Oh, the sheer joy of Mardi Gras! That explosion of purple, green, and gold just pulls me right into the party spirit, even way up here in Vermont. If you’re looking for a festive centerpiece that screams celebration but doesn’t scream ‘all-day baking project,’ you’ve found it! These classic, vibrant Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold) are surprisingly simple for any home baker to tackle. As someone who loves making sure our festive treats bring happiness without feeling restrictive, I promise these strike that perfect balance. We’re skipping the complicated cutters and focusing on bright flavors and easy decorating!
Why You Will Love These Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold)
Honestly, these cookies are pure fun captured in a bite. If you’re planning your Mardi Gras Menu Ideas, you need these on your table. They really bring the party without the fuss. You’ll love them because:
- They use a simple, classic sugar cookie base that tastes incredible.
- The decoration is incredibly approachable—just sprinkle and go!
- The hint of rum extract makes these Mardi Gras Treats taste genuinely special.
- They are absolutely bursting with the traditional, joyful colors of the season.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies
Okay, let’s talk supplies! Transparency is everything, especially when we want these cookies to turn out exactly right. I’ve listed everything right here, down to how soft that butter needs to be. Because we’re baking for joy, we need quality building blocks to make sure these turn out as the best Mardi Gras Snacks you’ve made yet!
For the Cookie Dough
The dough requires good quality fat and that little bit of magic known as rum extract. Remember, everything should be room temperature, especially that butter so it creams up beautifully! You’ll need 1 Cup Unsalted sweet cream butter, kept softened, and 1 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar. Don’t forget 1 Large Egg and, for that unmistakable festive kick, exactly 2 tsp Rum extract. For the structure of the cookie, make sure you have 3 Cup Flour ready, along with 1 Tsp Baking soda and 1 Tsp Baking powder. Oh, and you’ll need 1 Medium Round scooper for consistency!
For the Rum Frosting and Decoration
The frosting sets up beautifully because we’re using a mix of fats and sugar here—it has to be smooth enough to spread but stiff enough to hold its shape. For the frosting base, grab yourself 1/2 Cup Unsalted sweet cream butter, also softened, and 4 Oz Cream cheese, softened—this makes it taste so much better than plain royal icing! Then, we add flavor with 2 Tbsp Dark rum and 1 Tbsp Milk, plus 2 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar to thicken it all up. The real showstopper, of course, is the color: make sure you have plenty of Purple, Gold, Green sanding sugar sprinkles ready to dust on top!
Also, make sure you have 2 Cookie sheets fitted with parchment paper ready to go before you even start mixing those wet ingredients!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold)
Wow, this is where the fun really starts! Don’t let the steps intimidate you; these cookies come together faster than you’d think. We’re aiming for festive fun here, not perfection—that’s my motto for throwing any great party featuring these beautiful Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold).
Mixing and Shaping the Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold) Dough
First things first, fire up that oven to 350 degrees and get those 2 Cookie sheets fitted with parchment paper. Keep that parchment handy; it’s a lifesaver! Now, grab your standing mixer. Beat together the 1 Cup softened butter, 1 1/2 Cup powdered sugar, 1 Egg, and the 2 tsp Rum extract until everything looks nice and combined. Next, in a separate bowl, quickly whisk your dry ingredients—the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
This next part is crucial for a tender cookie: gradually beat those dry ingredients into your wet ones until a dough *just* forms. Seriously, stop mixing as soon as you see the last bit of flour disappear. Overmixing once the flour is in makes them tough, and we want tender celebration treats!
Once you have your dough, use your 1 Medium Round scooper to portion it onto the prepared sheets. Then, take the bottom of a glass or your palm and gently press the dough down into a thick mound. Don’t flatten them paper-thin, or they won’t have that satisfying chew.
