If you’re a fan of Crumbl Cookies and you love nostalgic flavors, then these Cotton Candy Crumbl Cookies are a must-try! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet cotton candy flavor. With vibrant pink and blue swirls, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
- Cotton candy sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Flavorings
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring, and mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 5: Add Food Coloring (Optional)
- Divide the dough into two equal portions if you want to add color.
- Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one portion and blue food coloring to the other. Mix each portion until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Gently swirl the pink and blue doughs together for a fun marbled effect.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll them into balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Once the cookies are cool, garnish with cotton candy sprinkles or sanding sugar for a fun finishing touch.
- Enjoy your Cotton Candy Crumbl Cookies with a glass of milk or share them with friends and family!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them as a dessert at parties, bake sales, or enjoy them as a sweet treat anytime.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Cotton Candy Flavoring: If you can’t find cotton candy flavoring, you can substitute with other flavor extracts, like bubblegum or strawberry.
- Colorful Swirls: If you want the colors to be vibrant, use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “For super soft cookies, take them out of the oven when they still look a little underbaked. They’ll continue to set as they cool.”
- Christina Tosi (Milk Bar): “Add a little cornstarch to your cookie dough for an extra soft and tender texture.”
- Duff Goldman (Charm City Cakes): “For evenly baked cookies, chill your cookie dough balls in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
4. What if I don’t have cotton candy flavoring?
You can skip the cotton candy flavoring or replace it with vanilla, almond, or another fruity extract of your choice.
5. How can I make the cookies chewier?
Adding a tablespoon of honey or corn syrup can help make the cookies chewier.
6. Why did my cookies spread too much?
Make sure your butter wasn’t too warm, and chill the dough if you find that it’s too soft.
7. Can I add more mix-ins?
Yes! Try adding white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or small candy pieces to the dough.
8. Can I use natural food coloring?
Natural food coloring can work, but it might not be as vibrant as synthetic food coloring.
9. How can I make the cookies thicker?
Use slightly colder dough, or increase the amount of flour by a few tablespoons.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
With these tips and step-by-step directions, you’ll have soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet Cotton Candy Crumbl Cookies ready in no time! Happy baking!
