There’s something about Christmas baking that softens the air, like sugar and butter swirling together in warm light. These Marble Sugar Cookie Bars bring that same joy, with soft, red-and-green swirls that look like a holiday painting. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy night when your kitchen smells like almond and vanilla dreams.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
You’ll love how buttery and soft these bars taste. The almond flavor feels gentle, almost fruity, and pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla frosting. They’re festive but also practical—easy to slice, share, and stack for parties, bake sales, or cookie boxes.
They also look impressive without any fuss. That marbled swirl catches everyone’s eye, and the soft bite makes them linger for seconds.
Key Ingredients & What They Do
Base Ingredients
Butter and sugar create the soft, tender crumb that makes these cookie bars feel like little pillows. Eggs add richness, while almond extract gives that lovely bakery-style flavor. The flour and baking soda help them hold their shape while staying chewy.
Food coloring turns the dough into those bright red and green streaks that give the bars their Christmas charm.
Frosting Essentials
Shortening or butter gives the frosting a smooth, stable texture. Confectioner’s sugar makes it creamy and sweet, while vanilla extract and a splash of milk help it spread like a dream. Finally, sprinkles bring that extra sparkle of joy on top.
Choosing the Right Food Colouring
Liquid coloring works best here because it blends easily without overmixing. Gel colors can make the dough tough since they need more stirring to distribute evenly.
You can also change up the colors for any holiday. Try pink and white for Valentine’s Day or pastel shades for Easter. Natural options like beet juice or matcha powder also work if you prefer softer tones.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Marble Sugar Cookie Bars
Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time and mix in the almond extract. Slowly stir in the flour and baking soda until just combined.
Next, divide the dough into two bowls. Tint one red and the other green, using just enough food coloring to get rich shades.
Create the Marble Effect
Scoop spoonfuls of each color randomly into your parchment-lined pan. Once it’s filled, press the dough flat and smooth. The colors will mix slightly, creating those fun marbled streaks.
Bake & Cool
Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Then let it cool completely before frosting. The waiting is worth it—warm dough can melt the frosting.
Frosting & Decorating Tips
Making Smooth Buttercream
Beat the shortening (or butter) until soft. Add confectioner’s sugar one cup at a time, then mix in vanilla and milk. The frosting should look creamy but not too thick.
Spread it evenly over the cooled bars, letting it glide gently to the edges.
Sprinkles & Finishing Touches
Use colorful sprinkles for a classic Christmas look. You can also chill the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
For a softer, whiter frosting, use shortening instead of butter and clear vanilla extract.
FAQ
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead?
Yes, absolutely. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness perfectly. Beat together butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
Can I skip or change the food colouring?
Of course. The colors are optional. You can leave them plain or change them for any celebration. Try red and pink for Valentine’s Day or orange and purple for Halloween.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Chill them for 30–40 minutes before cutting. Then use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. You’ll get perfect edges every time.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment for up to three months.
When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. They’ll taste just as soft and fresh.
Marble Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe Card
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Marble Sugar Cookie Bars – Festive & Easy Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pillow-soft red and green sugar cookie bars with a fruity almond flavor, topped with white buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
Base:
1 cup salted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp almond extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
8 to 10 drops red liquid food colouring
8 to 10 drops green liquid food colouring
Frosting:
3/4 cup vegetable shortening or unsalted butter, softened
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F or 190°C, then line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper
2. Cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in almond extract
4. Mix in flour and baking soda until just combined
5. Divide dough evenly into two bowls
6. Tint one half red and the other green with liquid food colouring
7. Scoop alternating colors into the pan to create a patchwork
8. Press dough flat and evenly into the pan
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
10. Cool completely in the pan
11. Beat shortening or butter until smooth for frosting
12. Add confectioner’s sugar one cup at a time, mixing well
13. Mix in vanilla and milk until creamy
14. Spread frosting evenly on cooled cookie base
15. Top with sprinkles
16. Optional chill for 30 to 40 minutes for cleaner slices
Notes
Food colouring is optional and you can adapt colors for other holidays
Liquid colouring works best because gel can require extra mixing which toughens the dough
For whiter frosting use vegetable shortening and clear vanilla extract
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 5 days
Freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers with parchment between layers
To thaw place bars on a wire rack for 20 minutes
Alternate frosting suggestion cream cheese frosting Beat 1/2 cup butter with 8 oz cream cheese then 3 cups confectioner’s sugar and 2 tsp vanilla
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 339
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 97
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 51
More Such Recipes
If you love these bars, you might also enjoy Classic Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for a simpler version, or my Easy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe for that warm, spiced aroma.
You could also try the Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies Recipe or melt-in-your-mouth Whipped Shortbread Cookies.
Final Thoughts
Making these Marble Sugar Cookie Bars feels like painting with dough. Each pan comes out slightly different, but always beautiful and soft. They bring out the playful side of baking—the kind that fills your kitchen with laughter, color, and sugar.
Have fun mixing colors and shapes, and share your creations online at Pinterest or Facebook.