Name: Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons cotton candy flavoring extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk; Pink food coloring; Blue food coloring; 1/4 cup sprinkles optional

Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly brings out your inner kid. Soft, pastel-colored, and lightly sweet with that nostalgic carnival flavor, these cookies feel like something straight out of a summer fair. They are pillowy in the center with slightly crisp edges, and every bite melts into a swirl of vanilla and cotton candy magic.

What makes these cookies truly special is their texture. They are light and airy yet rich enough to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you are baking for a birthday party, baby shower, holiday dessert table, or just a cozy weekend at home, Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies always stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies Recipe

These cookies are soft, colorful, and full of personality. The cotton candy flavoring gives them a fun twist without being overpowering. The dough comes together easily with simple pantry staples, making them perfect for beginner bakers and experienced home cooks alike. They bake up thick and tender, and the pastel swirls make them look bakery worthy without any complicated decorating.

They are also incredibly versatile. You can add sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or even a light glaze on top to match any celebration theme.

What Flavoring Works Best for Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies?

The key to getting that classic carnival taste is using a high quality cotton candy flavoring extract. Look for one that is concentrated so you only need a small amount to achieve that sweet spun sugar flavor. You can usually find it in baking supply stores or online. If you cannot find cotton candy extract, a blend of vanilla and a tiny drop of raspberry extract can give a similar sweet, nostalgic effect.

Ingredients for the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

These Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies use simple baking ingredients combined with cotton candy flavoring to create their signature taste and texture.

All-purpose flour provides the structure and keeps the cookies soft yet stable.
Baking powder helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Unsalted butter adds richness and keeps the texture tender.
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Eggs bind everything together and add moisture.
Cotton candy flavoring extract gives the cookies their signature carnival flavor.
Vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness with a warm base note.
Milk adds softness and keeps the dough smooth.
Pink and blue food coloring create the classic cotton candy look.
Sprinkles add extra fun texture and color if desired.

How To Make the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

Making Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies is simple and fun, especially when you get to swirl the colors together.

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside so it is ready to combine with the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create the soft texture the cookies are known for.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Mix in the eggs one at a time. Add the cotton candy flavoring and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Pour in the milk and mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.

Step 5: Color the Dough

Divide the dough evenly into two bowls. Tint one portion pink and the other blue. Gently swirl small portions of each color together without fully blending to create a marbled effect.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop rounded portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving and Storing Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

This recipe makes about 24 medium cookies, perfect for serving 8 to 10 people depending on portion size. They are ideal for parties, lunchbox treats, or colorful dessert platters.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them extra soft, place a small slice of bread in the container. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

What to Serve With Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies?

Vanilla Milkshakes

A thick vanilla milkshake pairs beautifully with the sweet cotton candy flavor.

Fresh Strawberries

The natural freshness of strawberries balances the sweetness of the cookies.

White Hot Chocolate

Warm white hot chocolate creates a cozy contrast to the playful flavor.

Birthday Cake Ice Cream

For a full celebration vibe, serve these cookies with a scoop of birthday cake ice cream.

Lemonade

A cold glass of lemonade adds a refreshing citrus note alongside the sugary cookies.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip pieces of the cookies into melted white or milk chocolate for a fun dessert board idea.

If you love these Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies, you might also enjoy trying some of these sweet favorites:

Take a look at these classic https://miaplates.com/chocolate-chip-cookies/ for a timeless treat everyone loves.

If you enjoy nutty flavors, these https://miaplates.com/thick-and-chewy-peanut-butter-cookies/ are rich and satisfying.

For a bite sized dessert, try these https://miaplates.com/irresistible-peanut-butter-truffles/ that melt in your mouth.

You can also explore these fun and festive https://miaplates.com/bunny-butt-oreo-balls-recipe/ for special occasions.

And if you love gooey dessert bars, these https://miaplates.com/brown-butter-dulce-de-leche-rice-krispie-treats/ are packed with indulgent flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra sprinkles or try a swirl of white chocolate on top? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

Explore beautifully curated sweet treats and daily inspiration on Mia Recipes on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/amarieg309/ and discover your next favorite bake.