Cotton Candy Cupcakes
What can you get from the dollar store?
• Boxed white cake mix
• Cupcake liners
• Measuring cups
• Vegetable oil
• Plastic mixing bowls and utensils (optional)
• Sprinkles for decorating
Suggested stores for supplies and estimated cost:
• Dollar Tree – cake mix, oil, liners, sprinkles ($1.25 each)
• Walmart – cotton candy extract, gel food coloring ($1–$3 each)
• Michaels or Hobby Lobby – specialty edible glitter or color swirl kits (optional)
Detailed step x step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (or as directed on the cake mix box).
2. Line your muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners.
3. In a large bowl, combine 1 box of white cake mix, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Mix well until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly into two separate bowls.
5. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Stir each until the colors are evenly mixed.
6. Spoon a bit of pink batter into each cupcake liner, then a spoonful of blue batter on top (or vice versa). Repeat layers to create a cotton candy swirl effect.
7. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the two colors together in each cupcake for a marbled look.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Prepare a batch of vanilla or buttercream frosting and divide it into two bowls. Color one pink and the other blue.
11. Fill a piping bag with both colors side by side to create a two-tone swirl when piping.
12. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes.
13. Add sprinkles or edible glitter to finish the look.
Tips to save money:
• Use a dollar store cake mix and food coloring set.
• Make your own frosting using powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
• Skip edible glitter and use regular sprinkles if on a budget.
Description and suggested uses:
These cotton candy cupcakes are a perfect treat for birthday parties, gender reveals, baby showers, or spring-themed celebrations. The bright pink and blue colors add a fun visual pop, and they’re as delicious as they are pretty. Add cotton candy flavoring to the batter or frosting