Nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like baking Snowman Sugar Cookies. These festive cookies are not only adorable but also irresistibly delicious, making them the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for edible gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy family baking day, this recipe is versatile, easy, and fun for bakers of all skill levels.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create these delightful cookies, share expert tips, and explore creative variations to make your snowmen truly unique.
Why You’ll Love Snowman Sugar Cookies
- Easy to Make: With a simple sugar cookie base and basic decorating tools, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
- Creative Decorating: Let your imagination run wild with edible scarves, hats, and festive details.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their whimsical appearance makes them an ideal holiday gift.
Ingredients for Snowman Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to create these magical cookies:
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Decorations
- Royal icing or buttercream frosting (white and colored)
- Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Orange decorating gel (for carrot noses)
- Edible glitter or sprinkles
- M&Ms or similar candies (for buttons)
- Edible food coloring pens (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet and parchment paper
- Icing bags with fine tips
- Cooling rack
For decorating tips, visit this guide to cookie decorating tools.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Snowman Sugar Cookies
1. Make the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar until fluffy.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until the dough forms.
2. Shape the Snowmen
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll Dough Balls: Roll three balls of dough per cookie—large (1 inch), medium (¾ inch), and small (½ inch). Stack them on a baking sheet to form snowmen.
3. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
4. Decorate the Snowmen
- Add the Base Layer: Cover the cookies with white royal icing and let it dry.
- Create Features: Use mini chocolate chips for eyes, orange gel for noses, and M&Ms for buttons.
- Add Accessories: Draw scarves, hats, and other details with colored icing or food coloring pens.
For more decorating inspiration, check out our Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas.
Tips for Perfect Snowman Sugar Cookies
- Chill the Dough: This prevents spreading and ensures the cookies keep their shape.
- Use Fine-Tipped Tools: These help with intricate decorating details.
- Test Bake Time: Avoid overbaking by checking cookies early; they should be set but soft in the center.
- Batch Work: Bake and cool cookies ahead of time, then set aside a separate day for decorating.
Creative Variations
Peppermint Snowman Cookies
Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing holiday twist.
Gluten-Free Snowman Sugar Cookies
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your decorations are gluten-free.
Vegan Option
Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of eggs.
Snowy Sparkle
Dust edible glitter over the icing for a frosted look that matches winter’s magic.
For more holiday-themed cookie variations, visit our Holiday Baking Section.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them before decorating.
2. What’s the best way to store Snowman Sugar Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate to extend freshness.
3. Can I use store-bought icing?
Absolutely! While homemade icing provides better flavor and control, store-bought options save time.
4. How can I make these cookies nut-free?
This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check your ingredient labels for cross-contamination warnings.
Internal Links for Better Navigation
- For more cookie recipes, explore our Christmas Cookie Collection.
- Looking for holiday-themed desserts? Try our Festive Baking Ideas.
- Discover tips for baking with kids in our Family Baking Guide.
Conclusion
Snowman Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a festive experience that brings people together. From the satisfying process of baking to the creative joy of decorating, these cookies are a holiday tradition worth starting (or continuing).
Whether you’re making them for yourself, as gifts, or to share with loved ones, Snowman Sugar Cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Pair them with hot cocoa or include them in a holiday cookie platter for the ultimate festive treat.
Start baking today and make this holiday season unforgettable!
Need more festive ideas? Check out our Top 10 Christmas Treats.