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.

Marble Sugar Cookie Bars – Festive & Easy Holiday Treat

Name: Marble Sugar Cookie Bars – Festive & Easy Holiday Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 3/4 cup vegetable shortening or unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups confectioner’s sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp sprinkles

Description

Pillow-soft red and green sugar cookie bars with a fruity almond flavor, topped with white buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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