Description
Delight in these whimsical Cotton Candy Cupcakes, featuring a moist vanilla base infused with optional cotton candy flavoring and topped with a cloud of fluffy cotton candy. Perfect for parties or a fun dessert treat, these cupcakes combine classic flavors with a playful twist.
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract for aromatic sweetness.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture and the whole milk to the wet ingredients in alternating portions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. If using, stir in the cotton candy flavoring to infuse the batter with a fun, sweet twist.
- Fill and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared 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 frosted with your favorite frosting, top each cupcake with a small amount of cotton candy just before serving to maintain the fluffy texture.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For best cotton candy flavor, add the flavoring gradually to avoid overpowering the batter.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container to keep cotton candy fresh, adding the cotton candy topping just before serving.
- Try a light vanilla or cream cheese frosting to complement the cotton candy flavor.
