Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars – Soft, Festive & Packed with Mardi Gras Magic

King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious King Cake inspired sugar cookie bars topped with a colorful icing and festive sprinkles, perfect for any celebration!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest, mixing until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined without overmixing.
  6. Transfer dough evenly into prepared baking pan using a spatula, ensuring uniform thickness.
  7. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and center is set. Avoid overbaking.
  8. Allow cookie base to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding.
  9. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable consistency is achieved.
  10. Spread prepared icing evenly over cooled cookie base using a spatula or offset knife.
  11. Immediately sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar over icing in sections or decorative pattern.
  12. Allow icing to set for approximately 30 minutes before slicing into individual bars for serving.

Notes

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Feel free to customize the colors and decorations for different occasions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg