There’s something magical about Mardi Gras season. The air feels electric, dessert tables turn into colorful centerpieces, and every sweet treat carries a little piece of tradition. Purple, green, and gold shimmer from every corner, symbolizing justice, faith, and power. And right at the heart of it all? King Cake.
But let’s be honest. Traditional King Cake, while absolutely delicious, can feel intimidating. Yeast dough, rising times, shaping into a perfect ring—it’s not exactly a quick weekday bake. That’s where these Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies come in. They capture everything you love about the classic Fat Tuesday dessert, but in a soft, bakery-style cookie that’s simple, festive, and incredibly satisfying.
Imagine biting into a tender cookie swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, topped with silky vanilla glaze, and finished with sparkling purple, green, and gold sugar. These Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies are nostalgic, celebratory, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing treats to work, or baking with your family, this recipe delivers the spirit of New Orleans in every bite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
These Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies give you all the flavor of traditional King Cake without the time commitment. No yeast. No proofing. No complicated shaping. Just mix, fill, bake, and decorate.
They’re soft in the center with slightly golden edges, and the cinnamon filling adds that signature warmth that makes King Cake so comforting. The glaze sets beautifully, holding the colorful sugars in place while adding sweetness and shine.
They’re also ideal for serving a crowd. Instead of slicing a cake, you have perfectly portioned cookies that are easy to grab and enjoy. They travel well, store beautifully, and look stunning arranged on a dessert platter.
Best of all, this recipe is approachable for all skill levels. Even beginner bakers can confidently make these Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies and feel like pros.
Ingredients of the Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Purple sanding sugar
- Green sanding sugar
- Gold sanding sugar
Every ingredient contributes to that authentic King Cake flavor. The cinnamon and brown sugar create warmth and depth, while the glaze ties everything together with sweetness and shine.
Equipment / Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
No specialty tools required—just basic kitchen essentials.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for soft cookies.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and milk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to form a thick paste.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten slightly. Add about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon filling to the center. Top with a small amount of dough and seal the edges. Roll gently into a ball.
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Centers may look slightly soft—that’s perfect.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Once cookies are fully cooled, spoon glaze over each one and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in sections.
Allow glaze to set before serving.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure your butter is truly room temperature. It should press easily but not appear melted.
If your kitchen is warm, chill filled dough balls for 15–20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Avoid overbaking. Slightly underbaked centers guarantee soft, bakery-style cookies.
For a stronger spice flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling.
Let the glaze set completely before stacking cookies for storage.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies on a white platter so the festive colors pop. They make a beautiful centerpiece for a Fat Tuesday party.
Serve alongside chicory coffee for a true New Orleans experience. The bold coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
They also make wonderful party favors. Place a few cookies in clear treat bags tied with purple, green, and gold ribbon.
For tradition, you can gently insert a small food-safe plastic baby into the bottom of one cookie and let guests discover it—just be sure to warn everyone first.
Variations / Substitutions
Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the dough for a richer, slightly tangy cookie.
Swap cinnamon filling for a pecan praline mixture for a Louisiana-inspired twist.
Use almond extract in place of vanilla for a subtle flavor change.
Try a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend if needed.
For a shortcut, start with a high-quality sugar cookie mix and focus on adding the cinnamon filling and festive topping.
Nutritional Info
Approximate per cookie:
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
Values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
These Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies are everything you love about the traditional Fat Tuesday dessert—transformed into an easy, shareable treat. Soft, cinnamon-filled, glazed, and sparkling with festive sugar, they bring celebration to any table.
They’re simple enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough for party spreads. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe deserves a spot in your Mardi Gras traditions.
Let the good times roll.
FAQ
1. Can I make Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, wait to glaze and decorate them the day you plan to serve.
You can also freeze the unbaked filled dough balls for up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. How should I store Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies?
Store fully decorated cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper.
Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as it can dry out the cookies. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I add the traditional baby to these cookies?
Yes, you can press a small food-safe plastic baby into the bottom of one cooled cookie before glazing. Always inform guests so no one bites into it unexpectedly.
For a safer alternative, place the baby underneath one cookie on the serving platter.
4. What makes these different from traditional King Cake?
Traditional King Cake is yeast-based and shaped into a ring. These Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies skip the yeast and shaping, offering a quicker, simpler version.
They keep the signature cinnamon flavor and festive decoration but are easier to make, serve, and share.
Mardi Gras King Cake Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl For preparing and mixing the cookie dough.
- 1 Electric Mixer Used to cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 2 Baking Sheets Line with parchment paper for even baking.
- 2 sheets Parchment paper Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- 1 Cooling rack Allows cookies to cool evenly before glazing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2.75 cups All-purpose flour Provides structure and soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder Helps cookies rise slightly.
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda Adds light texture.
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened Creates rich flavor and tender crumb.
- 1.25 cups Granulated sugar Sweetens and helps create soft cookies.
- 2 large Eggs Adds structure and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract Enhances classic King Cake flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Milk Keeps dough soft and workable.
Cinnamon Filling
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar Adds caramel-like sweetness.
- 1.5 tablespoons Ground cinnamon Signature warm spice flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted Binds the cinnamon filling.
Vanilla Glaze
- 1.5 cups Powdered sugar Creates smooth, sweet glaze.
- 3 tablespoons Milk (for glaze) Adjust for desired consistency.
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for glaze) Adds flavor to glaze.
Decoration
- 2 tablespoons Purple sanding sugar Represents justice in Mardi Gras colors.
- 2 tablespoons Green sanding sugar Represents faith in Mardi Gras colors.
- 2 tablespoons Gold sanding sugar Represents power in Mardi Gras colors.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and milk. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Filling
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter into a thick, spreadable paste.
Step 4: Fill and Shape Cookies
- Flatten dough slightly, place about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon filling in the center, seal edges, and roll into balls. Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a rack.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
- Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Spoon glaze over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar. Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 210 | 9g | 2g | 30g |