Snowman Cookies

Snowman Cookies are an adorable and delicious treat perfect for winter and holiday gatherings. These festive cookies are not only fun to make but also great for kids and adults alike. With a buttery base and charming decorations, they bring a delightful wintery touch to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and festive – Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a fun baking project with kids.
• Easy to customize – Decorate them with different colors, candies, and designs.
• Soft and buttery – A deliciously tender and sweet treat for the season.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the dough in advance and decorate when ready.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Powdered sugar (for icing)
• Milk
• Food coloring
• Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)
• Orange candy or icing (for the carrot nose)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small, medium, and large balls, then stack them on a lined baking sheet to create snowman shapes.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
7. Decorate: Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Use icing to attach mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and an orange candy or icing for the nose. Add scarves and hats with colored icing as desired.
8. Let Set: Allow the icing to dry before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 12-15 cookies
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Snowmen: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-flavored cookie base.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Different Decorations: Use colored sprinkles, shredded coconut for a snow effect, or small pretzels for arms.
• Flavored Dough: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract for extra holiday flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Store decorated cookies in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before decorating.
• Reheating: If needed, briefly warm them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.

FAQs

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading. Also, ensure you measure ingredients accurately.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

What’s the best way to attach decorations?

Royal icing works best, but a thick glaze made of powdered sugar and milk also does the trick.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade dough provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies.

How do I make the icing thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to make it thicker, or a little milk to thin it out.

What can I use instead of food coloring?

Natural alternatives like beet juice, turmeric, or matcha powder can be used.

Can I add flavors to the icing?

Yes! Try adding vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract for a festive touch.

How do I make the cookies extra soft?

Avoid overbaking, and consider adding an extra egg yolk for a softer texture.

Can I use different shapes?

Of course! You can make traditional round cookies and decorate them with a snowman face.

What’s the best way to store leftover icing?

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Conclusion

Snowman Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the winter season with a fun and festive treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just a cozy baking day, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Try different decorations, flavors, and styles to make them uniquely yours!

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