Cotton Candy Cupcakes
Soft, airy cupcakes infused with cotton candy flavor, topped with rich, creamy frosting for a delightful carnival treat.
Ingredients
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder the secret to fluffy cupcakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened providing a rich base
- 1 cup granulated sugar sparkling crystals that sweeten the mix
- 2 large eggs adding richness and moisture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract a classic flavor enhancer
- 1/2 cup whole milk ensuring tenderness
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring the quintessential essence of fair-like sweetness
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for a rich frosting base
- 4 cups powdered sugar for frosting texture
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream for smoothness
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring to enhance frosting flavor
- pink food coloring (optional) for a playful pop of color
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Divide the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each two-thirds full.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and cotton candy flavoring, mixing until smooth.
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost generously and add sprinkles or candy floss if desired.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light and let them cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Variations can include using whole wheat flour or alternate flavorings like strawberry.