Go Back

Irresistible Marbled Sugar Cookies

These delightful marbled sugar cookies are a visual and flavorful treat, perfect for any festive occasion. Soft, chewy, and beautifully decorated with royal icing, they are sure to impress your guests.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter can substitute with margarine for dairy-free
  • 8 oz cream cheese can swap with additional unsalted butter or vegan cream cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg can use a flax egg made with 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 Tbsp water for vegan
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 tsp almond extract optional; omit if allergic
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour consider gluten-free blend if needed
  • 1 cup cornstarch may replace with a little extra flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder no suitable substitutes
  • 1 tsp fine salt absolutely necessary
For the Royal Icing
  • 4 cups powdered sugar essential for smooth texture
  • 3 Tbsp meringue powder can use egg whites from 2 eggs instead
  • 1 cup water adjust for consistency

Method
 

Making the Cookies
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well-combined.
  4. In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until the dough comes together.
  6. Divide the dough into two bowls. Tint one portion with food coloring of your choice, creating a vibrant marbled effect.
  7. Scoop tablespoons of each color of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, slightly pressing down on them.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Preparing the Royal Icing
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat until smooth and glossy.
  2. Adjust the water to achieve your desired consistency—thick for outlining and thin for flooding.
Decorating the Cookies
  1. Use piping bags to apply royal icing onto cooled cookies. Start by outlining the edges and let it dry slightly.
  2. Flood the center with thinned icing and use a toothpick to create marbled designs by swirling different colors together.
  3. Allow the icing to dry completely before serving.

Notes

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For prolonged freshness, freeze for up to three months, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Experiment with different extracts and colors to customize your cookies!