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As the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras come to life, the air fills with excitement and possibility, a perfect backdrop for festive baking. I found myself inspired by the lively atmosphere and the sweet treats that often accompany this celebration. Enter these Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting—a joyful addition to any gathering and a delightful canvas for creativity. Soft, pillowy, and utterly scrumptious, these cookies not only melt in your mouth but also invite you to customize them with your favorite festive sprinkles.

Whether you’re whipping them up for family fun or a celebratory gathering, this quick and easy recipe features common pantry staples, making it a wonderful choice for everyone. Imagine the cheerful smiles as you and your loved ones gather in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into festive delights! With each colorful bite, you’ll taste the spirit of Mardi Gras—celebration, joy, and a sprinkle of magic. Let’s get baking!

Why Love Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies?

Celebratory Spirit: These cookies capture the essence of Mardi Gras with their vibrant colors and festive appeal, making them a show-stopping treat for any gathering.
Customizable Fun: You can personalize the frosting and toppings, allowing everyone to get creative and experiment with their favorite flavors and colors.
Quick and Easy: Using pantry staples, this simple recipe means you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for busy families or spontaneous celebrations.
Kid-Friendly: Involve the little ones in the baking process; they’ll love decorating the cookies and creating delicious masterpieces!
Soft and Pillowy: Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, ensuring both kids and adults will be coming back for more.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance for even quicker festivities—making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or holiday baking!

Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Cake Flour – Provides a light and fluffy texture for the cookies; can substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser cookie.
• Baking Soda – Leavens the cookies, helping them rise; can swap with baking powder if necessary.
• Baking Powder – Aids in baking lift for a tender cookie; omit if only using baking soda.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavors of the ingredients; regular salt is also suitable.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie; margarine can be used for a dairy-free version.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to cookie structure; brown sugar can add extra moisture.
• Sour Cream – Adds moisture and richness to the cookies; Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
• Large Eggs – Binds ingredients together and provides moisture; flax eggs can replace for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cookies with a warm flavor; any pure extract can substitute.
• Almond Extract – Adds depth to the cookie flavor; omit if allergic.

For the Frosting
• Salted Butter – Starts the frosting off creamy and flavorful; unsalted butter can be used; add salt to taste.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; can reduce amount for less sweetness.
• Milk – Combines ingredients for a smooth frosting; switch to non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Decorating
• Purple, Green, and Gold Sprinkles – For festive decoration; choose any fun themed sprinkles for customization.
• Optional Plastic Baby Figurine – A traditional Mardi Gras decoration for one of the cookies; adds an extra touch of fun!

Enjoy creating these Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting that will surely bring smiles and joy to your celebrations!

How to Make Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies

Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined, creating a fluffy base for your cookies.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This is crucial for texture!
Combine Ingredients: Add sour cream, large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the mixer, mixing until creamy and fully incorporated for a rich cookie flavor.
Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender!
Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a ½-inch thickness for perfect cookie shapes.
Cut and Bake: Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for 8-9 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely on wire racks.
Make Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat salted butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until creamy and smooth.
Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting on top and sprinkle with purple, green, and gold decorations for that festive touch.

Optional: Add a small plastic baby figurine to one cookie as a fun surprise!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies

Feel free to get creative and put your personal spin on these delightful cookies!

Citrus Zest: Add the zest of lemon or orange to enhance flavor and bring a bright, refreshing twist to each bite.
Nut-Free: Swap almond extract with extra vanilla extract for a nut-free treat, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these cookies without worry.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring no one misses out on the fun!
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over frosted cookies for an indulgent chocolatey twist that takes the flavor up a notch.
Chopped Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a delicious nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookie.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk for the frosting to create a completely dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
Colorful Themes: Switch up the sprinkles according to different holidays or themes—think red and white for Valentine’s or pastel colors for Easter—to keep the festive spirit alive year-round!

Make Ahead Options

These Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their baking process! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it to keep it fresh. The frosting can also be made up to 24 hours ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain the cookies’ quality, ensure they cool completely before frosting and use room temperature ingredients when mixing the frosting for a smooth texture. When ready to serve, simply cut and bake the chilled dough, frost the cookies, and enjoy the convenience of festive treats with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting?

As you indulge in these festive treats, think about complementing them with a variety of delightful sides and beverages to create an unforgettable celebration.

Festive Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits add a refreshing touch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies while adding vibrant colors to your spread.
Sparkling Lemonade: This zesty, bubbly drink will quench thirst and invigorate your taste buds, perfectly enhancing the flavorful cookies.
Ice Cream Sundaes: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or praline ice cream on the side, letting everyone create their dreamy dessert masterpiece!
Lavish Charcuterie Board: Pair rich cheeses, cured meats, and crunchy nuts for a splendid contrast, offering a delightful variety of textures and flavors.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The sweet and salty combination makes for an addictive treat, ensuring everyone has something to nibble on alongside the cookies.
Mini Cupcakes: Whip up a batch of delicate cupcakes in vibrant colors, providing a charming and whimsical dessert option to accompany your Mardi Gras celebration.
Sassy Seltzers: Offer flavored seltzers that are light and refreshing, introducing a modern twist to traditional Mardi Gras drinks while enhancing the cookie experience.
Traditional King Cake: Embrace the cultural spirit by serving this iconic dessert, inviting guests to join in the fun of discovering the hidden baby figurine!

Each of these pairings not only elevates the dessert experience but brings together loved ones for a vibrant celebration filled with joy and delicious flavors.

Expert Tips for Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies

Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is chilled for at least 3 hours to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking, maintaining their lovely shape.
Mix Gently: Handle the dough with care; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture in your Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting.
Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven is accurate. Baking at the correct temperature ensures even baking and golden edges.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting. This helps the frosting maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from melting.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and to create a lighter cookie.
Creative Toppings: Don’t be afraid to mix and match sprinkles or even drizzles of chocolate to customize your cookies and make them truly festive!

How to Store and Freeze Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Ensure they’re completely cooled for best freshness.
Fridge: You can keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days, sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss. This can help maintain their soft texture.
Freezer: Freeze decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Thawing: To enjoy your frozen Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting, thaw them at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Delicious Mardi Gras Cookies with Creamy Frosting Recipe FAQs

What kind of flour should I use for the Mardi Gras Cookies?
I recommend using cake flour for its light and fluffy texture, which is perfect for these cookies. However, you can also substitute it with all-purpose flour if you prefer a denser cookie. Just remember that using all-purpose flour may change the final texture a bit!

How should I store my Mardi Gras Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing them to maintain their soft texture.

Can I freeze my decorated Mardi Gras Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, lay them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature—this helps maintain the delicious texture of the creamy frosting.

What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find the cookie dough sticky, it might be due to a few factors, like the temperature of the ingredients or humidity. To fix this, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable. Also, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help firm it up before rolling.

Are there any allergy-friendly options for this recipe?
Certainly! For a dairy-free version, use margarine instead of butter and opt for non-dairy milk in the frosting. You can also switch the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a vegan option. Just be sure to omit the almond extract if there’s a nut allergy!

How long should I chill the cookie dough?
Chill the dough for at least 3 hours. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, preventing them from spreading too much. If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can chill it overnight!