Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies are one of the most adorable and festive Christmas treats you can make. These soft sugar cookies are topped with melted marshmallows and decorated to look like cheerful snowmen that have melted into a puddle of icing. They’re playful, fun, and perfect for bringing smiles to both kids and adults during the holiday season.
This recipe is especially popular for Christmas baking with children, classroom parties, and holiday cookie trays. With simple ingredients and easy decorating steps, these cookies are more about creativity than perfection. Each snowman looks a little different, which only adds to their charm.
Why You’ll Love These Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
- Fun and creative Christmas cookie design
- Soft, tender sugar cookie base
- Easy decorating—no piping skills required
- Perfect for baking with kids
- Festive and eye-catching on holiday cookie trays
- Great for parties, gifting, and school events
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a Christmas cookie that stands out from traditional shapes and flavors, Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies are a must. They’re simple to make, don’t require advanced decorating tools, and allow everyone to add their own creative touch. This recipe turns ordinary sugar cookies into a holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Decorating
- Large marshmallows
- White icing or white chocolate melting wafers
- Black icing or edible marker (for eyes and mouth)
- Orange icing or candy (for noses)
- Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles (optional decorations)
How to Make Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
Step 1 — Make the Cookie Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2 — Bake the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 3 — Add Marshmallows
Remove cookies from the oven and immediately place a marshmallow on top of each cookie. Return to the oven for 1–2 minutes, just until marshmallows begin to melt.
Step 4 — Shape the Snowmen
Remove cookies and gently press or tilt the marshmallow slightly to create a “melted” look. Allow cookies to cool completely.
Step 5 — Decorate
Once cooled, decorate with icing, edible markers, or candy to create snowman faces and details.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Values vary depending on decorations.
Tips for the Best Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overbake the cookies—they should stay soft
- Watch marshmallows closely so they don’t fully melt
- Decorate only after cookies are completely cool
- Use edible markers for quick, clean decorating
- Embrace imperfections—each snowman should look unique
Variations & Substitutions
- Use store-bought sugar cookie dough to save time
- Try chocolate sugar cookies for contrast
- Use mini marshmallows for smaller snowmen
- Add scarves using colored icing
- Use white chocolate instead of icing for a glossy look
What to Serve With Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
- Hot chocolate or cocoa bar
- Christmas milk and cookies platter
- Holiday dessert boards
- Coffee or peppermint mocha
- Gift boxes and treat bags
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Baking cookies too long, making them dry
- Letting marshmallows melt too much
- Decorating while cookies are warm
- Using watery icing that runs off the cookie
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Do not freeze fully decorated cookies (decorations may smear)
- Store undecorated cookies separately and decorate before serving
Conclusion
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies are a fun, festive, and heart-warming addition to your Christmas baking list. With their soft sugar cookie base and playful snowman design, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting treats, or starting a holiday tradition, these cookies bring joy to every bite.
General Information
- Course: Dessert / Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cookies a day ahead and decorate the next day.
Can kids help decorate these cookies?
Absolutely—this is a perfect kid-friendly decorating recipe.
Can I use store-bought icing?
Yes, pre-made icing works well and saves time.
Why did my marshmallows spread too much?
They stayed in the oven too long—1–2 minutes is enough.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well.