Baking and Cooling the Cookies
Pop those trays into the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for a sign they are done: they should be just light brown around the edge. Pull them out carefully; they will still feel soft in the middle. Give them about five minutes on the hot sheet, then gently transfer them to a wire rack. The absolute most important thing you can do now is totally let them cool—I mean completely cool—before you even *think* about frosting them, otherwise, your beautiful cream melts right off!
Applying the Festive Rum Frosting and Decorating
While they cool, whip up that amazing frosting. Back into the stand mixer go the 1/2 Cup softened butter, 4 Oz softened cream cheese, 2 Tbsp Dark rum, 1 Tbsp Milk, and 2 1/2 Cup powdered sugar. Beat it until it’s smooth and stiff—it should look luxurious! Scoop a spoonful onto each cooled cookie and use a small spatula to gently spread it evenly across the top. Okay, here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: immediately dust those tops generously with your Purple, Gold, Green sanding sugar sprinkles. It sticks best right away! Let the frosting set for about an hour before you start stacking or serving them up.
If you’re ever wondering about creating super beautiful, sturdy cookies, take a peek at some great cookie basics over here: baking perfect cookies every time really comes down to temperature control, even when we aren’t cutting shapes!
Tips for Success with Your Festive Holiday Cookies
Even though this recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years that stop those baking stresses before they even start. When you’re aiming for that colorful, celebratory look, a little preparation goes a long way. Think of these as my little cheats for making sure your cookies look as joyful as they taste!
First up: butter temperature for the dough is non-negotiable! Remember, we’re creaming the butter and sugar to build air pockets, which gives these cookies that wonderful soft chew. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s melted, your cookies will just spread into flat puddles. You want it softened—you know, when you press it, it leaves a gentle dent but doesn’t feel greasy. It’s a delicate balance, but trust me on this one!
Now, about chilling: this particular dough is actually quite forgiving because we’re pressing them into thick mounds rather than rolling and cutting shapes. However, if your kitchen is super warm, or if you live somewhere hot, giving the dough about 15 minutes in the fridge before scooping can stop any minor spreading in the oven. It’s an optional safety net for those hot days!
When you tackle the frosting, remember the ratio of cream cheese to butter matters for that stiffness. If you find your frosting seems a little too loose—maybe you added too much rum or milk—don’t panic! Just beat in another half cup of powdered sugar, a little bit at a time. Slow and steady mixing prevents lumps and gets you to that perfect, spreadable stiffness. You want it thick enough that the sanding sugar doesn’t immediately sink to the bottom, which is why we beat it so long!
Finally, use fresh spices! While this recipe is light on spice, if your baking soda or baking powder is old, your cookies won’t puff up correctly in the oven. I always keep an eye on those dates. A happy cookie is a fresh cookie, and you can find some great ideas for other cheerful bakes here if you’re feeling ambitious after these: sweet treats for whatever holiday pops up next!
Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold) Variations and Substitutions
One thing I always encourage is making a recipe your own, especially when we talk about these colorful Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold)! The rum extract is wonderful—it gives them a little celebratory warmth—but I know not everyone wants alcohol, even in extract form. If you’re skipping the rum, just swap it out one-for-one with quality vanilla extract or even almond extract for a different but equally delicious note.
If you want to boost that celebratory citrus flavor that pairs so well with the rich butter, try grating a teaspoon of fresh orange zest right into the dough before mixing in the dry ingredients. Wow, that brightens everything up!
For the frosting, feel free to leave out the dark rum completely if that’s better for your crowd. It will still be sweet, creamy, and perfect for holding that sanding sugar. If you want an even easier approach, you can totally skip the frosting altogether and just dust the warm cookies with a mix of the purple, green, and gold sugar right out of the oven. They’ll stick beautifully! If you’re looking for other ways to incorporate seasonal flavor, you can check out how I adapt other recipes, like this chocolate peppermint bread, to fit different celebrations.
Serving Suggestions for Your Mardi Gras Treats
We’ve done the hard work balancing the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the frosting, so what do we serve these beauties with? When planning your Mardi Gras Menu Ideas, you want something that complements the fun without drowning out the cookie’s flavor. These cookies are showstoppers on their own, but presentation matters!
