Description

These Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a whimsical and colorful treat perfect for birthdays or special occasions. The moist vanilla cupcakes are flavored with cotton candy extract and topped with swirls of pink and blue cotton candy frosting, creating a delightful carnival-inspired dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (or extract)
½ cup whole milk
Pink and blue gel food coloring

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cotton candy flavoring
Pink and blue food coloring
Cotton candy pieces (for garnish, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcake liners: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
Prepare the cupcake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and cotton candy flavoring. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour.
Color and bake the cupcakes: Divide the batter into two bowls. Tint one half pink and the other blue. Drop spoonfuls of each into the cupcake liners, alternating colors for a swirled effect. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the frosting: Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and cotton candy flavoring and beat until fluffy. Divide frosting in half and tint each pink and blue. Fill a piping bag with both colors side by side for a swirled effect. Frost cooled cupcakes and top with small pieces of cotton candy just before serving.

Notes

Cotton candy garnish should be added just before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
Cotton candy flavoring can be found online or in specialty baking stores.