Cotton Candy Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a whimsical, pastel-colored treat that captures the nostalgic sweetness of carnival cotton candy. With a light, fluffy vanilla cupcake base and a swirl of cotton candy-flavored frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a little extra fun and color.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

for the cupcakes
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
milk
pink and blue food coloring (optional)

for the frosting
unsalted butter (softened)
confectioners’ sugar
milk or heavy cream
cotton candy flavoring (or cotton candy extract)
pink and blue food coloring
cotton candy (for topping, optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.

Divide batter into two bowls. Tint one pink and the other blue.

Spoon alternating colors into each cupcake liner and swirl slightly with a toothpick for a marble effect.

Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar gradually, then mix in milk and cotton candy flavoring.

Divide frosting and tint pink and blue. Add both to a piping bag side-by-side for a dual swirl.

Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and top with small pieces of cotton candy just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 16–18 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use strawberry and blueberry extracts if you can’t find cotton candy flavoring.
Add edible glitter or sprinkles for extra fun.
Make mini cupcakes for party platters.
Use a boxed vanilla cake mix to save time.
Fill the cupcakes with cotton candy-flavored filling for a surprise center.

storage/reheating

Store cupcakes (without cotton candy topping) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Add cotton candy just before serving to prevent it from melting.
Do not freeze with cotton candy topping—freeze plain cupcakes and frost later.

FAQs

Where can I find cotton candy flavoring?
It’s available online or in baking specialty stores.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, but the colors enhance the cotton candy theme.

Will the cotton candy melt on the cupcakes?
Yes, it dissolves over time—add it just before serving.

Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, mix in cotton candy extract and color it to match.

Is the cupcake flavor cotton candy too?
The base is vanilla to complement the cotton candy frosting.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake and frost ahead, but add the cotton candy topping last minute.

Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, but the color may be softer and less vibrant.

Do they taste overly sweet?
They’re sweet but balanced with the vanilla base and airy texture.

Can I add a filling?
Yes, try a light marshmallow or cotton candy-flavored cream.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe scales well for larger batches.

Conclusion

Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a playful, pastel delight with swirled colors, sweet cotton candy frosting, and a festive flair. Perfect for parties and special celebrations, they bring a touch of magic to any dessert table. Bake a batch and enjoy a little taste of carnival fun in cupcake form.

Print