🍬 Cotton Candy swirl Cookies 🎉
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
6 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Coloring:
Gel food coloring (various colors, such as pink, blue, and purple)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender texture in the finished cookies.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide and Color: Divide the cookie dough into equal portions (about 3–4 depending on how many colors you want). Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each portion, kneading gently until the color is evenly distributed. Use vibrant shades like pink, blue, and purple for an authentic cotton candy look.
Shape the Cookies: Roll small portions of dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently press down on each ball to flatten slightly.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, these colorful cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.