For the perfect pairing, I always suggest serving them alongside something tart or bubbly to cut through the richness. If you are hosting adults and want a festive cocktail, I absolutely adore serving these alongside something bright, like my favorite pink coconut mojito. That lime and coconut really pops against the rum frosting!
If you need to balance out the sugar rush (because, let’s be real, we all need to balance it out!), try setting these out as dessert after a spread of savory New Orleans Appetizers Finger Foods. Think spicy sausage bites or my go-to shrimp dip. You need that savory element because after eating a few of these sweet cookies, your palate will thank you!
For a fun, non-alcoholic choice that matches the color scheme, serve them alongside sparkling lemonade heavily infused with mint. For the kids (or the abstaining adults!), it feels really special. Just arrange them on a vibrant tiered platter—maybe next to some simple chocolate-dipped strawberries—and you have an instant, gorgeous dessert table ready for the parade!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies
This is such a smart question! Planning ahead is part of enjoying the celebration, right? We definitely don’t want to be frosting cookies when we should be watching the floats go by! Good news: these beauties are excellent keepers, whether you finish them completely or save the assembly for last minute.
If you’re freezing the dough—which I highly recommend if you want to bake these for a big party—it’s super easy. Once your dough is mixed and ready, use that 1 Medium Round scooper to portion out balls onto a sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the dough balls are solid, maybe an hour or two. Then, transfer them into an airtight, heavy-duty freezer bag or container. They’ll last for up to three months this way! When you want to bake, just pull out what you need and let them sit on the counter for about 15 minutes before placing them on the baking sheet. You usually don’t need to adjust the baking time much, but I’d keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark.
What about the finished cookies? If you’ve already frosted and sprinkled them, let the frosting set completely first—this is key! Once they are firm, you can store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days. Humidity is the enemy here, though, so avoid putting them in the fridge where they might get soggy. If you have too many, just layer them with wax paper between the layers, but only do this if the frosting is rock hard.
For the easiest party day, bake the cookies entirely (steps 1 through 8) and store the plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Then, make your frosting a day ahead, keep it covered tightly in the fridge, and let it soften up briefly on the counter before you need to decorate. It saves so much time! Dealing with leftovers is almost as fun as the baking, and if you want other ideas for making treats ahead of time, you have to check out how simple these no-bake Oreo balls are!
Frequently Asked Questions About These Mardi Gras Recipes Easy
It’s totally normal to have questions when you’re planning recipes for a big celebration! These cookies are designed to be simple, but I always want to make sure you feel confident before you even preheat the oven. Here are a few things readers often ask when planning their Mardi Gras Potluck Ideas or preparing other fun Mardi Gras Snacks.
Can I use food coloring instead of sanding sugar for the purple, green, and gold?
You absolutely can color the dough if you wish, and that’s a great option for adding an extra layer of color! However, the sanding sugar is what truly gives these cookies that iconic, sparkly, festive look. Food coloring mixes right into the dough or frosting, but the sanding sugar sits on top, providing that reflective shine and lovely, slightly crunchy texture that screams “Mardi Gras.” I recommend using both if you can—color the dough lightly and then top with the sprinkles!
How long does the frosting on the Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold) take to set?
Because this frosting uses cream cheese along with the powdered sugar, it takes just a little bit longer than a simple glaze might. If you leave them out on the counter in a room that isn’t too warm or humid, you should give them about an hour before you try to stack or transport them. If your house is warm, it might take up to two hours. A cooler room speeds things up nicely, so if you have air conditioning, use it! You want that frosting firm so your beautiful colored sprinkles stay put.
Are these cookies suitable for a large Mardi Gras Potluck Ideas gathering?
