These Mardi Gras Swirl Sugar Cookies are festive, buttery treats decorated with vibrant purple, green, and yellow royal icing. With a crisp, tender texture and a beautiful swirled design, they are perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras in style. Whether for a party or a sweet homemade gift, these cookies add a touch of fun to any celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Mardi Gras – The classic colors of purple, green, and gold make these cookies ideal for Fat Tuesday celebrations.
Deliciously Buttery – A soft and crisp sugar cookie with a hint of vanilla and almond.
Beautiful Swirl Design – An eye-catching decoration using easy swirling techniques.
Fun and Customizable – Change the shapes, colors, or decorations to suit any occasion.
Great for Parties – A festive and shareable treat for gatherings, bake sales, or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For the Royal Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 large egg white (or 2 tbsp meringue powder + 2 tbsp water)
1 tsp lemon juice
Food coloring (purple, green, yellow)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
Shape & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into ring shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass, making a smaller hole in the center. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
Make the Royal Icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, egg white (or meringue powder with water), and lemon juice until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water until it reaches piping consistency.
Color the Icing: Divide the icing into three bowls and tint each with purple, green, and yellow food coloring.
Decorate the Cookies: Cover each cookie with a base layer of white icing. Use a piping bag to dot purple, green, and yellow icing on top. Swirl the colors with a toothpick to create a festive design.
Set & Serve: Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Glitter Effect: Sprinkle edible gold glitter on top for extra sparkle.
Alternative Shapes: Use fleur-de-lis or mask-shaped cookie cutters for a more themed look.
Citrus Flavor: Add 1 tsp of orange or lemon zest for a zesty twist.
Chocolate Swirl: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the decorated cookies for added richness.
Dipped Cookies: Dip the edges in melted chocolate before adding icing for a decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.
Reheating: No reheating needed—these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the cookie dough can be made and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Let it soften slightly before rolling.

How do I get the perfect swirl effect?

Use a toothpick or skewer to drag through the dots of icing, creating a marbled look. Work quickly before the icing sets.

Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes, but homemade royal icing gives a smoother finish and better consistency for decorating.

What if I don’t have meringue powder for the icing?

You can use egg whites, but ensure they are pasteurized for food safety.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes! Gel food coloring is more vibrant and won’t thin out the icing as much as liquid food coloring.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape.

What’s the best way to pipe the icing?

Use a small round piping tip or a ziplock bag with a tiny hole cut in the corner for precision.

Can I use different flavors for the icing?

Yes! Try almond, lemon, or coconut extract for a unique twist.

How long does the icing take to set?

Allow at least 2-3 hours at room temperature, or place the cookies in the fridge for faster setting.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These cookies have a crisp edge with a slightly soft center, making them perfect for decorating.

Conclusion

Mardi Gras Swirl Sugar Cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. With their buttery texture, vibrant colors, and easy-to-make swirled icing, these cookies are a show-stopping addition to any party. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or as a sweet homemade gift, these delightful treats will bring a festive spirit to your Mardi Gras celebrations!

Mardi Gras Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe