Cotton candy cupcakes are the perfect dessert for anyone looking to add a bit of magic and fun to their celebration. With their light, fluffy texture and the iconic flavor of carnival cotton candy, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or just indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Cotton candy for topping
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes will bake evenly and be easy to remove.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 1 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent, ensuring the cupcakes rise perfectly.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a tender crumb in your cupcakes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture for a smoother batter. If you want an extra burst of sweetness, add cotton candy flavoring at this stage.
Bake to Perfection:
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Frost and Top:
Once cooled, frost your cupcakes with your favorite frosting. Top with fluffy cotton candy just before serving to add a fun and colorful touch.
Serving Tips:
Timing: Serve the cupcakes as soon as you top them with cotton candy to ensure the topping stays light and fluffy. Cotton candy tends to absorb moisture and can melt if left out too long.
Presentation: Arrange the cupcakes on a colorful or themed cake stand for an eye-catching display. You can add pastel sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosting to enhance the whimsical appearance.
Flavor Pairings: These cupcakes pair wonderfully with light beverages like lemonade, fruit punch, or cotton candy-flavored soda to complement the sweet, airy flavors.
Storage Tips:
Without Cotton Candy Topping: Store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once frosted, they can be refrigerated for 3 days, but wait to add the cotton candy until just before serving.
With Frosting: If already frosted but without the cotton candy, the cupcakes can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: To make them in advance, freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Related Recipes:
- Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cotton Candy Cake
- Cotton Candy Cheesecake
FAQs:
Can I make cotton candy cupcakes without cotton candy flavoring?
Yes, you can! The cupcakes will still be delicious with just the vanilla extract. The cotton candy flavoring is optional, but it adds a nostalgic, carnival-like taste. You can also add a touch of almond or raspberry extract for a different flavor twist.
How far in advance can I add the cotton candy topping?
Cotton candy should be added just before serving to keep it from melting or dissolving. If it sits on the frosting for too long, it will absorb moisture and lose its fluffiness.
Can I use a boxed cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed vanilla or white cake mix and follow the package instructions. Add cotton candy flavoring to the batter if you want that extra carnival flavor.
How do I store the leftover cupcakes with cotton candy?
If the cupcakes already have the cotton candy topping, it’s best to enjoy them immediately. For leftovers without cotton candy, store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh cotton candy before serving.
Conclusion:
Add a bit of whimsy to your dessert table with these magical cotton candy cupcakes! With their light and fluffy texture, plus a playful topping of cotton candy, they’ll be the highlight of any gathering.
📖 Recipe:
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Cotton Candy Cupcakes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the whimsy of Cotton Candy Cupcakes! These fluffy, fun, and easy-to-make cupcakes bring the nostalgic flavor of cotton candy to your dessert table. Perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or any celebration, these cupcakes feature a soft vanilla base with optional cotton candy flavoring and are topped with a cloud of real cotton candy. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
Cotton candy flavoring (optional)
Cotton candy for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Add cotton candy flavoring if desired.
- Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. Frost with your favorite frosting and top with cotton candy just before serving.
Notes
Cotton Candy Flavoring: Optional but adds an authentic carnival flavor. You can substitute it with almond or raspberry extract for a unique twist.
Cotton Candy Topping: Add just before serving to prevent it from melting into the frosting.
Storage: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 3 days if frosted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cupcakes
