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–+ servings
Marbled Sugar Cookies

Marbled Sugar Cookies That Wow with Easy Icing Swirls

These Marbled Sugar Cookies are a delightful canvas for creativity, perfect for festive gatherings with soft and chewy texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Can substitute with salted butter, reduce added salt
  • 8 oz Full Fat Cream Cheese Can substitute with Neufchâtel for lighter option
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can add moisture and flavor
  • 1 large Egg Can replace with flax egg for vegan option
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Almond extract can provide a twist
For the Cookie Structure
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour is a substitute option
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Can omit without significant effect
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Baking soda can substitute but adjust quantity
  • ½ teaspoon Fine Salt Essential for flavor enhancement
For the Royal Icing
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar No substitutes recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Meringue Powder Egg white powder can substitute
  • 5 tablespoons Water Keep at room temperature for best results
  • Gel Food Coloring Add to achieve desired shades

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Piping Bags
  • plastic wrap
  • Cookie cutters
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Gradually add granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt.
  4. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
  5. Divide dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out one portion to about ¼-inch thick.
  7. Cut into desired shapes and chill cut dough for 15 minutes.
  8. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, ensuring edges are set but not browned.
  9. Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. In a mixing bowl, whisk meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water to stiff peaks for royal icing.
  11. Divide icing into bowls, add gel coloring, and prepare piping bags.
  12. Decorate cookies with royal icing swirls and let dry completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.2mg

Notes

Chilling dough is crucial to maintain shapes while baking. Cover royal icing to avoid crusting while working.

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