If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines whimsy with deliciousness, you have to try this Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies feature soft sugar cookie bases topped with gooey melted marshmallows that transform into adorable melted snowmen. Topped with playful little details like mini chocolate chip eyes and orange candy noses, they’re the perfect crowd-pleasers during the holiday season or anytime you want to add a touch of snowy fun to your baking. Plus, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat, bringing smiles in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple kitchen staples, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect sugar cookie texture and sweet flavor. From the rich creaminess of butter to the fluffiness of the marshmallows, every component adds something special to this Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for soft, tender cookies that hold their shape well.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light without spreading too much.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift for a perfect crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds a rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor essential for sugar cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the crisp edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warm, inviting flavor that’s a sugar cookie classic.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Ensures the dough stays moist and easy to work with.
- Large marshmallows: The star ingredient for creating that perfect melted snowman effect.
- White icing or frosting: Used for creating snow-like decoration and the snowman’s details.
- Mini chocolate chips: Perfect for eyes and buttons, adding cute contrast.
- Orange candy pieces: Create tiny carrot noses for your snowmen.
- Black decorating gel or icing: Great for outlining facial features and adding character.
How to Make Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
First thing’s first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Setting up this base ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blends everything evenly, so your cookies have consistent texture and rise just right.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until fluffy and light. This step is key to a tender cookie base—don’t rush it! You want it smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat the egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined. These bring moisture and that wonderful vanilla flavor we all love in a sugar cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and light.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Roll your dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie so they don’t stick together while baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just start to turn a light golden color. This ensures your cookies are soft and chewy in the center.
Step 8: Add the Marshmallows
When the cookies come out of the oven, immediately place one large marshmallow on each cookie and pop them back into the oven for 1 to 2 minutes. This softens the marshmallows, helping them melt beautifully over your cookies to create that signature snowman shape.
Step 9: Shape the Melted Snowmen
Carefully press the marshmallows just a little to give that melted look, enhancing the snowman effect. Then, let your cookies cool completely so the marshmallows set up nicely.
Step 10: Decorate Your Cookies
This is the fun part where your Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe truly comes to life! Use white icing to create snowy details, place mini chocolate chips for the eyes and buttons, add little orange candy pieces as noses, and use black decorating gel or icing for the mouth and other facial expressions. Let your creativity run wild here!
How to Serve Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar to mimic fresh snow or glittery edible sugar sprinkles to add sparkle. These finishing touches amplify the winter wonderland theme and make your cookies look as magical as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these tender, sweet cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a classic glass of cold milk. The creamy drinks balance the sugary sweetness perfectly and enhance the cozy feeling that these cookies bring.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with a sprinkle of fake snow or pine branches for a holiday party centerpiece. You can also place them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons to give as delightful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the sugar cookie base soft while maintaining the marshmallow’s gooey charm. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cookies.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a busy holiday season, freeze the baked and decorated cookies in a single layer inside a zip-top bag or airtight container. To prevent sticking, separate layers with parchment paper. They keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To enjoy the full melty goodness, warm your cookies briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This softens the marshmallow again and makes them feel freshly baked, perfect for a cozy treat any time.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough to make these cookies?
Absolutely! While homemade dough really shines here, store-bought dough can save time without sacrificing taste. Just follow the same steps for adding marshmallows and decorating to get that Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe look and feel.
What if I don’t have black decorating gel?
You can substitute with melted dark chocolate or use black food coloring mixed into a small amount of icing. Both work great for creating expressive features on your snowmen.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s meant for baking. Just keep an eye on the texture since gluten-free doughs can be slightly different, and you may need to adjust moisture levels.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! Decorating the melted marshmallows is a super fun activity for little ones. Just be sure to supervise the baking and marshmallow melting steps to keep things safe and enjoyable for everyone.
How do I keep the marshmallows from burning?
Keep a close watch during the 1-2 minute marshmallow melting step, as ovens vary. The goal is softening, not browning or burning. Removing the cookies as soon as the marshmallows puff up and soften will give the best result.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe will become one of your go-to festive favorites. They blend fun, flavor, and creativity into one delightful cookie experience that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and make some magic happen with these irresistibly charming cookies!
Print
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies are a festive holiday treat featuring soft sugar cookies topped with gooey melted marshmallows, decorated to resemble adorable snowmen. Perfect for holiday parties, these cookies combine classic sugar cookie flavors with fun and creative decoration using icing, chocolate chips, and candy pieces.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Decorations
- Large marshmallows
- White icing or frosting
- Mini chocolate chips
- Orange candy pieces (for noses)
- Black decorating gel or icing (for eyes, mouth, buttons)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk into the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, just combine until no dry flour remains.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are ready.
- Add Marshmallows & Soften: Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly place one large marshmallow on top of each cookie. Return the baking sheets to the oven for an additional 1–2 minutes to soften and slightly melt the marshmallows.
- Create Melted Effect and Cool: Gently press the softened marshmallows down to create a melted snowman head look. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Decorate Cookies: Decorate the melted marshmallow snowmen using white icing or frosting as glue, mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, orange candy pieces for noses, and black decorating gel or icing for facial features and details. Get creative to bring each snowman to life!
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- If marshmallows brown too quickly, keep a close eye and reduce melting time as oven temperatures can vary.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
