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Mardi Gras King Cake Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 131 reviews

These Mardi Gras King Cake Cinnamon Roll Cookies combine the festive flavors of traditional Mardi Gras king cake with the bite-sized convenience of cinnamon roll cookies. Soft, fragrant, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup butter (softened)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ tsp butter flavor extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt

Filling

  • 2 tbsp butter (melted)
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp light or dark corn syrup

Frosting

  • 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 oz butter (softened)
  • 1¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • ¾ tsp cream cheese flavoring extract
  • ½ tsp butter extract
  • ⅛ tsp almond extract

Toppings

  • Purple sprinkles
  • Yellow sprinkles
  • Green sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with ⅓ cup granulated sugar and ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar until creamy and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add egg yolk and extracts: Mix in 1 large egg yolk, 1½ tsp vanilla extract, 1½ tsp butter flavor extract, and 1 tsp almond extract until fully incorporated.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and ½ tsp salt.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined to form the dough.
  5. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight. If refrigerated overnight, allow it to come to near room temperature before rolling.
  6. Prepare rolling surface: Lightly flour a flat surface or use two sheets of parchment paper for rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
  7. Roll out dough: Roll the dough into a 12 by 10-inch rectangle evenly.
  8. Make the filling: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tbsp butter. Stir in ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar, 2½ tsp ground cinnamon, ⅛ tsp salt, and 1 tsp corn syrup until well combined.
  9. Spread filling: Immediately pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolled dough and spread evenly using a spatula, leaving about ½ inch border on all sides without filling.
  10. Roll into a log: Roll the dough tightly along the longer 12-inch side, using the parchment paper to help shape and keep the roll tight.
  11. Freeze the roll: Wrap the log in parchment paper and place it on a sheet pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
  12. Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  13. Slice the cookies: Remove the roll from the freezer, unwrap from parchment, and cut into ¼-inch thick slices. Cutting half the roll into 15 slices is suggested; total yield is about 30 cookies.
  14. Bake: Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges. Let them cool before frosting.
  15. Make the frosting: Cream 3 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 3 oz softened butter, ¼ tsp salt, and beat together. Gradually mix in 1¼ cups powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk until smooth and fluffy. Beat in ¾ tsp cream cheese flavoring extract, ½ tsp butter extract, and ⅛ tsp almond extract for added flavor.
  16. Frost and decorate: Spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto cooled cookies. Top with festive purple, yellow, and green sprinkles to mimic Mardi Gras colors.

Notes

  • The dough can be refrigerated overnight for convenience; bring to near room temperature before rolling to prevent cracking.
  • Using parchment paper when rolling and slicing helps keep the dough in shape and makes handling easier.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if cookies are thinner or thicker than ¼ inch to prevent burning or undercooking.
  • Feel free to customize sprinkles or add a drizzle of colored glaze for extra decoration.
  • Properly softened butter and cream cheese are essential for smooth frosting.

Keywords: Mardi Gras, King Cake, Cinnamon Roll Cookies, Festive Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting, Mardi Gras Colors, Holiday Cookies

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/mardi-gras-king-cake-cinnamon-roll-cookies-recipe/