King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

Name: King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Author: Lora

Published: February 25, 2026

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction to King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

There’s something magical about the sweet smell of cookies wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? That’s why I’m thrilled to share my King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars with you. These delightful treats are not only easy to whip up but also capture the essence of a traditional King Cake, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist cookie topped with a creamy icing and vibrant colors. They brighten up any event and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—ideal for busy moms and professionals needing a little sweetness in their lives.

Why You’ll Love This King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

You’re going to adore these King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars for their simplicity and flavor! They come together quickly, requiring just one bowl and minimal cleanup—perfect for a busy day. Plus, who doesn’t love a soft, chewy cookie topped with luscious icing? Each bite is a celebration of sweetness that will transport you to Mardi Gras, filling your home with cheer and deliciousness. They’re sure to bring a smile to your family’s faces!

Ingredients for King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

Getting the right ingredients is key to achieving those mouthwatering King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it gives you full control over the saltiness of your cookies. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Granulated Sugar: This is the base of our sweetness. It helps create that lovely chewy texture we crave in a good cookie.
Large Eggs: Eggs act as the binder in our mixture, adding richness and helping the bars rise perfectly.

Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer, it adds that warm, inviting aroma we all adore.
Almond Extract: This brings a subtle nutty flavor, which perfectly complements our sugar cookie base. Feel free to adjust based on preference!
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of this recipe, it gives the cookies their body and structure. You can experiment with gluten-free options if needed.

Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the bars rise, creating that tender crumb we love.
Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors in the cookie.
Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and spice, giving our bars that cozy touch.

Lemon Zest: This brightens the flavor, making each bite refreshingly delightful. Lemons add a touch of sunshine!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens our icing and gives it that desired smooth texture.
Milk: It’s used to achieve the right consistency for our icing. Adjust the amount to reach your preferred thickness.

More Vanilla Extract: Yes, another splash is needed for the icing! It enhances the overall taste.
Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles: These are the finishing touch! Go for purple, green, and gold to truly capture the essence of Mardi Gras.

For exact quantities of each ingredient, check out the end of the article—they’re available for printing, making your baking experience even easier!

How to Make King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

Creating your own King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars is as delightful as tasting them! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a batch of cookies that’ll have everyone raving.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that warm air begins to circulate, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. This makes clean-up a breeze and helps the bars release easily after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial! It adds air into the mixture, ensuring your cookie bars will be soft and chewy, not dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest too. These flavorings are the heart and soul of your King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars, enriching every bite with delightful notes of sweetness and zest.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and lemon zest. Each ingredient plays its part—the baking powder helps the bars rise, while cinnamon provides that cozy warmth. It’s a great blend that will elevate your cookie bars.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. This is where you want to avoid overmixing. If you do, your bars may become tougher instead of tender and fluffy. If the dough seems too dry, a splash of milk can help bring everything together!

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Base

Transfer your dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for 22 to 25 minutes. Look for a light golden edge and a set center—you want it to be soft but not gooey. Trust me, the aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen!

Step 7: Cool the Bars

Once the bars are done baking, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential for letting the structure set properly. If you try to ice them too soon, the icing may melt right off!

Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Icing

To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and an extra splash of vanilla extract until smooth. You want a luscious, spreadable consistency. Use a spatula to spread the icing evenly over your cooled cookie base, ensuring every inch gets coated in that sweet goodness.

Step 9: Add the Decorative Touch

Finally, it’s time for that festive flair! Immediately sprinkle the sanding sugar over the icing. Think purple, green, and gold for a true Mardi Gras celebration! Not only does it look stunning, but it also complements the sweetness of the icing beautifully. Let it set for about 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip softening the butter; it’s key to a fluffy texture.
Measure flour accurately. Too much can lead to dense bars!

Substituting butter with coconut oil can give a unique flavor.
Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Let your bars cool completely to keep the icing from melting.

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch Baking Pan: This is essential for your cookie bars; if unavailable, an 8×12 pan works too.

Parchment Paper: Perfect for easy removal; aluminum foil can be a last-minute substitute.
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is ideal; a sturdy pot can work in a pinch!
Electric Mixer: While this speeds up creaming, a whisk and some elbow grease will do just fine.

Spatula: Great for spreading and scraping—don’t forget a knife for cutting your bars!

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary preferences.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor. They pair wonderfully with the sweetness!

Citrus Burst: Experiment with orange zest instead of lemon for a different fruity flavor profile. It’s a delightful change!
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, decadent touch that’s hard to resist.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a cruelty-free dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
For a festive gathering, serve with colorful fruit skewers to add freshness and visual appeal.
Consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.

Enhance presentation by arranging bars on a decorative platter, topping with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
These bars also make a charming addition to any potluck or bake sale!

FAQs about King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars

What makes King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars different from regular sugar cookies?
These bars are inspired by the traditional King Cake, combining soft sugar cookie texture with a sweet icing and vibrant colored sprinkles. They are perfect for celebrations and bring a festive flair to your dessert table!

Can I make King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I find that the flavors develop even more overnight!

How should I store the leftover bars?
Store any leftover King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have a lot left, refrigerate them to prolong freshness, but they taste best when served at room temperature.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! To freeze, make sure they are fully cooled and iced. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving!

Are there any nut-free options for the recipe?
Definitely! The original recipe is nut-free, as it doesn’t include ingredients such as nuts or nut flours. However, if you add any extras like almond extract or chopped nuts, you can simply omit those to keep the bars safe for nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

Making King Cake Sugar Cookie Bars is truly a joyful experience! The vibrant colors and rich flavors bring a touch of festive cheer that can brighten even the busiest days. As you share these delightful treats with family and friends, you’re not just serving dessert—you’re creating moments of joy and togetherness. Each bite will evoke smiles and laughter, making them perfect for celebrations or simply to bring a little sweetness into everyday life. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and let the good times roll with these charming cookie bars!