Description
A whimsical and fluffy cotton candy frosting that brings a nostalgic carnival flavor to your baked treats. This easy-to-make frosting combines creamy butter, sweet powdered sugar, and a hint of cotton candy flavoring, perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with a fun pastel 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
- Use room temperature butter for easy beating and smooth texture.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the frosting.
- Adjust heavy cream to achieve your preferred frosting consistency.
- Food coloring is optional but adds fun pastel colors reminiscent of cotton candy.
- This frosting pairs well with vanilla, funfetti, or light-flavored cakes.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; rewhip before using.
