Delicious Crispy Cotton Candy Bombs

These crispy cotton candy cheesecake bombs are a fun and indulgent treat perfect for parties or whenever you want a playful dessert. They combine a creamy, fluffy cheesecake filling infused with a nostalgic cotton candy flavor inside a crunchy, golden fried dough shell that melts in your mouth. The surprise crunch and softness together make each bite truly special.

I first made these for a birthday get-together, and everyone could not stop raving about how fun and delicious they tasted. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want to wow guests with something unexpected.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: softened & the rich base for a smooth and creamy filling
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling without grittiness
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake flavor
• Cotton candy flavoring: brings the signature fluffy candy taste, look for pure or natural extracts for best results
• Whipped topping: lightens the filling making it airy and soft
• Heavy cream: contributes richness and helps achieve a luscious texture
• Biscuit dough package: convenient dough that crisps up beautifully when fried; ensure the dough is fresh for best puffiness
• All-purpose flour: used for dusting so dough doesn’t stick while rolling
• Vegetable oil: neutral frying oil that reaches high temperatures without smoking
• Granulated sugar: coats the fried bombs adding crunch and sweetness
• Cotton candy and powdered sugar: garnish for a whimsical presentation and extra sweetness

Instructions

Spoon and Chill the Filling:

Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cotton candy flavoring. Gently fold in whipped topping and heavy cream until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes until the filling firms up slightly and is easy to shape.

Roll Out the Dough:

Lightly dust your clean surface with flour to prevent sticking. Flatten each biscuit dough round until it is about one eighth of an inch thick using a rolling pin. This ensures the dough is thin enough to cook through but still thick enough to hold the filling securely.

Shape and Seal the Bombs:

Scoop one to two tablespoons of the chilled filling and roll it gently into a small ball. Place the filling ball in the center of one dough round. Fold the edges of the dough carefully over the filling, pinching them tightly to seal without gaps. Roll the sealed dough gently between your palms to form a smooth ball shape.

Heat Oil and Fry:

Fill a deep pot with vegetable oil and heat to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower the filled dough balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for one to two minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs, until each bomb is golden brown and crispy.

Drain and Coat:

Remove fried bombs from oil and drain on absorbent paper towels. While still warm but not hot, roll each bomb in granulated sugar, optionally mixed with a pinch of cotton candy flavoring for extra sweetness. Dust with powdered sugar and finish with a small tuft of cotton candy on top as a playful garnish. Serve immediately for the best contrast of textures.

The first time I made these, I underestimated how soft the filling would be before frying. It taught me the importance of chilling the mixture well so they don’t leak. Also, adding that final cotton candy garnish elevated the whimsy and made it the centerpiece dessert at the party.

Storage Tips

For best texture, enjoy these bombs fresh out of the fryer. If you must store, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat in a low oven to crisp the outside again but be mindful the filling can soften further. Avoid freezing as the fried dough tends to get soggy upon thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute regular cream cheese with a lower-fat variety though it may affect creaminess If cotton candy flavoring is unavailable, try a mix of vanilla and a touch of berry extract for a playful twist Homemade biscuit dough can be used but requires careful rolling to match the right thickness

Serving Suggestions

Pair these bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with berry sauce for contrast Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to cut through richness Great for festive celebrations where you want a crowd-pleasing finger food dessert

These cotton candy cheesecake bombs are a delightful treat that balances whimsy and crunch wonderfully. Perfect for impressing guests, they bring carnival nostalgia into a tasty dessert.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of dough is used for the bombs?

Biscuit dough is used for a tender, flaky exterior that crisps nicely when fried.

→ How is the cotton candy flavor incorporated?

Cotton candy flavoring is added directly to the cheesecake filling and optionally mixed with sugar for coating.

→ What frying temperature is recommended?

Vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F for perfectly golden, evenly cooked bombs.

→ How long should the cheesecake filling be chilled?

The filling needs at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to firm up for easy shaping.

→ Can these bombs be served warm or cold?

They are best enjoyed warm to savor the contrast between crispy exterior and creamy filling.