King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

Bring the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to your dessert table with these festive King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars! Combining the buttery richness of classic sugar cookies with the iconic purple, green, and gold colors of carnival season, these bars deliver all the celebration without the fuss of traditional braided King Cake. The soft, cinnamon-kissed cookie base gets a hint of bright lemon zest and optional almond extract, then transforms into a showstopper when crowned with sweet vanilla icing and colorful sanding sugar. Whether you're hosting a Fat Tuesday party or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feeds 24, these bars are as easy as they are eye-catching.

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The magic of these bars lies in their simplicity. Unlike traditional yeast-based King Cakes that require rising time and careful braiding, these sugar cookie bars come together in one bowl with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of butter, sugar, and eggs creates a tender crumb, while warm cinnamon and bright lemon zest echo the flavors of classic King Cake. Once baked and cooled, a simple vanilla icing serves as the perfect canvas for those signature carnival colors. You can even hide a plastic baby or whole almond in one bar to honor the traditional King Cake custom—just remember to warn your guests before they dig in!

Ingredients

• For the Sugar Cookie Base: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Zest of 1 lemon
• For the Icing: 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For Decoration: Purple, green, and gold/yellow sanding sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Do not overbake.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cookie base cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Icing

To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 9: Ice and Decorate

Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookie base. Immediately sprinkle purple, green, and gold/yellow sanding sugars in sections or in a decorative pattern.

Step 10: Set and Slice

Allow icing to set for about 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best results, ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature before creaming—this creates the light, fluffy texture that makes these bars so tender. When mixing the dough, stop as soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough, dense bars from overmixing. The parchment paper overhang is essential for lifting the entire slab out of the pan cleanly, making slicing much easier. If your icing seems too thick to spread smoothly, add milk one teaspoon at a time; if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar. Work quickly when adding the colored sugars so they adhere properly to the wet icing. For perfectly clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices and use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These bars are wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and pantry. Swap the lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus profile, or add a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for extra King Cake authenticity. If you want to skip the almond extract, increase the vanilla to 1 tablespoon for a more pronounced vanilla flavor. For a richer variation, brown the butter before creaming it with the sugar—this adds deep, nutty notes. You can also divide the icing into three portions and tint each with food coloring (purple, green, and yellow) for striped sections instead of using sanding sugar. For those avoiding dairy, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly. Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

Serviervorschläge

These King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars shine as the centerpiece of any Mardi Gras celebration, but they're equally delightful year-round for birthdays, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Serve them alongside hot coffee or chicory café au lait for an authentic New Orleans experience. For an elegant presentation, arrange the bars on a purple, green, and gold platter or cake stand. They pair beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to dress them up for dessert. At parties, set them out on a buffet table with small napkins—their handheld size makes them perfect for mingling. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

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These King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars prove that you don't need hours of prep time or specialized baking skills to capture the joy and tradition of Mardi Gras. With their tender, buttery base, bright citrus notes, and festive decoration, they deliver all the flavor and fun of traditional King Cake in an approachable bar format. Whether you're celebrating Fat Tuesday with family, bringing treats to an office party, or simply craving something colorful and delicious, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles. The best part? They're so easy to make that you'll find yourself baking them long after carnival season ends. So gather your purple, green, and gold sugars, preheat that oven, and let the good times roll!

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients give these bars their festive colors?

Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles are applied on top of the icing to create the classic Mardi Gras look.

→ Can I prepare these bars in advance?

Yes, the bars can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

→ What is the best way to achieve a soft cookie base?

Ensure not to overbake the cookie base—bake until edges are lightly golden and the center is set for a tender texture.

→ Are there any optional flavor variations?

Adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping lemon zest with orange zest can enhance the flavor subtly without overpowering the base.

→ How do I make the icing smooth and easy to spread?

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable before spreading evenly over the cooled cookie base.