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Stunning plated serving of King Cake Cookies, a chef-tested recipe by Chef Jorj Morgan.
Jorj Morgan

King Cake Cookies

Celebrate Mardi Gras with these irresistible King Cake Cookies, each soft, rich bite bursting with vanilla-lemon glaze and vibrant color. They bring the joyous spirit of Carnival straight to your table, inviting smiles and happy indulgence.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients for Cookies
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients for Cookies
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
The Finishing Glaze
  • 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
  • Sanding sugar in yellow, purple, and green

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
  2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
Developing the Base
  1. Stir together milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon lemon extracts in a small bowl.
  2. Use an electric mixer to combine the butter with the granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute.
  3. Mix in the egg.
The Mix
  1. With the motor set on low speed, add half of the flour and half of the liquid.
  2. When this is combined, stir in the remaining flour ending with the liquid.
Portioning & Bake
  1. Use a 2-inch ice cream scoop to drop the dough onto the baking sheets.
  2. Bake until the cookies just begin to brown on the edges, about 15 minutes. The cookies will be domed and cake-like. Cool the cookies on racks.
The Finishing Glaze
  1. Use a whisk to stir together confectioners’ sugar with 3 tablespoons milk and ¼ teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon lemon extracts until smooth. Dip the cooled cookies in the glaze and set back onto a rack. Place parchment or waxed paper under the rack.
  2. Sprinkle the glaze with your favorite sprinkles making sure to use yellow, purple and green!

Notes

Makes ten 3-inch cookies.