Description

These fun and whimsical cotton candy cupcakes are a sweet treat that brings a touch of nostalgia to any celebration. With a light, fluffy cotton candy flavor baked right into the cupcake and topped with a cotton candy frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, carnivals, or just a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring or cotton candy extract (optional)
1/2 cup milk

For the Cotton Candy Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cotton candy flavoring or cotton candy extract (optional)
A few drops of pink or blue food coloring
Cotton candy for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring (if using).
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fill cupcake liners: 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.
Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and continue beating until fluffy.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring (if using). Beat until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe or spread the frosting onto the cupcakes. Garnish with cotton candy or sprinkles if desired.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Cotton candy extract can be found at specialty baking stores or online, but it’s optional. You can omit it if you prefer a more traditional vanilla flavor.

These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.