Looking to add a colorful and festive touch to your cookie repertoire? Why not try making these delightful Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies! These cookies not only taste delicious but also capture the spirit of the vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations with their bright colors and playful decorations. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
**Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Purple, green, and yellow food coloring
– Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter for decoration
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.
3. **Add the Egg and Vanilla:**
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. **Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:**
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix – as soon as the dough comes together, stop mixing.
5. **Divide and Color the Dough:**
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Tint one portion purple, one green, and leave one portion plain yellow. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues. Knead the dough gently until the color is even throughout each portion.
6. **Shape and Chill the Cookies:**
Roll each colored dough into small balls and place them next to each other. Gently press the dough balls together and roll into a log shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. **Cut and Bake:**
Once the dough log is firm, remove it from the fridge and slice into rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Decorate the cookies with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter for a festive touch.
8. **Bake and Cool:**
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these Mardi Gras Sugar Cookies on their own or with a cup of tea, and watch as they bring a touch of carnival fun to your day. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or simply want to enjoy a colorful treat, these cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. Happy baking!
