Name: Cotton Candy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring; Pink food coloring; Blue food coloring; 1 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These cotton candy cookies are soft, colorful, and full of nostalgic flavor. With pastel hues and that unmistakable cotton candy taste, these cookies are a fun and whimsical treat perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime I want to satisfy a sweet craving with something unique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fun these cookies are to make. The texture is perfectly soft with a slight chew, and the flavor brings back all the memories of county fairs and summer carnivals. They’re also a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, I can customize the colors to match any celebration or theme. Whether it’s a baby shower, birthday, or just a Tuesday, these cookies always bring a smile.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Cotton candy flavoring
Pink and blue food coloring
White chocolate chips or candy melts (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven and lining my baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another large bowl, I cream the butter and sugars together until fluffy.
I add in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cotton candy flavoring.
Gradually, I mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
I divide the dough into two bowls and color one half pink and the other blue.
I take small pieces from each color, press them together lightly, and roll them into balls for a swirl effect.
At this point, I like to fold in white chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
I place the cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet and bake until the edges are just set.
After cooling for a few minutes on the sheet, I transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. The total prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of 10 to 12 minutes per batch. I always let them cool for about 10 minutes afterward before serving.

Variations

If I want an extra pop of flavor, I sometimes mix in a few drops of vanilla or almond extract alongside the cotton candy flavoring. For a crunchier texture, I’ve added sprinkles or sanding sugar on top before baking. I also love using different pastel colors depending on the occasion—lavender and mint green make a beautiful spring version.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

What does cotton candy flavoring taste like?

Cotton candy flavoring has a sweet, slightly fruity taste that reminds me of spun sugar from the fair. It’s subtle but definitely recognizable and gives the cookies their fun twist.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s also freezer-friendly if I want to prep even further in advance.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, I don’t have to, but the pink and blue swirls really bring the cotton candy theme to life. If I skip the coloring, the flavor still shines through.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

I’ve found that butter gives the best texture and flavor. Margarine can be used in a pinch, but it might make the cookies spread more and change the taste slightly.

What’s the best way to get a strong cotton candy flavor?

I make sure to use a good quality cotton candy flavoring and add just enough to be noticeable without overpowering. I taste the dough to get it just right before baking.

Conclusion

These cotton candy cookies are soft, sweet, and filled with charm. I love how they turn a simple dessert into something playful and memorable. Whether I'm baking for kids or indulging my inner child, this recipe always delivers fun in every bite.

Cotton Candy Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Soft, colorful cookies with a nostalgic cotton candy flavor, perfect for parties and special occasions.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in cotton candy flavoring.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Divide dough into two bowls; add pink food coloring to one and blue to the other, mixing until evenly colored.
Take small pieces of each colored dough, press together lightly, and roll into balls to create a swirl effect.
Optional: Fold in white chocolate chips or candy melts for extra sweetness.
Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.