Description
These whimsical Cotton Candy Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with a subtle cotton candy flavor that delights both kids and adults. Perfectly moist and topped with a cloud of real cotton candy, they make a fun and festive treat for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 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)
Topping
- Cotton candy for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help provide a tender cupcake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and improve texture, then mix in the vanilla extract for fragrance and flavor.
- Combine ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently to combine; overmixing can make cupcakes tough. If using cotton candy flavoring, add it in this step to infuse the batter with its signature taste.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool and decorate: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting and top immediately with cotton candy just before serving to prevent it from melting.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly.
- If cotton candy flavoring is not available, the cupcakes will still taste delicious without it.
- Top cupcakes with cotton candy immediately before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
- These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; add cotton candy topping fresh when ready to serve.
- You can experiment with different frosting flavors like buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream for a complementary taste.
