Mardi Gras Treats

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

These festive cookies are soft and fluffy just like Lofthouse cookies, paired with a thick layer of frosting and bright Mardi Gras decorations. You’ll need to chill the dough for perfect results!

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Tue, 06 May 2025 17:13:06 GMT
Frosted sugar cookies covered in bright sprinkles on a white plate. Pin it
Frosted sugar cookies covered in bright sprinkles on a white plate. | cookingkitchn.com

I've gone to the store a million times to grab those pillowy soft frosted treats, but now I've figured out how to whip them up at home. These cloud-like cookies with their velvety frosting layer are truly something special. They're so fun to jazz up with colorful sprinkles for celebrations or just because we want something sweet and pretty.

What Makes These Cookies So Special

Biting into these cookies feels like sinking your teeth into a fluffy little pillow topped with sweet creamy goodness. The stuff you need is probably sitting in your kitchen cabinets already, and you can totally switch up the look for any party. My little ones always jump at the chance to shake on sprinkles, and honestly, I can't resist joining in.

Must-Have Components

  • Cake Flour: This magic powder gives us that melt-in-your-mouth softness we're after.
  • Sour Cream: Creates super soft treats with a subtle tangy kick.
  • Butter: Splurge on quality butter for both cookies and topping—you'll taste the difference.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates that dreamy, smooth frosting texture we all crave.
  • Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Together they create that can't-put-your-finger-on-it amazing flavor.
  • Sprinkles: Go wild with colors that match your event or mood.

Easy Making Method

Prepare Your Mix
First, combine your dry stuff in a bowl. In another container, whip butter and sugar until light, then mix in your sour cream, eggs, and those yummy extracts. Gently fold everything together until just combined.
Rest and Form
Cut your dough into two pieces, wrap them up, and stick them in the fridge for 3 hours minimum. When time's up, flatten the dough to half-inch thickness and cut out your shapes.
Cook
Stick them in your 350°F oven for around 8-9 minutes. Look for just a hint of gold at the edges. Let them cool completely before adding the good stuff.
Top and Finish
Beat your frosting until it's super fluffy. Smear or pipe it onto each cooled cookie and immediately shower with sprinkles. Wait until the topping sets before you stack them.

Secrets for Amazing Results

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Get everything warmed up from the fridge for way better mixing.
  • Mix Lightly: Stop stirring as soon as things come together to keep everything soft.
  • Cool The Mix: Waiting feels tough but cooling the dough really works wonders.
  • Thick Frosting Layer: Go big with the topping—it's what makes these cookies amazing.
  • Watch Cooking Time: Take them out when barely done, they'll finish cooking on the tray.
An assortment of frosted cookies topped with colorful sprinkles sits on a white plate. Pin it
An assortment of frosted cookies topped with colorful sprinkles sits on a white plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Keeping Them Fresh

Pack your goodies in a sealed container and they'll stay soft for up to a week. If you store them in the fridge, let them warm up before eating. They're great for freezing too—just put some parchment between the frosted ones to keep things tidy.

Making Them Your Own

Think of these cookies as your edible art project ready for any party theme. Color the frosting however you want and match your sprinkles to the occasion. Try blue frosting with silver sprinkles for winter parties, green and red for Christmas, or rainbow colors for birthdays. The options never end when you get creative.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should ingredients be room temp?

It helps everything mix smoothly and gives the cookies the right texture.

→ What's the reason for chilling the dough?

It firms up the dough, making it easier to work with and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

→ Can I prep these in advance?

Sure! You can store the plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ Why use cake flour here?

It gives the cookies that super soft, delicate texture you want.

→ Why such a thick frosting layer?

Lofthouse cookies are known for their thick, sweet frosting.

Mardi Gras Treats

Soft sugar cookies piled with creamy frosting and colorful gold, green, and purple sprinkles for Mardi Gras fun.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
02 3 cups cake flour.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
05 1 cup granulated sugar.
06 2 large eggs.
07 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
10 1/2 cup sour cream.
11 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting).
12 2 tablespoons milk.
13 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for frosting).
14 1/2 cup salted butter (for frosting).
15 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting).
16 Colorful gold, purple, and green sprinkles.
17 Small plastic figurine, if you'd like.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix up cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until it's well blended.

Step 02

Whip up the butter and sugar with a mixer until it looks super airy and has turned very creamy, around 3 or 4 minutes.

Step 03

Work in the sour cream, eggs, and both extracts to your butter mix, ensuring everything comes together smoothly.

Step 04

Slowly fold the flour mix into your wet mixture, stirring just enough for the dough to come together, stopping before it’s overworked.

Step 05

Divide the dough into two halves, then wrap both up tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 06

Pop the wrapped dough in the fridge for exactly 3 hours until it hardens enough to roll out easily.

Step 07

Set your oven to preheat at 350°F and get your baking trays lined with parchment paper.

Step 08

Use a floured space to roll out the chilled dough to about 1/2-inch thickness, making sure to sprinkle flour to avoid sticking.

Step 09

Grab a 3-inch round cutter to shape the cookies, then gently place them on your lined trays.

Step 10

Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, pulling them out just when the edges start getting lightly golden.

Step 11

Move the cookies to wire racks and let them cool all the way down before frosting.

Step 12

Beat the softened butter until it transforms into a fluffy texture, taking about 2 minutes.

Step 13

Blend in the powdered sugar bit by bit, then add in the milk and extracts until it's smooth and spreadable.

Step 14

Generously spread or pipe the frosting over the cookies once fully cooled.

Step 15

While the frosting’s still soft, sprinkle the cookies with those vibrant gold, green, and purple sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Known for its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  2. Inspired by Mardi Gras festivities.
  3. Perfect for prepping ahead of time.
  4. Great for celebrations or parties!

Tools You'll Need

  • A mixer with a stand or handheld.
  • Round cutter for cookies.
  • Sheet pans for baking.
  • Bag for piping frosting.
  • Cooling rack for the cookies.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy, like butter and sour cream.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Made with wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 223
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 3 g