The cutest Melted Snowman Cookies sit atop buttery homemade sugar cookies, finished with thick vanilla icing and a fluffy marshmallow head. These cheerful cookies are simple to make and delight both kids and adults alike.
My family looks forward to these charming melted snowman cookies every holiday season, and they’re fun enough to make any time the snow is falling. Pair them with other seasonal favorites like Christmas cake mix cookies, candy cane cookies, or classic butter cookies for a festive cookie platter. These cookies are perfect for baking with kids, gifting at holiday parties, or serving at a cookie swap.
Why I Love Melted Snowman Cookies
- Kid-friendly. These are great for little helpers. Prepare the components in advance and let kids decorate however they like.
- Festive look. They’re an easy way to add whimsy to any holiday spread or winter gathering.
- Customizable. Use the ideas here as a starting point and personalize each cookie with different colors, sprinkles, or facial expressions.
- Party-ready. They make a fun activity for cookie swaps or holiday parties—guests can decorate a few to take home.
What You’ll Need
A few pantry staples make these cookies simple to prepare. Refer to the recipe card below for exact measurements and full instructions.
- Butter – Unsalted, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Dry ingredients – Granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Egg – Use one large egg at room temperature.
- Flavorings – Pure vanilla extract (and orange extract if you like a subtle citrus note).
- Powdered (icing) sugar – Sifted to remove lumps.
- Milk – Whole or 2% milk works well for the icing.
- Decorations – Large marshmallows, edible writing gels or food coloring, and holiday sprinkles.
How to Make Melted Snowman Cookies
If you’re short on time, store-bought sugar cookies can be decorated the same way. Below is a concise overview of the homemade method so you can plan the steps.
- Prepare the dough. Cream butter and sugar, add the egg and vanilla, then mix until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to the butter mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Roll, cut and bake. Roll dough to about 1/4″ thickness, cut 2–3″ rounds, and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before decorating.
- Make the icing. Stir sifted powdered sugar with milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable, slightly thick consistency.
- Decorate. Spread icing on each cooled cookie to resemble melted snow. Press a marshmallow onto one side for the snowman’s head, then use edible gel pens or food coloring to draw faces, arms, buttons, and scarves. Add sprinkles if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room-temperature ingredients: Using ingredients at room temperature gives a smoother dough and a better texture after baking.
- Make ahead: Dough freezes well, or you can bake and freeze the plain cookies for up to three months. Thaw before decorating.
- Short on time: Use store-bought sugar cookies and follow the decorating steps for the same fun result.
- Alternative topping: Melted white chocolate makes a great glossy “melted snow” instead of icing—smooth it gently over each cookie.
How to Store
Keep decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Refrigeration can affect marshmallow texture, but if you need to extend storage, place them in the fridge for up to seven days and bring them back to room temperature before serving.
More Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Stained Glass Cookies
- Hot Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Snowman Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract, optional
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup icing sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the decorating:
- 16 white large marshmallows
- edible food colors
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
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Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cream the butter and sugar. Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
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Combine the ingredients. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
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Roll and cut the cookies. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ¼” thickness and cut 2–3″ rounds. Place on prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
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Bake the cookies. Bake 12–14 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the icing. In a small bowl, mix sifted icing sugar with milk, adding the milk teaspoon by teaspoon until the icing is smooth and slightly thick. Adjust to reach a spreadable consistency.
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Decorate the cookies. Spread the icing on each cooled cookie to look like melted snow. Press a marshmallow onto one side of each cookie so it adheres to the icing. Use edible gel or food coloring to draw faces, arms, buttons, and scarves; add sprinkles if desired.
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Set and serve. Let the cookies rest about 30 minutes or until icing sets, then enjoy your Melted Snowman Cookies.
Equipment
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Round cookie cutters (2–3 inch)
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary depending on ingredients and preparation. Use your preferred calculator for precise results.
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