Perfect Party Cookie Art

Name: Marbled Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp.; 1/2 cup full fat cream cheese, room temp.; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.; 1 large egg, room temp.; 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract.; 1 tsp almond extract (optional).; 3 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 tbsp cornstarch.; 1/2 tsp baking powder.; 1/2 tsp fine salt.; 3 cups powdered sugar.; 3 tbsp meringue powder.; 1/4 cup room temp water.; 2 tsp vanilla or almond extract.; Extra water for consistency.; Gel food coloring.

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Create beautiful marbled cookies by combining soft cream cheese sugar cookie dough with artfully swirled royal icing in multiple colors.

By Clare Greco

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:13 GMT

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A plate of colorful, swirled iced cookies in purple, green, and orange resting on a marble surface. | recipesbyclare.com

My marbled sugar cookies bring artistry to your dessert table. After countless batches in my kitchen I've perfected these soft chewy cookies with swirling patterns that look like tiny masterpieces. The marbling technique creates unique designs making each cookie one of a kind.

Simple Yet Stunning

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. That gorgeous marbled effect turns simple sugar cookies into something spectacular while staying wonderfully easy to make. My family loves watching the swirls come to life as we decorate each batch together.

What You'll Need

Full fat cream cheese softened overnight
Sweet cream butter at room temperature
Pure cane sugar
Unbleached flour sifted twice
Pure almond extract or vanilla works too
Fresh meringue powder for perfect icing
Powdered sugar sifted fine
Gel food colors your favorite shades

Let's Get Baking

Start with the Base: Mix butter cream cheese sugar until fluffy add egg extracts then flour chill the dough
Shape with Love: Roll dough cut shapes put on lined sheets chill again
Into the Oven: Bake at 350°F watch for golden edges cool completely
Magic Icing: Whisk sugar meringue powder water until peaks form thin carefully
Create Art: Color icing swirl gently dip cookies let excess drip dry on rack

Marbling Magic

Your icing needs to flow just right for perfect swirls. Pick three shades of one color creates beautiful depth. Keep icing covered while working add fresh swirls between cookies for the prettiest patterns.

A plate of colorful, swirled frosted cookies in purple, green, and orange designs is displayed on a marble surface. | recipesbyclare.com

Fresh and Beautiful

These cookies stay fresh two weeks in an airtight container. Pop extras in the freezer they last three months. Layer parchment between cookies keeps that pretty icing perfect let them thaw naturally before serving.

Make Them Your Own

Switch ingredients to fit your needs vegan butter works great so does gluten free flour. Skip the almond extract if needed vanilla gives lovely flavor too. Everyone should get to enjoy these beautiful treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?: Yes, decorated cookies keep 2 weeks room temp, 3 months frozen. Dough freezes 1 month.
→ Why cream cheese in dough?: Creates softer, more tender cookies than butter alone.
→ How do I prevent icing from crusting?: Keep covered with plastic wrap when not actively using.
→ Can I halve the recipe?: Yes, use half a beaten egg. Don't double unless using commercial mixer.
→ Why chill dough multiple times?: Helps cookies keep shape and produces better texture.