Mardi Gras Cookies: 7 Festive Treats for Your Celebration

Mardi Gras Cookies are vibrant and soft treats perfect for celebrating with festive flair. These cookies capture the essence of the joyous Mardi Gras season, offering a delightful taste of New Orleans right in your kitchen. With their colorful decorations and soft texture, they are not just treats but also a way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Fat Tuesday. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Mardi Gras Cookies, where every bite is a celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Mardi Gras Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore Mardi Gras Cookies. Firstly, they are incredibly soft and vibrant, making them visually appealing as well as tasty. Additionally, these cookies are versatile, allowing for various decorative themes, making them perfect for any party. They can also be made gluten-free, accommodating different dietary needs. With simple ingredients that are easy to find, you can whip them up without hassle. The delightful flavors of vanilla and almond add a special touch, while the festive sprinkles bring joy to any gathering. These cookies are sure to be a hit at your next celebration, whether it’s a family gathering or a community event. Plus, they are a fantastic way to introduce kids to baking!

Ingredients for Mardi Gras Cookies

Gather these items:

• 2 cups cake flour (Substitute with all-purpose flour, but texture will vary.)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (Ensure it’s fresh.)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (Works with baking soda for light texture.)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (Fine sea salt can be a good substitute.)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (Can be replaced with vegan butter.)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (Substitute half with sugar alternative for less sweetness.)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be used as substitute.)
• 2 large eggs (Use flax eggs for vegan option.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Substitute with lemon or orange extract for a twist.)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (Can be substituted with other extracts.)
• 1/2 cup salted butter (Opt for unsalted for better sweetness control.)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (Use less to reduce sweetness.)
• 2 tablespoons milk (Non-dairy milk can be used.)
• 1 cup purple, green, gold sprinkles (Substitute based on theme.)
• 1 optional plastic baby figurine (Traditional Mardi Gras decoration.)

How to Make Mardi Gras Cookies Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the sour cream, large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
8. Step 8: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are just light golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before frosting.
10. Step 10: Beat the softened salted butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, milk, and extracts until smooth.
11. Step 11: Generously pipe frosting onto each cooled cookie and sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sprinkles.

Pro Tips for the Best Mardi Gras Cookies

Keep these in mind:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• For a more intense flavor, consider adding zest from lemon or orange.
• Chilling the dough is crucial; it helps maintain the cookie shapes during baking.
• Experiment with different shapes for fun Mardi Gras cookie designs.
• Use a piping bag for even frosting application.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Best Ways to Serve Mardi Gras Cookies

These cookies are perfect for various occasions. Serve them at your Mardi Gras party alongside other festive treats like Carnival Cookies and King Cake Cookies Recipe. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert table filled with colorful New Orleans Cookies. For a unique twist, consider pairing them with a rich chocolate dip or a refreshing fruit salad.

How to Store and Reheat Mardi Gras Cookies

To keep your Mardi Gras Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain their soft texture. This recipe allows for meal prep, making it easy to bake them ahead of time and serve them fresh later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mardi Gras Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Mardi Gras Cookies?

The secret lies in properly chilling the dough. This prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking. Also, using high-quality extracts enhances flavor.

Can I make Mardi Gras Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. This is a great way to save time during busy celebrations.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mardi Gras Cookies?

Common mistakes include overworking the dough and skipping the chilling step. Always measure ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking for soft cookies.

Variations of Mardi Gras Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with your Mardi Gras Cookies by trying these variations. For a twist, add colorful sanding sugar for extra sparkle. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts like coconut or lemon for a refreshing taste. Consider making a gluten-free version by substituting cake flour with a gluten-free blend. Lastly, try incorporating fun shapes like masks or beads to align with Mardi Gras themes!

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “ImageObject”,
“contentUrl”: “https://sesamecooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mardi-Gras-Cookies-1.jpg”,
“thumbnail”: “https://sesamecooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Mardi-Gras-Cookies-1.jpg”,
“description”: “Mardi Gras Cookies: 7 Festive Treats for Your Celebration – Mardi Gras Cookies – main visual representation”,
“name”: “Mardi Gras Cookies Recipe Image”,
“uploadDate”: “2023-10-01”,
“width”: “1200”,
“height”: “630”
}

Print