Melted Snowman Cookies
Nothing beats making these cute Melted Snowman Cookies during the holidays. They are easy to make with kids and work well for holiday parties at work or school, or even as homemade gifts. I use simple sugar cookies, marshmallows, sweet icing, and M and M candies to create these melting snowmen, making them one of the easiest and most cheerful Christmas cookies to share.
Is it just me or do you also think the Christmas season is such a great time to share quality time with loved ones. I love making goodies from scratch while we sit around the kitchen sharing funny childhood Christmas stories. Those times matter so much to me and I really enjoy doing this with my kids while we decorate Christmas Brownie Pops and some Christmas Light Cupcakes together.
Table of contents
These Melted Snowman Cookies are joining our holiday baking list because my daughter loves sugar cookies so much. I use them as the base to make cute snowman cookies that we enjoy at home and share with friends and family who stop by during the holidays. I usually prep the icing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so I can focus on making a few savory bites while we decorate. Last week I made 2 batches and shared one with my neighbors kids, and they were so excited by how cute the cookies looked. Happy holidays!
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy holiday baking: I make these Melted Snowman Cookies when I want a simple project that keeps kids busy at the table. The steps are easy to follow and everyone can decorate at their own pace.
- Prep friendly process: I mix and color the icing ahead of time and let the cookies cool before decorating.
- Classic cookie flavor: I start with sugar cookies and add marshmallows and icing so the flavor stays soft and sweet. This combination works well for kids and adults and pairs nicely with other holiday treats.
- Great for parties: I serve these cookies at holiday gatherings and school events next to other favorites. They look cute on a platter and are easy to share with friends and family.
What you will need
- Cookie base: I use my homemade sugar cookies as the base or you can grab store bought ones to save time. Both work well for decorating.
- Snowman details: I cut marshmallows in half for the snowman heads and use M and Ms for the buttons. Long orange sprinkles make the noses simple and cute.
- Icing and coloring: I use royal icing because it dries firm and holds the decorations in place. For the eyes mouth and arms I use black gel food coloring since it adds color without thinning the icing too much.
How to make
1. Make cookies and prep the icing: I make the royal icing in a large bowl, then divide it evenly into 2 medium bowls. I color one portion with black gel coloring, thin it to a 15 second consistency, and place it in a piping bag for the eyes and arms. I thin the remaining icing to a 10 second consistency and add it to another piping bag for flooding the cookies. Follow my instructions for Christmas sugar cookies.
2. Frost the cookies: I frost each cookie with the white icing and let it drip slightly over the sides for the melted look.
3. Decorate the snowman cookies: I place a marshmallow on top of each frosted cookie right away and press it down lightly. I add M and M candies for buttons and pipe black stick arms coming out from the sides, then set the cookie on a baking sheet before moving on to the next one.
4. Let them dry and finish: I let the frosted cookies dry for 20 to 30 minutes before adding the eyes and mouth with the black icing. I use a small dot of icing to attach the orange sprinkle nose, then serve the cookies right away or store them for later.
Expert tip
Decorate while icing wet
The best tip I can share for making melted snowman cookies is to decorate them while the icing is still wet. I place the marshmallow and candy decorations right away so they stick where I want them, which keeps the snowman shape in place and makes the cookies easier to finish neatly.
More tips to consider:
- If I want the marshmallow to look extra melty I microwave it on a microwave safe plate for about 20 to 30 seconds before using it. This softens it just enough so it spreads slightly when placed on the cookie.
- After decorating I place the cookies on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on ungreased baking sheets. This gives them enough space to dry without sticking.
- Another option is to ice the cookie first and place the marshmallow on top before microwaving the entire cookie. This creates a flatter melted look if that is what you prefer.
- If I do not want to make royal icing I use regular white cookie icing instead. I thin it slightly and spread it carefully so it covers the cookie evenly.
- When time is short I use store bought cookies and frosting. This makes the whole recipe come together in just minutes.
- I always make these cookies with kids and let them decorate freely. Each snowman ends up looking different which makes the tray even more fun to serve.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Chocolate button swap: I use a few mini chocolate chips for the buttons when I want a simple look. Black gel coloring also works well for small details.
- Cookie base swap: I switch sugar cookies for peanut butter shortbread or oatmeal cookies to change the base. Each option still supports the icing well.
- Snowman hat idea: I place 1 small peanut butter cup on top of the marshmallow to create a hat. This adds a cute detail and extra flavor.
