Directions:
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step ensures a soft and tender cookie texture.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Incorporate the Cotton Candy Flavor:
Gently fold in the crushed cotton candy-flavored candies or melted candy melts. For a fun, colorful twist, divide the dough into two bowls. Tint one half with pink food coloring and the other with blue.
Create the Swirl Effect:
Take small portions of pink and blue dough, gently rolling them together to create a marbled, swirled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the distinct colors.
Scoop and Bake:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these whimsical treats fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Tips:
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
For extra fun, sprinkle the cookies with edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving!
