If you’re looking for a whimsical and crowd-pleasing treat that will bring giggles and gasps at your holiday party, look no further than Melted Snowman Cookies! These delightful cookies are not only fun to make but also incredibly easy to personalize. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a classroom party, or just want to bring some joy to your winter table, these cookies deliver on flavor and festive cheer. Melted Snowman Cookies are everything we love about holiday baking: creative, sweet, and a little bit magical.
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What Are Melted Snowman Cookies?
Melted Snowman Cookies are adorable sugar cookies topped with white royal icing to mimic melting snow, a marshmallow “head,” and colorful decorations to give them quirky little personalities. Imagine a snowman slowly melting on a warm cookie—buttons sliding off, scarf askew, and chocolate arms reaching out in surprise. That’s the charm! They’re the perfect blend of cute and tasty, with soft sugar cookie bases and gooey toppings that kids and adults alike will love.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
I mean, what’s not to love? These cookies hit every note. They’re easy to make (especially if you use store-bought cookie dough or icing in a pinch), they’re show-stopping on any holiday dessert table, and they’re endlessly customizable. Want to make your snowmen look shocked, sleepy, or surprised? Go for it! They also double as an engaging craft activity for kids—no two snowmen will look alike!
What Do Melted Snowman Cookies Taste Like?
Think classic sugar cookies with a sweet vanilla base, topped with soft, sugary icing and a fluffy marshmallow that brings the perfect bite of goo. The decorations—mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, pretzel sticks—add a crunchy contrast that makes these cookies as much a texture experience as they are visual treats. Every bite gives you that nostalgic sugar-cookie feel with a fun twist.
The Benefits of Making Melted Snowman Cookies
These cookies aren’t just cute—they’re practical, too! Here’s why you’ll love baking them:
Kid-friendly: Little hands love helping decorate!
Perfect for parties: They’re a guaranteed hit on cookie platters.
Great for gifting: Wrap up a few in clear bags with ribbon for a sweet holiday surprise.
Flexible ingredients: Use homemade or store-bought bases, and personalize toppings to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Make-ahead friendly: Bake the cookies and prepare the icing in advance, then decorate when you’re ready.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to bring your melted snowmen to life:
1 batch sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup royal icing or white frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Large marshmallows (cut in half for smaller snowman heads)
Mini chocolate chips or edible black gel (for eyes and buttons)
Orange sprinkles or orange icing (for noses)
Pretzel sticks (for arms)
Assorted candy decorations (colored sugar, M&Ms, licorice for scarves)
Optional Ingredients for Customization
Food coloring (for colorful scarves or hats)
Colored icing pens
Mini Reese’s or chocolate discs (for top hats)
Shredded coconut (for a snowy effect)
Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Icing piping bags or zip-top bags with a corner snipped
Toothpicks (for fine detailing)
Small spatula or butter knife (to spread icing)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
Here’s where you can really make this recipe your own:
Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free sugar cookie base.
Dairy-free? Opt for a dairy-free frosting and vegan marshmallows.
Not a fan of royal icing? Use melted white chocolate or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
Don’t have mini chocolate chips? Use black decorating gel, candy eyes, or even raisins cut in half.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! There’s so much room to get creative here—you can even turn these into chocolate snowmen or peppermint versions by tweaking the base cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven according to your cookie dough’s instructions. Roll out the sugar cookie dough to about ¼-inch thick and cut into circles or use a drinking glass to create round shapes. Bake until the edges are just turning golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
2. Prepare the “Melting Snow”
Spread a generous spoonful of royal icing or frosting on each cookie, letting it spill a bit over the edge to mimic melting snow. No need to be neat—messy is part of the charm!
3. Add the Snowman’s Head
Place a halved marshmallow on one side of the cookie, pressing gently so it sticks into the icing.
4. Decorate the Face
Use a toothpick dipped in black gel or mini chocolate chips to create eyes and a mouth. Add a tiny dot of orange icing or an orange sprinkle for the carrot nose.
5. Accessorize!
Use pretzel sticks for arms, colored icing for scarves, and whatever small candies your heart desires for buttons. You can even give them hats using mini peanut butter cups or chocolate coins.
6. Let Them Set
If using royal icing, allow the cookies to set completely before stacking or packaging. This might take a few hours at room temperature.
What to Serve With Melted Snowman Cookies
These cookies go beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa—especially one topped with whipped cream and a candy cane stir stick! They’re also a sweet end to a hearty winter dinner like beef stew or shepherd’s pie. Want to get extra festive? Serve them alongside a tray of assorted holiday cookies like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and thumbprint cookies.
Tips for Making Perfect Melted Snowman Cookies
Chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Don’t overbake! Keep them soft in the center so they’re easier to bite into.
Get the kids involved in decorating—it’s part of the fun!
Use a small offset spatula for smoother icing application.
Make sure cookies are fully cooled before icing or the frosting may melt and run.
Storage Instructions
Once decorated and fully set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then decorate as usual.
Fun General Info About Melted Snowman Cookies
These cookies became wildly popular after making their rounds on Pinterest and holiday baking shows. They’re now a staple in classrooms, cookie swaps, and office parties everywhere—and for good reason. They capture that mix of winter whimsy and edible art that makes holiday baking such a joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and freeze them, or even frost them a day ahead. Just be sure decorations are completely set before stacking.
What kind of icing works best?
Royal icing gives the best “melting” effect and dries with a nice shine, but you can use any thick white icing or frosting you prefer.
Can I use a boxed sugar cookie mix?
Yes! Store-bought sugar cookie dough or mix works just fine here. That’s what makes these such a no-stress dessert.
Are these safe for nut allergies?
They can be! Just double-check all your decorations and ingredients to avoid cross-contamination or allergens. Skip the peanut butter cup hats if needed.
Wrapping It All Up
Melted Snowman Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re an experience. They tell a story, spark laughter, and bring people together during the coziest time of the year. Whether you go all out with candy accessories or keep them sweet and simple, these cookies are a guaranteed hit for all ages. Plus, they’re a fun, edible canvas for creativity!
And hey, if you’re already in love with peach season (I feel you!), be sure to check out my Peach Cobbler Cookies and Peach Crumble Bars next—they’re the perfect balance of fruity and cozy.
Join the Cookie Party!
Did you try this recipe? I would absolutely love to see your creations. Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram so I can see your hilarious, adorable, possibly slightly lopsided snowmen. Don’t forget to leave a review below—it helps others find the recipe too!
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per cookie)
Calories: 180
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Keep in mind the nutritional values will vary based on your ingredients and decoration choices. But hey—it’s the holidays. These little guys are worth it!