Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a whimsical, pastel-colored treat that bring the sweet, nostalgic flavor of the fair into a fun-sized dessert. With fluffy vanilla cupcakes infused with cotton candy essence and topped with swirls of pastel buttercream, these cupcakes are perfect for parties, birthdays, or anytime I want to add a little magic to the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how playful and colorful these cupcakes are, and they taste just as amazing as they look. The cotton candy flavor is subtle and sweet, blending perfectly with the light, moist cupcake base. Whether I’m baking them for kids or adults, they always bring smiles and a bit of surprise.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cotton candy flavoring or extract
- Whole milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
- Butter (for the frosting)
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream or milk
- Additional cotton candy (for garnish, optional)
directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In one bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I beat in the eggs, vanilla, and cotton candy flavoring.
- I alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- I divide the batter evenly and tint one half pink and the other half blue. I spoon a bit of each color into each cupcake liner to create a swirl effect.
- I bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. I let them cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, I beat butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar, and then stir in cream and more cotton candy flavoring. I tint the frosting pastel colors and pipe it onto the cupcakes.
- I top each cupcake with a tuft of cotton candy just before serving (optional).
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 standard cupcakes. Prep time is around 20 minutes, and bake time is 18 to 22 minutes.
Variations
- I switch up the colors depending on the theme—lavender, mint, or yellow all look great.
- I use cotton candy-flavored frosting mix for an extra burst of flavor.
- I make mini cupcakes for party platters or bake a layer cake with the same batter.
- I top with sprinkles or edible glitter for added sparkle.
storage/reheating
I store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. I let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture. I add the cotton candy garnish just before serving, as it melts quickly with moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Yes, I can use a vanilla or white cake mix and add cotton candy flavoring and food coloring to save time.
Where do I find cotton candy flavoring?
I find it online or in baking supply stores. Brands like LorAnn offer strong, candy-like flavorings that work perfectly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I bake and frost them a day in advance, then add the cotton candy right before serving.
Can I make a dairy-free version?
I substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk and cream for the frosting.
Will the cotton candy on top melt?
Yes, it will eventually dissolve from moisture, so I always add it right before serving for the best presentation.
Conclusion
Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a colorful, dreamy dessert that brings fun and nostalgia to any occasion. With their light, airy texture and sweet carnival-inspired flavor, they’re always a hit. I love how easy they are to customize and how much joy they bring to every bite.
Cotton Candy Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 12 standard cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring the magic of the carnival home with these Cotton Candy Cupcakes—light, fluffy vanilla cupcakes infused with sweet cotton candy flavor and topped with swirled pastel buttercream. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or whimsical celebrations, these vibrant treats are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Garnish with real cotton candy for an unforgettable dessert!
Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp cotton candy flavoring or extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- Pink and blue food coloring
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp cotton candy flavoring (optional)
- Pink and blue food coloring
- Optional: cotton candy tufts, sprinkles, or edible glitter for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and cotton candy flavoring; mix well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter in half. Tint one half pink and the other blue. Spoon a bit of each color into each cupcake liner to create a swirl effect.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream and cotton candy flavoring. Tint with pastel colors and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
- Just before serving, garnish with tufts of cotton candy or sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use vanilla boxed cake mix and add cotton candy extract and food coloring.
- Switch up pastel shades to match any party theme.
- Top with edible glitter or shimmer dust for a magical effect.
- Add cotton candy garnish right before serving to prevent melting.
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