Cotton Candy Cloud Éclairs

These cotton candy cloud éclairs are pure whimsy in dessert form. Soft, airy pastry filled with a light, creamy center and topped with a pastel cotton candy glaze—they look as dreamy as they taste. Every bite feels like biting into a sweet little cloud.

I love how the cream filling melts on your tongue while the glaze adds a fun pop of color. The cotton candy flavor gives them that nostalgic carnival touch without being too sweet. It’s playful, soft, and so satisfying.

They’re perfect for birthdays, parties, or just when you want something magical. Light, fluffy, and beautiful—these éclairs are the kind of treat that makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Show-Stopping Presentation: These colorful eclairs look like they came from a fancy bakery.
• Light and Airy: The choux pastry creates a delicate, crispy shell that melts in your mouth.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Cotton candy brings back sweet childhood memories in every bite.
• Fun to Make: Kids and adults alike will enjoy watching these pastries puff up in the oven.
• Perfect for Parties: These eclairs make any celebration feel more special.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 12 eclairs, enough for 6-8 people. Planning a bigger party? Double the recipe and use two baking sheets.

Difficulty: Moderate. Beginners can succeed with careful attention to the steps, while experienced bakers will enjoy the technique.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Piping bags with round and star tips
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

These whimsical eclairs combine classic French pastry technique with playful cotton candy flavor. The choux pastry forms a light, crispy shell, while the cotton candy-infused cream creates a sweet, fluffy filling that tastes like pure joy.

For the Choux Pastry:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cotton Candy Cream Filling:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream, cold
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (about 30g) cotton candy, plus extra for topping

Variations for Cotton Candy Cloud Eclairs

• Rainbow Colors: Use different colors of cotton candy for a vibrant rainbow effect.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted white or dark chocolate over the top for extra richness.
• Strawberry Twist: Mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder for a fruity flavor.
• Vanilla Bean: Add vanilla bean paste to the cream for a more sophisticated taste.
• Mini Eclairs: Pipe smaller portions to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

How to Make Cotton Candy Cloud Eclairs Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Choux Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

2. Form the Dough

Remove the pan from heat and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1 minute.

3. Add the Eggs

Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy. The dough should fall slowly from the spoon in a thick ribbon.

4. Pipe the Eclairs

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 12 strips about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

5. Bake

Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Do not open the oven door during baking. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the eclairs cool inside for 10 minutes.

6. Make the Cotton Candy Cream

While the eclairs cool, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cotton candy until it dissolves into the cream, creating a light pink color and sweet flavor.

7. Fill the Eclairs

Once the eclairs are completely cool, use a serrated knife to slice each one horizontally in half. Transfer the cotton candy cream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe generous swirls of cream onto the bottom half of each eclair, then place the tops back on.

8. Decorate

Top each eclair with a small tuft of fresh cotton candy just before serving for a magical cloud effect.

Serving and Decoration

These eclairs look stunning on a tiered dessert stand or arranged on a white platter. Serve them immediately after adding the cotton candy topping, as the cotton candy will dissolve over time. For parties, set up a decorating station where guests can add their own cotton candy clouds. These pastries pair beautifully with champagne, sparkling lemonade, or hot tea.

Storing Cotton Candy Cloud Eclairs

• Unfilled Shells: Store baked eclair shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before filling.
• Filled Eclairs: Best enjoyed the same day. Store filled eclairs in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours, but add the cotton candy topping just before serving.
• Cream Filling: Keep the cotton candy cream covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs mix into the dough more smoothly when at room temperature.
• Don’t Skip Cooling: Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent them from cooking.
• Consistent Piping: Keep the piping bag at a 45-degree angle for even, uniform shapes.
• No Peeking: Opening the oven door causes the eclairs to deflate. Wait until the baking time is complete.
• Dry Interior: If the eclairs seem soggy inside, return them to the oven for 5 more minutes.
• Fresh Cotton Candy: Add cotton candy topping at the last moment to keep it fluffy and prevent melting.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Eclair
Calories	285
Total Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	125mg
Sodium	95mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	8g
Protein	5g

Cotton Candy Cloud Eclairs FAQs

Can I make the shells ahead of time? Yes, bake the eclair shells up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Re-crisp them in a low oven before filling.

Why did my eclairs collapse? Opening the oven door too early releases steam and causes collapse. Keep the door closed until the full baking time is complete.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream? Homemade whipped cream works best because it holds its shape better and allows you to control the sweetness.

What if I cannot find cotton candy? You can substitute cotton candy with cotton candy flavoring or use strawberry extract with pink food coloring.

How do I know when the choux dough is ready? The dough should be glossy and fall from the spoon in a thick, slow ribbon. If it is too stiff, add another egg.