A bite of Mardi Gras in cookie form brings color, spice, and fun to your table.
INTRODUCTION
Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies are small, soft cookies that bring the joy of king cake to a bite-sized treat. These cookies use a rich dough and festive sprinkles to give you the colors of purple, green, and gold. They are easy to make and great for a party or a snack.
This cookie idea borrows the happy feel of a King Cake and makes it simple to share. For a different sweet breakfast idea that is fun to make with kids, try a recipe for a classic pancake that is easy to follow and always works well in the morning. A perfect pancake recipe shows how to mix and cook with clear steps.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies because they are quick, bright, and fun. They bake fast and need only a few common ingredients. The cookies are soft in the middle and lightly golden at the edges. They hold sprinkles on top so every bite looks like a tiny party.
They are great for a crowd or for a small family snack. You can make many at once, and they travel well in a tin. If you like stuffed cookies, this cookie style pairs well with fillings like cookie butter or jam. For a sweet surprise idea, see how stuffed cookies can change a plain cookie into a special treat. Try a stuffed cookie idea here for more fun.
HOW TO MAKE Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
These cookies are simple to make. You will cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then fold in flour and baking powder. Chill is not needed because the butter is cold and cubed at the start. Scoop large rounds so they stay soft inside.
Work fast and keep the butter cold for a lighter texture. Use a large scoop so each cookie is big enough for a good bite. Add sprinkles while cookies are still warm so they stick well. For other small cake-style treats, you might like a fruity traybake that also pleases a crowd. See a crowd-pleasing traybake idea for more dessert ideas.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cookie scoop or large spoon
- Wire rack for cooling
These simple tools are all you need. A mixer helps speed the work. Parchment keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 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 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Festive sprinkles for topping
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the cold, cubed butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the cold eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until just combined.
- Scoop large portions of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, top with festive sprinkles.
- Enjoy your King Cake Cookies!
HOW TO SERVE Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. Place them on a large platter and sprinkle more festive color on top for a bright look. You can serve them with simple coffee, milk, or a glass of cold brew iced tea.
For a fun party table, place cookies on a tiered tray with labels. You can place some extra sprinkles and small bowls of jam or frosting nearby so guests can add more to their cookies. If you plan a morning treat, pair these cookies with cupcakes for a sweet table that has many choices. A simple cupcake idea can help you build a full dessert spread.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer or place a sheet of parchment between layers to keep sprinkles from sticking.
To freeze, cool the cookies fully. Place them on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you want to freeze the dough instead, shape scoops of dough on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen and add a little extra time to bake.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with coffee or milk for a simple snack.
- Arrange on a party tray with other small treats like mini cupcakes or cake pops.
- Offer a small dish of cream cheese frosting for dipping.
- Add a cookie in a lunch box as a bright surprise.
These cookies also make a fun gift. Place a few in a cellophane bag and tie with purple, green, and gold ribbon for a themed present.
VARIATIONS
You can change the flavor or the look of these cookies in many easy ways:
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note.
- Mix a few tablespoons of finely chopped nuts into the dough for crunch.
- Press a small thumbprint into the top and add a dot of fruit jam before baking for a filled center.
- Use colored sugar instead of sprinkles for a different shine.
- Make a glaze from powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
If you like red velvet treats that pop on a party table, try small red cake pops or other bright desserts for a bold theme. Red velvet cake pop ideas can add a dramatic look to your spread.
You can also swap the festive sprinkles for chocolate chips to make a simpler cookie that kids will love. For a fruity twist, fold in a few tablespoons of orange zest to give a light citrus note that pairs well with the sugars.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
- Mix the dough a day ahead and keep it cold in the fridge. Let it sit on the counter 10 minutes before scooping.
- Scoop the dough and place the scoops on a tray. Freeze the scoops and then store them in a bag. Bake straight from frozen when needed.
- Bake the cookies a day ahead and keep them in an airtight container. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back the soft feel.
- Prepare a small bowl of sprinkles so you can top cookies just before serving for fresh color.
These make-ahead tips keep your day calm and help you serve fresh-tasting cookies when you need them.
FAQs
Q: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
A: Yes. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the dry mix to balance the taste.
Q: Do I need to chill the dough?
A: No. The recipe uses cold cubed butter at the start, and the dough bakes well without a long chill. If you like a firmer shape, chill for 20-30 minutes.
Q: How do I keep sprinkles from bleeding color onto cookies?
A: Use high-quality sprinkles. Add them while the cookie is warm, not hot. This helps them stick without running color.
Q: Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
A: Yes. Bake time will change. Smaller cookies may bake in 9-11 minutes, while larger cookies may need 15-18 minutes. Watch the edge color to know when they are done.
Q: Can I add a filling to these cookies?
A: Yes. Press a small well in the dough and add jam or a spoon of cookie butter, then bake. Keep the well small so the filling does not spill too much.
Q: How do I keep cookies soft for longer?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temp with a slice of bread. The bread helps keep the cookies soft for a day or two.
Try a stuffed cookie idea if you want to add a creamy center to your Mardi Gras cookies for a new twist.
These FAQs give quick answers to common questions and help you make the best cookies at home.
Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the cold, cubed butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the cold eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until just combined.
- Scoop large portions of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- While the cookies cool, top with festive sprinkles.
- Enjoy your King Cake Cookies!