How to Make the Easiest Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookies

Marbled Christmas sugar cookies decorated with green swirls and edible gold stars, a stunning and easy Christmas cookie recipe perfect for gifting

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these marbled Christmas sugar cookies are your answer! Not only do they look stunning with their vibrant swirls of color, but they’re also surprisingly easy Christmas cookies to recreate. This tutorial will show you how to achieve that beautiful marbled effect using a simple glaze and some creativity. Plus, these cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for gifting or adding to your Christmas cookie recipes list.


Now, before we dive into the tutorial for the decoration, make sure to check out my best sugar cookies recipe, I always use this recipe, it’s super easy to make and never fails me (also uses really simple ingredients).

Plain sugar cookie showcasing the base of an easy sugar cookie recipe, perfect for decorating or enjoying as is

Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookie Glaze Recipe

Here’s the recipe for the glaze that gives these easy Christmas cookies their beautiful marbled finish. This simple and versatile icing is perfect for decorating your sugar cookies and achieving that eye-catching swirl effect.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar

  • 3 tsp Corn Syrup

  • 6-8 tsp Water

  • (Optional) Extract of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, water, and extract (if using) in a bowl.

  2. Mix thoroughly for a few minutes until the icing is smooth and fully incorporated.

  3. Cover the bowl with a wet towel and let the icing rest for a few minutes. This helps to eliminate air bubbles.

  4. After resting, check the surface of the icing for bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any bubbles for a smooth finish.

Close-up of a beautifully glazed Christmas sugar cookie with vibrant marbled green design

Decorating Marbled Christmas Sugar Cookies

Now that the glaze is ready, it’s time to bring these Christmas cookie recipes to life with a stunning marbled design. Follow these simple steps for perfectly decorated cookies every time:

Step-by-Step Decorating Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Colors: Using a toothpick, dip it into your edible gel color. Gel colors are essential for this project as they won’t thin out the glaze like water-based colors.

    • I used dark green and light green, but stick to one or two colors to keep the design neat and cohesive.

  2. Create the Marble Effect: Swirl the gel colors into the white glaze using your toothpick. Don’t overmix; just a few gentle swirls will give you that classic marbled look.

  3. Dip the Cookies:

    • Gently dip your cookies into the glaze, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

    • Tap lightly to remove any excess icing, then carefully flip the cookie.

  4. Eliminate Air Bubbles: Use a toothpick or a trusting needle to pop any air bubbles that may appear on the surface of the glaze.

  5. Add Final Decorations:

    • Sprinkle edible gold glitter or add gold leaf for an elegant touch.

    • Top with a gold star made from gum paste or any decorative element you like.

    • Feel free to experiment with your favorite Christmas-themed sprinkles!

  6. Set the Cookies:

    • Place the cookies on a rack and leave them to set overnight.

    • Avoid putting them in the fridge, as the glaze won’t dry properly in a cold, humid environment.

Once fully set, your cookies are ready to be wrapped and gifted or displayed on your holiday table! These easy Christmas cookies to make are sure to impress everyone who sees them.

Important Tips:

  • Refresh the glaze by adding new green swirls periodically to keep the colors vibrant.

  • Don’t overuse gel colors, as excessive coloring can prevent the glaze from drying.

  • If the icing is dripping off the cookies once you flip them this could be due to 2 things; either you icing is too thin, fix by adding more powdered sugar, or you added a lot of icing to the cookie, so make sure you shake off any excess before flipping.

  • Dip the cookies gently and evenly to avoid uneven glaze coverage or streaks.

  • If the glaze thickens while you work, add a drop of water to loosen it. Be cautious not to over-dilute, as it may affect the marbling effect.

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