Cotton candy cupcakes

Bring a little magic to your dessert table with these whimsical Cotton Candy Cupcakes. Light, fluffy, and full of nostalgic flavor, they’re perfect for parties, birthdays, or any time you want a sweet treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. With soft pastel colors, cotton candy flavoring, and a swirl of dreamy frosting, these cupcakes are sure to delight kids and adults alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Playful & Pretty – Soft colors and fun toppings make these cupcakes a showstopper.
Unique Flavor – Sweet cotton candy essence in every bite.
Perfect for Celebrations – Ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or carnival-themed parties.
Easy to Make – Uses simple pantry ingredients and no fancy tools.
Customizable – Switch up the colors, decorations, or even the frosting style.

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 (or vanilla if preferred)
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2–3 drops pink food coloring
• 2–3 drops blue food coloring

For the Cotton Candy Frosting:

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

For Decoration:

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

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cupcake pan
• Piping bags and decorative tips
• Toothpicks (for swirling batter or color)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with pastel cupcake liners.

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the cotton candy flavoring.

Step 4: Add Milk and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. Begin and end with flour, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Color the Batter
Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl and blue food coloring to the other. Stir until the colors are well mixed.

Step 6: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon small dollops of each colored batter into the cupcake liners, alternating pink and blue.
Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors together for a cotton candy look (optional).

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

Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add cotton candy flavoring, cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
For swirled frosting, divide the frosting into two bowls, tint one pink and one blue.
Spoon side-by-side into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes in a high swirl.
Top with a small tuft of cotton candy just before serving (don’t add too early or it will melt).
Add sprinkles or glitter for extra sparkle.

Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Cupcakes
Don’t Overmix – Mix batter until just combined for fluffy cupcakes.
Use Gel Food Coloring – A little goes a long way and won’t alter texture.
Let Cupcakes Cool – Frosting on warm cupcakes will melt and slide off.
Pipe with Style – Use a star tip for those bakery-style swirls.
Add Cotton Candy Last – Place it just before serving so it stays fluffy.

Serving Suggestions
Birthday Parties – Add themed cupcake toppers or candle sticks.
Carnival Events – Pair with popcorn, caramel apples, and lemonade.
Baby Showers – Use pink or blue depending on the theme.
Dessert Tables – Mix and match with other pastel desserts for a beautiful spread.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days (without cotton candy garnish).
Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing:
Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and place in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
Cotton candy flavoring is available online or at specialty baking stores. You can also use vanilla or raspberry if preferred.

2. Can I use box cake mix?
Yes! Start with a white or vanilla boxed cake mix and mix in cotton candy flavoring and coloring for a shortcut version.

3. How do I make swirled frosting?
Tint separate batches of frosting and spoon them side-by-side into a piping bag for a two-tone swirl.

4. Can I make mini cupcakes instead?
Absolutely. Just reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes and check for doneness early.

5. Will the cotton candy melt on top?
Yes, it will melt if added too early. Add it right before serving for the best presentation.

Final Thoughts
These Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a dreamy, playful treat that brings a bit of carnival fun to any occasion. With their pastel swirls, light texture, and sweet cotton candy flavor, they’re sure to steal the show at your next party. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to brighten up your day, these cupcakes are pure joy in dessert form.

Give them a try and let the magic begin—don’t forget to tag your creations and leave a review. I’d love to see your beautiful bakes!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake):
Calories: 330 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 39g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 140mg

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