Description

Boozy Cotton Candy Candy Apples are the ultimate whimsical treat for grown-ups! A crisp apple is coated in a glossy, boozy pink candy shell, then topped with fluffy cotton candy and a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra magic. Perfect for parties, Halloween, bachelorette nights, or any festive occasion, these apples are as fun to make as they are to eat. Sweet, tart, and spiked with your favorite pink liqueur—a show-stopping dessert that steals the spotlight!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Candy Apples:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
6 lollipop sticks or candy apple sticks
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup pink liqueur (Strawberry Liqueur, Chambord, or flavored vodka)
Pink food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)

For the Garnish:

Cotton candy (pink, blue, or white)
Sanding sugar or edible glitter (optional, for sparkle)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Insert a lollipop stick or candy apple stick into the stem end of each apple.
Make the Candy Coating:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom.
- Increase the heat to high and let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage)—this takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in the pink liqueur and a few drops of pink food coloring (if using). Be cautious—the mixture will bubble!
Coat the Apples:
- Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, tilting the pan to evenly coat the apple.
- Allow any excess candy to drip off, then place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden (about 20 minutes).
Add the Cotton Candy Garnish:
- Once the candy coating has fully set, fluff a small amount of cotton candy and gently press it around the stick on top of each apple.
- Sprinkle with sanding sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Serve & Enjoy: These candy apples are best enjoyed fresh! Serve them at your next party, holiday gathering, or special occasion for a fun, boozy twist on a classic treat.

Notes

Best served the same day – The cotton candy will shrink over time, so for the fluffiest look, enjoy immediately.
No candy thermometer? Drop a bit of the candy mixture into ice water—if it hardens instantly and cracks, it’s ready!
Switch up the colors! Try blue, purple, or even gold food coloring for a custom look.
Want a kid-friendly version? Skip the alcohol and swap in strawberry juice or flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic treat.
Storage tip: Keep apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours—avoid the fridge, as condensation will make the coating sticky.