Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cotton candy-flavored sugar (or regular sugar mixed with a few drops of cotton candy flavoring)
- Pink and blue food coloring (optional, for a festive look)
- ½ cup cotton candy, fluffed (for topping after baking)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough : In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Add Color : Divide the dough into two portions. Tint one half pink and the other blue using food coloring. Mix gently to avoid overworking the dough.
Chill : Shape each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Bake : Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough (mix colors for a marbled effect, if desired) and place them on the sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Top with Cotton Candy : As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a small amount of cotton candy onto each cookie. Let it melt slightly before serving.