Pin it
This cotton candy-inspired cookie recipe transforms the beloved carnival treat into a chewy, sweet delight that brings fairground magic right to your kitchen. The beautiful pink and blue swirls create a whimsical appearance that makes these cookies as fun to look at as they are to eat.
I first made these for my niece's carnival-themed birthday party, and they disappeared faster than any other treat on the table. Now they're requested for every special occasion in our family.
Ingredients
- Salted butter: at room temperature gives these cookies their rich, tender texture and enhances the sweet flavor profile
- White sugar: provides the perfect sweetness level to complement the cotton candy extract
- Large egg: adds structure and helps bind the cookie dough together
- Cotton candy extract: the secret ingredient that delivers authentic fairground flavor without actual spun sugar
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect chewy cookie base when measured properly by spooning and leveling
- Baking powder: provides just enough lift without making the cookies too cakey
- Baking soda: works with the baking powder for the ideal rise and texture
- Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the cotton candy flavor
- Pink and blue food coloring: creates the signature cotton candy look with just a few drops needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Beat the room temperature butter and white sugar together until extremely light and fluffy, about 5 full minutes. This extended creaming time incorporates air into the batter for perfectly textured cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the egg and cotton candy extract until completely incorporated. The extract will immediately fill your kitchen with carnival scents.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even distribution of leavening agents throughout the dough.
- Create Cookie Base:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine thoroughly until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Colored Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and place in separate bowls. Add pink food coloring to one portion and blue to the other, starting with just a few drops for a pastel effect and mixing thoroughly to distribute the color.
- Create Marble Effect:
- Take small chunks from each colored dough and gently press them together into a ball. Break this ball apart and repress a few times to create beautiful swirls without fully blending the colors.
- Shape and Bake:
- Form generous 3 tablespoon balls of the marbled dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 12 minutes or until just slightly browned on the bottom.
- Cooling Period:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them. This final resting period helps set their structure for the perfect chewy texture.
Pin it
You Must Know
- These cookies maintain their vibrant colors even after baking
- The recipe yields approximately 18-20 cookies depending on your scoop size
- Cotton candy extract can be found in specialty baking stores or online retailers
My family's favorite thing about these cookies is how the cotton candy flavor intensifies on day two, making them even better than fresh from the oven. We often make a double batch just to ensure we have enough for the coveted next-day cookies.
Perfect Timing Secrets
The key to these cookies' perfect texture lies in the precise baking time. When you remove them from the oven, they should look slightly underdone in the center with just a hint of golden brown around the edges. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet, resulting in that perfect balance between crisp edge and chewy center that makes them irresistible.
Finding Cotton Candy Extract
Don't be discouraged if you can't find cotton candy extract at your local grocery store. This specialty item is readily available online from baking supply retailers and major shopping sites. In a pinch, you can substitute vanilla extract with a drop of each food coloring, though the authentic carnival flavor will be less pronounced. For true cotton candy enthusiasts, investing in the real extract is worth the effort.
Storage and Freshness
These cookies stay wonderfully soft for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The cotton candy flavor actually intensifies after the first day, making them perfect for make-ahead situations. For longer storage, the dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply portion the marbled dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
These fairground-inspired treats create an instant celebration when served alongside vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches. For an ultimate nostalgic dessert table, pair them with other carnival favorites like caramel corn or chocolate-dipped pretzels. The striking colors make them perfect for gender reveal parties, unicorn-themed birthdays, or baby showers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
- → How can I get vibrant swirls in the dough?
Add a few drops of pink and blue food coloring to separate dough portions and knead them gently together for a marbled effect.
- → What does cotton candy extract taste like?
Cotton candy extract provides a sweet, sugary flavor reminiscent of the classic carnival treat.
- → Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough in balls. Thaw slightly before baking for even results.
- → What other colors can I use for the dough swirls?
You can use any food coloring you like! Try pairing complementary or pastel colors for a unique look.