I love making these King Cake Cookies when I want the fun of Mardi Gras without baking a full cake. These cookies come together fast, but they still taste just like the real thing.

I use cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon zest to match that classic flavor. Then I frost them and add purple, green, and gold sprinkles to bring the party to life.

In this post, I’ll show you how I make them step by step—from mixing the dough to decorating each cookie. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for any celebration.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns the fun of a classic King Cake Cookies Recipe into a simple, no-stress cookie. I don’t need to wait for dough to rise or braid anything complicated. I just mix, bake, and decorate.

The flavors hit just right—sweet vanilla, warm cinnamon, and a hint of lemon. Every bite reminds me of Mardi Gras. These cookies also look amazing on a tray with their bold sprinkles. They’re always a hit, and they make people smile.

If you’re short on time but still want something festive and homemade, this recipe works every single time.

Where Can I Order A King Cake Cookies Recipe?

If I don’t have time to bake or just want the real deal straight from New Orleans, I order my King Cake Cookies Recipe online. Some of my favorite spots are Gambino’s Bakery, Haydel’s, and Randazzo’s—they ship fresh King Cakes right to my door.

I’ve also seen some great ones on Goldbelly, where bakeries across Louisiana deliver nationwide. If I’m shopping local, I check with my nearest bakery or grocery store around Mardi Gras season. A quick call usually helps me find out who’s making them fresh.

How To Make King Cake Cookies Recipe

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time (Chilling & Cooling): 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American (New Orleans-inspired)

Yield: 24 cookies

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch of nutmeg

For the Frosting:

3 cups powdered sugar
3 to 6 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
Purple, green, and yellow sugar sprinkles
Optional: 1 plastic baby figurine for tradition

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and almond extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a firm dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with your fingers.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Preparing the Frosting

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Adjust Consistency: Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on each and sprinkle with purple, green, and yellow sugar sprinkles. If desired, place a small plastic baby figurine on one of the cookies for a traditional touch.)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 360
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total Carbohydrates: 48g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 36g
Protein: 5g(McAlisters)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

Festive Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a platter in a circular pattern to mimic a traditional King Cake.
Accompaniments: Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk to complement the sweet flavors.
Party Favor: Individually wrap cookies in clear bags tied with Mardi Gras-colored ribbons for party favors.

Tips and Variations

Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy variation.
Filling Option: Incorporate a cinnamon-sugar swirl in the center of each cookie for added depth.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits:

Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium.
Almond Extract: Contains antioxidants and may contribute to heart health.
Lemon Zest: Adds vitamin C and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.

Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How To Store

After I bake and decorate the cookies, I let the frosting set completely before storing them. I keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

If I want them to last longer, I store them in the fridge for about a week. I just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating so they stay soft.

When I freeze them, I skip the frosting, freeze the plain cookies in layers with parchment paper, and decorate after thawing.

Note

For an authentic Mardi Gras experience, consider hiding a small plastic baby figurine in one of the cookies. Tradition holds that the person who finds the baby is responsible for hosting the next celebration!

Conclusion

That’s how I make my King Cake Cookies Recipe. They’re soft, sweet, and full of Mardi Gras flavor. I love how easy they are to decorate, and they always get attention with those bright sprinkles.

Whether I’m bringing them to a party or just baking a small batch for myself, they never last long.

If you try them, let me know how they turn out. And don’t forget to hide that little plastic baby if you want to keep the tradition going!