Cotton Candy Meringue Cookies

Aren’t these little cookies adorable?! They were so much fun, I couldn’t wait to share them with you. I know I’ve been on a total baking kick lately But in my defense, it is my forte. My craft drive is a little low at the moment. But with that said…I have lots of baking to share. Have you heard Duncan Hines is hosting a contest? They are hosting a recipe contes to celebrate the launch of their 12 new cupcake creation packets. As I have said before, I love the new packets! They are a quick and easy way of changing the flavor of countless foods, not just icing! I create flavors using anything from candy oils, syrup, to ice cream which isn’t always easy…these little packets make it a breeze.

After I shared these amazing cinnamon roll cupcakes I found out about the contest and thought why not enter the cupcakes I already made. I never enter contests…I don’t win anything EVER! A few days later my husband said why don’t you create something for all 12 flavors? I couldn’t let that challenge pass! So I have set out to create 12 fun creations using each one of the new Duncan Hines flavors!

Cotton candy is a tricky flavor. Although everybody loves cotton candy it doesn’t really mix well with chocolate, nuts, fruits, caramel…what does it really go with? So I decided it had to stand all by itself, meringue cookie style! I was so excited when I thought of this its light and melts in your mouth just like cotton candy. And I was able to swirl it a bit to add extra cuteness :)

Let me share a secret..I am was scared of meringue! It can be so tricky to work with no matter the form. I tried several attempts at this to get it perfect, I was determined. My favorite was TomKat studios Susie’s Lost Meringue Cookie recipe, which I simply added the flavor mix too and changed up the baking process a bit. Here’s how to make them!

You will need:
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
1 1/3 cup sugar
Duncan Hines Icing Creations Cotton Candy Packet

Turn oven on lowest temp possible. Mine has a “warm” setting I used about 150-170 degrees F.

Step 1: Seperate egg yolks from egg whites, let egg whites come to room temp.

Step 2: In electric mixer, or with a hand mixer beat egg whites until white and foamy.

Step 3: Add in salt and cream of tarter.

Step 4: Beat until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Set timer for 7 minutes. Beat on high the entire time. Very slowly add sugar taking the entire 7 minutes to do so.

Step 6: Add in cotton candy flavor packet. Beat 1 more minute.

Step 7: Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Using a large roung tip pipe cookies into small swirls no taller than 1 inch.

Step 9: In the middle of the oven bake for 1.5 hours. Then turn off the oven and let sit for a couple more hours.

I found the lowest temp possible was best. I was so determined I baked these 3 or 4 times trying different recipes and baking temps. They kept slightly browing on top, so frustrating! Finally the “warm” temp did the trick. And honestly, I’m not sure what temp that exactly is but the next step is 200 degrees. So just keep it low :)

The reciepe made about 4 dozen for me. We had a few toddler friends over the next day and they were GONE in a flash. (I think the adults enjoyed them just as much!) I will be whipping these up lots to stash away for the kids as a clean easy treat to take with places.These would be great at any kiddie gathering, and what about circus parties?! (one day I will convince my girls to have a circus party ;) )