or cozy afternoons at home.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
32 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Result 24 Portion Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian Option

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
04 1 large egg
05 2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring

Decoration (optional)

01 Food coloring, a few drops
02 Colored sprinkles

Directions

Step 01

Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Add Egg and Flavoring: Mix in the egg and cotton candy flavoring until fully incorporated, then add food coloring if desired.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined and dough forms.

Step 06

Incorporate Sprinkles: Gently fold in colored sprinkles if using.

Step 07

Portion Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly to allow for spreading.

Step 08

Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and tops remain soft.

Step 09

Cooling: Cool cookies on the baking sheets for several minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Oven
  • Mixer (stand or handheld)
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 140
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 2 g