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
