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Delicious cotton candy cookies with colorful sprinkles on a plate

Cotton Candy Cookies

Delightfully colorful cotton candy cookies that bring the carnival spirit into your kitchen with a sweet, nostalgic flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Carnival
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cookies.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cookies rise.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda Aids in leavening.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness.
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk Moisture; can substitute with milk and lemon juice.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor.
  • Gel food coloring (pink and blue) For color.
  • Cotton candy flavoring (optional) Enhances cotton candy flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until no streaks of flour remain.
  6. Divide the dough into two portions. Mix blue gel food coloring into one portion and pink into the other until evenly distributed.
Cooking
  1. Using a cookie scoop, portion out marbled dollops of pink and blue dough into a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each cookie.
  2. Air fry the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear soft.
  3. Allow the cookies to cool on the air fryer basket for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for future snacking. Experiment with different extracts or add chocolate chips for variations.