Melting Snowman Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s as fun to decorate as it is to eat. The sugar cookies are soft and buttery, the marshmallows add a whimsical touch, and the little candy details bring each snowman to life. It’s also a perfect holiday baking project with kids or something to bring a smile to the table at Christmas parties.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

FOR THE SUGAR COOKIES
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract (optional)

FOR THE DECORATIONS
1 batch royal icing or thick powdered sugar glaze
24 large marshmallows
Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)
24 small orange sprinkles or pieces of orange jelly bean (for noses)
Pretzel sticks, broken into short segments (for arms)
Red and green fondant or fruit roll-ups, cut into thin strips (for scarves)
Optional: shredded coconut or mini marshmallows (for base decoration)

Directions

1. I prepare the cookie dough by whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large mixing bowl, I beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. I gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

2. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I roll the dough into 1 ½-inch balls, flatten them slightly, and bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are just golden. I let them cool completely on a wire rack.

3. For the icing, I prepare royal icing or a thick powdered sugar glaze. I spoon some onto each cooled cookie, letting it spread naturally to look like melted snow.

4. While the icing is still wet, I press a marshmallow onto the top third of each cookie to make the snowman’s head.

5. I add mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and a small piece of orange sprinkle or jelly bean for the nose.

6. I press pretzel sticks into the sides as arms, arranging them at fun angles.

7. I wrap a strip of fondant or fruit roll-up around the marshmallow base as a scarf.

8. I let the cookies set at room temperature for about an hour, or refrigerate them for 20–30 minutes so the icing hardens.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep takes around 25 minutes, baking about 10 minutes, plus 35 minutes for decorating and setting. Total time is about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use chocolate cookies instead of sugar cookies for a snowy contrast. For extra fun, I sprinkle shredded coconut around the base for a frosty look. If I want more color, I use rainbow sprinkles as buttons instead of chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I need to make them ahead, I bake the cookies and freeze them undecorated, then thaw and decorate before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, I chill the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months before baking.

Do I have to use royal icing?

No, I sometimes make a thick powdered sugar glaze with milk, which works just as well.

Can I use store-bought sugar cookies?

Yes, store-bought cookies make this even quicker—I just add the decorations.

How do I keep the marshmallows from sliding off?

Pressing them gently into the wet icing helps secure them. Letting the cookies set fully also prevents slipping.

Can I use other candies for noses and buttons?

Yes, I like orange jelly beans, candy-coated chocolates, or even tiny gumdrops.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the cookies still turn out great.

Can I use a piping bag for details?

Yes, I pipe on faces and scarves for more precision, though I also like the fun, imperfect look.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

I chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Yes, kids love decorating the snowmen with candy and pretzels—it’s a great holiday activity.

Can I freeze decorated cookies?

I don’t recommend freezing them after decorating, since marshmallows and pretzels don’t thaw well.

Conclusion

These Melting Snowman Cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats to bake and decorate. I love how they bring smiles and laughter to any gathering, with each snowman showing off its own personality. Whether I make them with kids, friends, or just for fun, they’re always a whimsical and tasty addition to my Christmas baking traditions.