Description
This Cotton Candy Frosting recipe creates a fluffy, sweet, and colorful frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made with creamy butter, powdered sugar, and flavored with a unique cotton candy essence, this versatile frosting adds a nostalgic carnival touch to your baked goods with an optional pastel pink or blue hue.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cotton candy flavoring (available at baking supply stores or online)
- 1-2 drops food coloring (optional, for pastel pink or blue color)
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all sugar is added, increase speed to medium and beat until fully combined.
- Add Cream and Flavoring: Add the heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency (thicker for piping, thinner for spreading). Then, add the cotton candy flavoring and beat until incorporated.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you’d like to achieve the classic cotton candy look, add 1-2 drops of food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Start with a tiny amount and adjust until you reach your desired shade.
- Frost and Serve: Once your frosting is fluffy and well-mixed, it’s ready to use! Frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies with a spatula or piping bag. Let it set for a few minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the butter is softened but not melted.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity to achieve desired sweetness and thickness.
- The frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and rewhip before use.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the consistency of the frosting.
- Cotton candy flavoring is available online or in specialty baking stores; use sparingly as a little goes a long way.
