Description
These Cotton Candy Cupcakes are a whimsical and delightful treat that brings the fun of the carnival right to your home. Moist and fluffy cotton candy-flavored cupcakes topped with a creamy cotton candy frosting and a sweet cotton candy garnish, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of magic.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional for effect)
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring extract
- Pinch of salt
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional)
- Cotton candy for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the cupcake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and cotton candy flavoring. Stir in the sour cream and milk until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Optionally, divide batter into two bowls, tinting one pink and the other blue, then swirl together in the cupcake liners for a cotton candy effect.
- Bake the cupcakes: Fill each liner two-thirds full and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, cotton candy extract, and salt until fluffy. Tint with pink and blue food coloring if desired.
- Decorate the cupcakes: Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and top each with a small tuft of cotton candy just before serving.
Notes
- Add the cotton candy garnish right before serving, as it will melt quickly on frosting.
- For extra fun, swirl pink and blue frosting together for a cotton candy look.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container without the cotton candy garnish.
