Cotton candy cupcakes

Add a burst of sweetness and whimsy to your dessert lineup with these Cotton Candy Cupcakes. Light, fluffy, and topped with a swirl of cotton candy-flavored frosting, these pastel beauties are a hit at birthday parties, baby showers, and carnival-themed gatherings. With their soft texture and nostalgic flavor, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fun & Festive – Perfect for celebrations and themed parties.
Unique Flavor – Sweet, airy cotton candy essence in each bite.
Vibrant Appearance – Swirls of pastel colors and fluffy toppings steal the show.
Easy to Make – No complex steps, just simple ingredients and easy mixing.
Customizable – Mix up colors or add fun decorations to match your theme.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cupcakes:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ tsp cotton candy flavoring
• ½ cup whole milk
• Pink and blue gel food coloring (optional for cotton candy swirl effect)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1½ tsp cotton candy flavoring
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• Pink and blue gel food coloring (optional for swirled look)
• Pinch of salt

For Topping (Optional):

• Small tufts of cotton candy (add just before serving)
• Sprinkles or edible glitter
• Cupcake liners in fun pastel colors

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Cupcake pan
• Paper cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag with star tip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the cotton candy flavoring.

Step 4: Add Milk and Dry Mix
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk.
Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Batter
Split the batter evenly into two bowls.
Add pink food coloring to one bowl and blue to the other. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6: Fill and Swirl
Spoon small scoops of each color into cupcake liners, alternating as you go.
Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors together for a cotton candy effect.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.
Add cotton candy flavoring, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt.
Divide into two bowls and tint one pink, the other blue.
Spoon each color side-by-side into a piping bag for a swirled frosting effect.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes in a swirl.
Top with cotton candy tufts, sprinkles, or glitter—just add cotton candy right before serving to avoid melting.

Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Cupcakes
Use Gel Food Coloring – It’s more vibrant and won’t alter the batter’s consistency.
Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense.
Let Cool Completely – Frost only when cupcakes are fully cooled.
Add Cotton Candy Last – It dissolves quickly, so garnish just before serving.
Store Without Toppers – Store frosted cupcakes in a container, but add cotton candy and sprinkles right before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Birthday Parties – Pair with a cotton candy punch or pastel candy buffet.
Baby Showers – Match the frosting color to the baby’s gender or theme.
Carnival-Themed Events – Serve alongside popcorn, funnel cakes, and lemonade.
Dessert Tables – Display with other pastel or rainbow desserts for a fun spread.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days, letting them come to room temperature before eating.

Freezing:
Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then freeze in a container.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before frosting.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—these cupcakes are best served at room temperature!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
Look for it at baking supply stores or online retailers. Brands like LorAnn make great cotton candy extracts.

2. Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes! The cupcakes will still taste delicious without the swirl—just skip the coloring.

3. Is there a boxed mix shortcut?
Yes! Use a white cake mix and add cotton candy flavoring and coloring for a semi-homemade option.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade frosting is fluffier and easier to flavor and color.

5. What else can I top them with?
Try marshmallows, mini lollipops, or pastel candy for fun alternatives to cotton candy.

Final Thoughts
These Cotton Candy Cupcakes are as whimsical as they are delicious. With a tender crumb, a sweet nostalgic flavor, and a swirl of dreamy frosting, they’re guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to brighten someone’s day, these cupcakes are a joyful, magical treat.

Try them out and share your creations—I’d love to see your colorful cupcakes and hear how they turned out!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 41g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 135mg

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