If you’re searching for a festive treat that combines buttery richness with eye-catching swirls of color, the Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe is exactly what you need on your holiday baking list. These cookies deliver a tender crumb infused with warm flavors like vanilla and almond, all dressed up with a glossy, colorful powdered sugar icing that captures the joyful spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or looking for a charming gift idea, this recipe brings holiday magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, quality ingredients that come together to create an irresistible texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role: the butter provides richness, the extracts add fragrant notes, the flour serves as the sturdy base, and the icing ingredients create a sweet, smooth finish with colorful fun.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides the perfect creamy richness and tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup): Sweetens the dough while helping to create a lighter cookie.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Adds moisture and binds the ingredients together flawlessly.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, familiar flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Almond extract (¼ teaspoon, plus ¾ teaspoon divided): Brings a subtle, nutty aroma that pairs wonderfully with the buttery base.
- Lemon or orange zest (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a bright citrus note that makes the cookies more festive.
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Creates the structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Essential for making a smooth, shiny icing that beautifully coats the cookies.
- White corn syrup (6 tablespoons, divided): Gives the icing a lovely gloss while keeping it soft and spreadable.
- Water (½ cup, divided): Used to adjust the consistency of the icing to perfection.
- Food coloring (soft gel paste works best): Brings the marbled Christmas colors to life in the icing.
How to Make Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is the secret to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and citrus zest if using, to layer in all those beautiful flavors. Then, whisk together the flour and kosher salt in a separate bowl and gradually combine them with the butter mixture to form a smooth dough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Divide the dough in half, and if you want to get that classic marbled look, tint one half with a few drops of your favorite gel food coloring. Then, gently fold the two doughs together without fully mixing to create stunning swirls. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the edges turn just golden, then let them cool completely before icing.
Step 3: Make the Powdered Sugar Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, white corn syrup, water, and almond extract until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with different gel food colors for a festive palette. The icing should be thick enough to coat but thin enough to flow lightly. If needed, add more water a teaspoon at a time to get the right consistency.
Step 4: Apply the Marbled Powdered Sugar Icing
To achieve the marbled icing effect, spoon different colored icings close together on each cookie and use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors without overmixing. This technique creates beautiful patterns reminiscent of Christmas ribbons and ornaments. Let the icing set for at least an hour before storing or serving.
How to Serve Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with a sprinkle of edible glitter or crushed candy canes to elevate their festive charm. These garnishes add a touch of sparkle and flavor contrast that’s delightful and visually appealing. Fresh rosemary sprigs placed nearby can also bring a pleasant aromatic twist, complementing the almond and citrus notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
While these cookies are true showstoppers on their own, pairing them with a hot cup of spiced tea, rich hot chocolate, or a creamy latte will make any holiday gathering feel cozy and complete. The warm beverages harmonize with the buttery sweetness of the cookies, making every bite and sip a comforting holiday moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your marbled cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative platter grouped by color swirls, or place them alongside other Christmas treats on a cookie board for a dazzling dessert display. Presentation is just as joyful as the baking with this Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the powdered sugar icing is fully set to prevent sticking. This allows the cookies to maintain their soft, buttery texture without drying out and keeps the glaze looking fresh and glossy.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies before icing them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a zip-top bag for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze fully decorated cookies between parchment sheets with layers of wax paper to avoid smudging. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results with this Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe.
Reheating
For a freshly-baked taste, warm your cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the icing may soften too much. This quick reheating brings back the soft, buttery texture and makes the flavors shine anew, just like when fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract in this recipe?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can use additional vanilla extract or even a hint of coconut extract for a different but equally delicious flavor. Just be mindful that the extract enhances the aroma and taste, so don’t skip it entirely.
How do I achieve the perfect marbled effect with the icing?
The key is to add small drops of different colored icing close together on the cookie and gently swirl them using a toothpick without mixing too much. This creates distinct, beautiful swirls reminiscent of marbled patterns without losing the vibrant colors.
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Soft gel paste food coloring is best because it provides vibrant colors without altering the icing’s texture. Liquid food coloring can thin out the icing too much, making it harder to work with, so gel colors are definitely recommended!
Are these cookies suitable for making ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! The Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe is perfect for prepping days in advance. The cookies keep well, and the icing sets nicely overnight. Just store them in airtight containers to retain freshness.
What can I do if my icing is too thick or too thin?
If the icing is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually. The right thickness is crucial to achieving a beautiful finish and marbled effect.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe that makes every holiday moment a little sweeter and more colorful. Easy to make yet impressive in appearance, these cookies bring warmth and joy to your kitchen and your guests. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this festive baking adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies with Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling and icing setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Marbled Christmas Butter Cookies feature a tender, buttery base with a festive marbled design and a smooth powdered sugar icing. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies combine classic flavors like vanilla, almond, and citrus zest with a visually stunning swirl of colorful icing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams, room temperature)
- â…” cup granulated sugar (135 grams)
- 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (1 gram)
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (2 grams, optional)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (295 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Powdered Sugar Icing
- 4 cups powdered sugar (452 grams)
- 6 tablespoons white corn syrup (117 grams, divided)
- ½ cup water (114 grams, divided)
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract (3 grams, divided)
- Food coloring (Soft Gel Paste food color works best)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon or orange zest, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up, which will make it easier to roll and cut.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare the Powdered Sugar Icing: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of white corn syrup, ¼ cup of water, and half of the almond extract. Mix the icing until smooth and glossy. Divide the icing evenly into separate bowls according to how many colors you want to use, then add a few drops of gel food coloring into each bowl and stir gently to create marbled colors.
- Apply Marbled Icing: Spread a base layer of white icing over each cooled cookie using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Quickly drizzle the different colored icings over the base in stripes or swirls. Use a toothpick or a skewer to gently swirl the colors together to create a beautiful marbled effect. Allow the icing to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and eggs for the dough to ensure smooth mixing.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and better cookie shape retention during baking.
- Soft gel paste food coloring works better than liquid to prevent icing from becoming too thin.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Optional: Add citrus zest for a subtle bright flavor or omit for a classic vanilla-almond profile.
