Name: Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pink food coloring; Blue food coloring; Purple food coloring; ½ cup sanding sugar (optional, for coating)

Soft, colorful, and sprinkled with sparkle, Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies are a dreamy treat that brings whimsical fun to your dessert table. These sugar cookies swirl with pastel pinks, purples, and blues, echoing the sweet nostalgia of cotton candy at the fair. But don’t be fooled by their playful appearance—these cookies deliver rich vanilla flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or just a Saturday baking project, these cookies aren’t just gorgeous to look at—they’re delicious, too. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and coated with sugar crystals that add a subtle crunch. Get ready to brighten someone’s day with every bite.

What Makes These Cotton Candy Cookies So Fluffy?

The secret is in the combination of cream cheese and butter. Cream cheese gives the dough extra moisture and tenderness, while butter brings that classic cookie richness. A touch of cornstarch helps maintain that pillow-soft texture without spreading too much during baking. And let’s not forget the magic of pastel food coloring to give each cookie its cotton candy swirl.

Ingredients for the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie that gives it structure while keeping things light.

Baking powder – Essential for lift, this helps the cookies puff up into fluffy rounds.

Cornstarch – Adds tenderness and prevents the cookies from becoming too dense.

Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Unsalted butter – Brings richness and helps the cookies spread just right.

Cream cheese – The key to softness and a slightly tangy flavor that cuts the sweetness.

Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the edges crisp just slightly.

Egg – Binds everything together and contributes to structure and moisture.

Vanilla extract – For a smooth, warm base flavor.

Food coloring (pink, blue, purple) – Gives the signature pastel cotton candy look.

Sanding sugar – Optional, but adds sparkle and texture to the cookie tops.

How To Make the Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the sugar and continue beating until light.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 4: Color and Swirl the Dough

Divide the dough into three equal parts. Tint each portion with a different food coloring: one pink, one blue, and one purple. Swirl them together by gently kneading the colors, being careful not to overmix and muddle the shades.

Step 5: Shape and Coat

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in sanding sugar if using, then place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops no longer look wet. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Serving and Storing These Colorful Cookies

Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies are at their best when served fresh, still slightly warm, and paired with a glass of cold milk or vanilla almond milk. Their vibrant appearance makes them perfect for themed parties or dessert platters.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temp for 15 minutes before enjoying.

What to Serve With Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies?

Vanilla Milkshake

The ultimate sweet pairing. A frosty vanilla milkshake balances the soft cookie texture with cold creaminess.

Fresh Berry Salad

A mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries adds a fresh, slightly tart contrast.

Lemonade or Pink Drink

A refreshing citrus drink or something with coconut milk to complement the pastel vibes.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Add elegance and extra sweetness by serving the cookies with a white chocolate drizzle or dipping sauce.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Take two cookies and sandwich them with your favorite ice cream for a fun dessert.

If you love these Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies, explore more playful and indulgent options from Savor Queen:

Try the Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies for berry bliss.
Our Salted Caramel Cupcakes offer sweet and salty satisfaction.
Bake a batch of Chocolate Cherry Cookies for a tart and rich combination.
Indulge in Condensed Milk Snow Cookies if you love soft and buttery bites.
For a fruity twist, try the Raspberry Cookies Recipe loaded with tangy raspberry flavor.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this magical cookie idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s right there when you need it next—perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or surprise treats.

Tried them with a splash of almond extract or a surprise candy center? Tell us your twist in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next colorful craving might be waiting there.

Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Bright, beautiful, and blissfully soft, these Fluffy Cotton Candy Cookies are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Inspired by the whimsy of fairground sweets, they swirl vibrant pastel hues with a melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie base. These easy cookies are perfect for a quick dessert, birthday celebration, or a fun weekend bake with the kids. With a rich vanilla flavor, delicate crunch from sparkling sugar, and colors that pop, they’re one of those easy recipes that instantly become food ideas you’ll want to revisit. Whether you’re searching for a creative snack, easy dessert, or fun baking project, these cookies deliver on color, flavor, and joy.