introduction
Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies bring the bright colors and fun of Mardi Gras to a small, easy cookie. They taste sweet and festive with a soft middle and a sprinkle topping. If you love themed treats, try this simple twist — it is like a mini king cake in cookie form. For another fun dessert idea, see this cherry chip cake guide for more baking tips.
why make this recipe
Make these cookies for a party or just to celebrate Mardi Gras at home. They are quick, use common pantry items, and kids love the colors. If you want more quick crowd-pleasers, check this easy banana bread with pancake mix idea for more simple baking.
how to make Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
These cookies are simple to mix and bake. Work with cold butter and cold eggs for a slightly denser, cake-like cookie that holds its shape and gets golden edges. Follow the steps below and add the sprinkles while the cookies are warm so they stick well. For more variety in small baked treats, you might like these chicken hearts recipes if you are planning a full themed menu.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup salted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, cold
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Festive sprinkles, for topping
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop large portions of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- While still warm, top with festive sprinkles.
- Enjoy your Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies!
how to serve Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Serve warm or at room temperature. Place cookies on a bright plate and add extra sprinkles for color. Pair them with coffee or milk. If you want a light, fluffy dessert idea to serve with these, look at this cloud cake recipe.
how to store Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread in the container for a day or two. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.
tips to make Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
- Use cold butter and cold eggs as listed to get a thicker, cake-like cookie.
- Do not overmix once you add the flour; mix just until you see no dry streaks.
- Scoop large dough portions so cookies stay soft inside.
- Add sprinkles while cookies are warm so they stick well.
- For more party dessert ideas, try these cookie cake wedding cake ideas.
variation (if any)
- Add a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) and then sprinkle for extra shine.
- Mix a little cinnamon into the dough for warm spice.
- Use colored sugars instead of sprinkles for a different texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use room temperature butter instead of cold butter?
A: Yes, but the cookies will spread more and become thinner. Cold butter helps keep them thicker.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
A: Yes. Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze until firm, then move to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Q: Are these cookies allergen-friendly?
A: They contain eggs, dairy, and wheat. Use substitutes for special diets as needed.
Q: How do I keep sprinkles from bleeding color?
A: Use good-quality sprinkles and avoid a sugary glaze that dissolves them too much. If using glaze, let it set before stacking.
Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop large portions of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- While still warm, top with festive sprinkles.