Yes, they are perfect for potlucks! You get about 2 dozen cookies from this batch, so they are easily scaled up if you need more for a big crowd. Also, because we aren’t using a messy, thin royal icing that cracks easily, these are much better for transport. A sturdy cookie base with a stiff cream cheese frosting travels really well stacked with wax paper in between layers. They look fantastic on any platter amongst other great Decorated Sugar Cookies!
If you’re looking for even more straightforward ideas for feeding a crowd, check out some of my other favorite easy snacks and treats that are simple to make in large batches!
Understanding the Nutrition in Your Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold)
As a recipe developer here at Sena Recipes, my heart is all about joyful eating, and that includes being transparent about what we are enjoying! While these Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold) are absolutely a delicious indulgence made for celebrating, it’s good to have a general idea of what’s in that perfectly frosted bite. I always want you to feel confident about the food you serve your family and friends.
Keep in mind, these numbers are just estimates, based on standard ingredient measures for one cookie. If you use extra thick frosting or drizzle on a little more rum flavoring, the final count will shift slightly. But, this gives us a lovely starting point for enjoying our festive bakes mindfully!
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition for one cookie serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g (That’s where the joy and energy come from!)
- Fat: 14g (Mostly from that sweet cream butter and cream cheese!)
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
When we talk about enjoying treats like this in moderation, remember that balance is key. I always suggest pairing these rich cookies with fresh fruit or something light to keep things feeling grounded during your celebrations. If you’re interested in exploring lighter options or finding ways to incorporate more balance into your daily meals, I share lots of tips over here on my page dedicated to healthy recipes and finding balance.
Share Your Colorful Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold)
Well, we did it! We mixed, we baked, we frosted, and now we have these absolutely radiant Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple Green Gold) ready for the parade. Seriously, I hope seeing these colors pop on your counter fills you with the same excitement they bring to my kitchen in Vermont. Baking should always feel like a celebration, and these cookies, with their simple rum frosting and bold sanding sugar, are proof we can have maximum festive impact with minimum stress.
But I truly want to see how your decorating turned out! Did you go heavy on the gold? Did you try to layer the purple and green? Don’t be shy! Please, come back here and leave a rating for this recipe—it helps other folks trying to plan the perfect party know they’re in good hands. If you had a decorating triumph (or even a funny sprinkle explosion, because that happens to me too!), drop it in the comments below. I read every single one!
If you shared any pictures on social media, please tag us! Seeing food made with that feeling of joy is exactly why I love developing these recipes. You can always find more of my encouragement and balance-focused approach to festive eating over on my author page right here: Find more joyful recipes from Olivia. Go enjoy that King Cake vibe with your amazing cookies!
Print
Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies (Purple, Green, Gold)
- Total Time: 32 min
- Yield: About 2 dozen 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make festive Mardi Gras sugar cookies using classic dough and a simple rum frosting, decorated with traditional purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tsp Rum extract
- 3 Cup Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking soda
- 1 Tsp Baking powder
- 1 Medium Round scooper
- 2 Cookie sheets fitted with parchment paper
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted sweet cream butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 Oz Cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 2 Tbsp Dark rum (for frosting)
- 1 Tbsp Milk (for frosting)
- 2 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Purple, Gold, Green sanding sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line the cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a standing mixer, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, egg, and rum extract until combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until combined.
- Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Using the scooper, place dough onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Gently press the dough down into a thick mound.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until light brown around the edge.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Using the standing mixer again, beat all frosting ingredients together until smooth and stiff.
- Scoop some frosting onto the cooled cookies and gently spread evenly.
- Decorate the top of the cookies with the sanding sugar sprinkles.
- Allow the frosting to set before serving.
Notes
- This recipe creates joyful treats perfect for your Mardi Gras celebration.
- Baking is a creative activity; feel free to adjust the amount of sanding sugar for your preferred look.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies, Purple Green Gold Cookies, Festive Holiday Cookies, Decorated Sugar Cookies, Mardi Gras Dessert Ideas, Rum Cookies, Easy Sugar Cookies