Oh, Mardi Gras! It’s my absolute favorite time of year. The parades, the beads, the music, and, of course, the KING CAKE! Seriously, that cinnamon-y, sweet, delicious treat is what I look forward to all year. I remember one Mardi Gras, a few years back, I swear I ate an entire King Cake *by myself* – don’t judge! But let’s be honest, sometimes you want that King Cake flavor without, well, the whole cake.
That’s where these Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies come in! They’re so much fun to make and they’re *jumbo*, so you get even more of that amazing flavor. Plus, they’re super easy – no complicated steps here, I promise. These cookies capture everything we love about King Cake, in a perfectly portable, shareable, and seriously delicious package. Get ready to bring the Mardi Gras spirit to your kitchen – and your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love These Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Okay, so why should these cookies be your next baking adventure? Easy! These jumbo cookies are pure Mardi Gras joy, and I’m telling you, they’re irresistible!
- Crazy Easy: Seriously, don’t worry if you’re not a baking pro. These are a breeze.
- King Cake Flavor Explosion: They taste just like the real deal – cinnamon-y, sweet, and oh-so-good!
- Festive Fun: They’re as pretty as a parade float, all decked out in purple, green, and gold!
- Perfect for Sharing: These are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. Everyone will beg for more!
Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at one!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – the ingredients! Don’t you worry, the list isn’t super long, and everything’s pretty easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing cookies!
For the Cookie Dough:
This is where the magic starts! You’ll need some basics to get that perfect cookie base. Remember, softened butter is key, and you’ll want to make sure your extracts haven’t been in the cabinet forever! Trust me, fresh ingredients make a huge difference.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
Now, this is what gives these cookies that King Cake vibe! The cream cheese frosting is the perfect balance to the sweetness of the cookies. You can even mix up the amounts a bit to your preference! Just don’t skimp on the vanilla.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
And finally, the fun part! This is where you get to bring that Mardi Gras flair to your cookies. I like to have a lot of sprinkles on hand just in case, you know? You can never have too much!
- Green, purple, and yellow sanding sugar for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Okay, baking time! Don’t worry, it’s easier than catching those beads at the parade. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be munching on those delicious Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies in no time. It’s all about enjoying the process, so put on some music, maybe pour yourself a little something festive to sip on, and let’s get started!
Preparing the Dough: The Foundation of Your Cookies
First up, we’re making the dough. In a big bowl (you know, the kind you REALLY like!), cream together that softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is key, so don’t rush it! Next, beat in those eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract is like the secret ingredient for that King Cake flavor! In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, slowly add those dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until everything’s JUST combined. Don’t overmix – we want tender cookies!
Baking the Cookies: Achieving Golden Perfection
Alright, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, drop those big spoonfuls of dough onto your baking sheets. Remember to leave a little space between each cookie – these are jumbo, after all! Bake them for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them because ovens can vary! Once they’re out, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience, dear friend, patience!
Making the Frosting: Creamy and Delicious
While those cookies are cooling, let’s get to the frosting! In another bowl (because, why not?), beat together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. You might need to add a touch more milk to get it to the right consistency. It should be easy to spread but not too runny. Taste it! Make sure you like it! Adjust the vanilla extract to your personal preference. Yum!
Decorating the Cookies: The Festive Touch
Once your cookies are cool and your frosting is ready, it’s time for the fun part: decorating! Frost each cookie generously (or sparingly – your call!). Then, sprinkle those gorgeous green, purple, and yellow sanding sugars on top. Don’t be shy! This is Mardi Gras, after all! Let the frosting set a bit before you start munching, and then… enjoy the sweet taste of Mardi Gras!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Alright, let’s talk pro tips! You want these cookies to be the talk of the town, right? (Or at least the talk of your kitchen!) First off, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. It makes a HUGE difference in how everything mixes together. Don’t skimp on the mixing – you want that butter and sugar super light and fluffy. Really get in there! Also, ovens can be tricky, so keep a watchful eye during baking. Start checking for golden edges around the 12-minute mark.
And finally, let those cookies cool completely before frosting. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for perfect cookies! You got this!
Variations: Spice Up Your Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Okay, so you’ve made these incredible Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies, and now you want to take things up a notch, right? I totally get it! I’m all about experimenting.
You can try different extracts like a little bit of maple extract for an added sweetness or even a touch of rum extract for an extra ‘party’ vibe! Also, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg directly into the dough for an even more authentic King Cake flavor (about 1/2 teaspoon of each). You could even drizzle some white chocolate on top for a little extra yum, if you’re feeling fancy. Go crazy, have fun, and make it your own!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Planning ahead? Smart move! These Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies are perfect for making ahead of time – especially if you’re throwing a party (or just want to be prepared for those late-night cookie cravings!).
You can totally make the cookie dough a day or two in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. That chilling time actually helps develop the flavors even more! When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit out for a bit to soften up, and then follow the baking instructions. Easy peasy!
For freezing, you can freeze the baked cookies (frosted or unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to a month. To thaw, just let them sit at room temperature. You can even freeze the dough balls before baking! Seriously, these cookies are a lifesaver for busy Mardi Gras celebrations!
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Okay, so you’ve baked these amazing Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies, and now you need something to wash them down with, right? Well, how about a big mug of coffee? Or, if you’re feeling extra festive, a classic New Orleans cocktail like a Hurricane (careful, they’re strong!) would be perfect. And hey, even a simple glass of milk is a total win. Honestly, these cookies are good with everything!
Nutritional Information for Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Alright, so, I get it – you’re curious about what you’re actually eating. Gotta know, right? Just a heads-up that this is just an estimate, okay? Because, you know, measuring ingredients can be a little *loose* in my kitchen sometimes! The exact numbers will vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use and how big you make your cookies. But hey, enjoy in moderation!
Here is a rough estimation per cookie, which is totally a guess depending how you decide to make it!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Baking can be so fun, but sometimes those quick questions pop up. I get it! Here are a few things people always ask me about these Mardi Gras King Cake Jumbo Cookies.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Sure, you can totally use store-bought frosting if you’re in a hurry! Just make sure it’s a cream cheese frosting to get that real King Cake flavor. You might also want to add a little almond extract, because, why not!?
How do I store these cookies?
You’ll want to keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days! Just be sure to separate the cookies with parchment paper if you stack them to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I add a baby to these cookies?
You can! Just be careful! You can totally bake a little plastic baby into one of these cookies. Just make sure to warn your guests, because, trust me, you don’t actually want anyone to choke on a plastic baby!