- Extra icing flavor: I mix in about 1 4 teaspoon vanilla almond maple birthday cake or peppermint extract into the icing. The flavor stays light and balanced.
- White chocolate coat: I melt white chocolate chips in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds and stir until smooth. I use it in place of icing for a different finish.
Serving suggestions:
When we decorate these cookies I usually set out a few snacks so everyone can nibble while working. I almost always make my Santa Claus Cheese Board and a batch of Rosette Cookies, and sometimes I add Reindeer Noses Treats to keep things simple and sweet.
If adults join in I like to pour a snowflake martini or a festive champagne cocktail, while the kids sip mugs of red velvet hot chocolate. Having snacks and drinks ready makes decorating last longer and keeps everyone gathered around the table enjoying the holiday time together.
How to store leftovers:
- Store: I keep any unused icing in the fridge for up to 1 week. The cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: I freeze leftover cookies in a freezer bag for up to 3 months after wrapping them in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Icing can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: I thaw frozen cookies and icing in the refrigerator overnight.
Frequently asked questions
I space the cookies out on parchment paper so they are not touching each other while they dry. I leave them in place and avoid moving them until the icing sets fully, which helps keep the edges clean and prevents smudges or accidental marks.
Cracking can happen when the icing is too thick or dries too quickly. I keep the cookies at room temperature and mix the icing until it spreads evenly instead of stiffening right away.
To test the royal icing consistency I drag the tip of a butter knife about an inch through the icing. If the line smooths over in about 10 seconds it is perfect for flooding the cookie to create the melted snow look, and if it takes closer to 15 seconds it works better for details. I use the thicker icing for outlining and piping the snowman arms eyes and mouth, and the thinner icing for covering the cookie smoothly.
More Christmas cookies to make:
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Melted Snowman Cookies
Ingredients
- 16 round sugar cookies store-bought or homemade
- 2 1/2 cups royal icing store-bought or homemade
- 16 marshmallows cut in half if needed
- 16 orange sprinkles
- M&Ms different colors
- black gel food coloring or store bought black icing tube
Instructions
- Measure 1/2 cup of royal icing separately and place it in a bowl, use the food coloring gel to dye it black. Add to a piping bag and cut off a very small tip.
- Add the remaining icing to a larger piping bag, snipping off a tip.
- Next, frost the cookies with white icing, you can allow it to drip over the sides to create the "melted" effect.
- Immediately add the marshmallow closer to the edge of the cookie. Use M&Ms to create the buttons, and then pipe black stick arms floating out from the head while the icing is still wet.
- Allow the cookies to set for 20-30 minutes before decorating the face with two eyes, and mouth. And use a bit of white icing to attach the orange sprinkle nose.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Decorate while icing wet
The best tip I can share for making melted snowman cookies is to decorate them while the icing is still wet. I place the marshmallow and candy decorations right away so they stick where I want them, which keeps the snowman shape in place and makes the cookies easier to finish neatly.More tips to consider:
- If I want the marshmallow to look extra melty I microwave it on a microwave safe plate for about 20 to 30 seconds before using it. This softens it just enough so it spreads slightly when placed on the cookie.
- After decorating I place the cookies on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on ungreased baking sheets. This gives them enough space to dry without sticking.
- Another option is to ice the cookie first and place the marshmallow on top before microwaving the entire cookie. This creates a flatter melted look if that is what you prefer.
- If I do not want to make royal icing I use regular white cookie icing instead. I thin it slightly and spread it carefully so it covers the cookie evenly.
- When time is short I use store bought cookies and frosting. This makes the whole recipe come together in just minutes.
- I always make these cookies with kids and let them decorate freely. Each snowman ends up looking different which makes the tray even more fun to serve.
These are so cute! I love how easy it is to make such decorative cookies. Some holiday treats can be so involved.
These are such cute cookies. I will have to make them with my kids over the holiday break.
These look so adorable and I bet they’re just as delicious!
These Melted Snowman Cookies are adorable and our kids will just love them.
These cookies are awesome. I will be making them for my cookie exchange.
Such a great idea! I love how cute the cookies look! I can’t wait to try to make some!
The M&M candies make this a perfect project for a festive family day. I appreciate the handy variations you provided, giving me options to customize based on my kids’ preferences.
Oh my goodness, these are so cute! I haven’t seen this style of cookie before.
These are the cutest! We make them every year and my kids always hoot and holler!
Those snowman cookies are adorable. Bet they’re delicious, too. They would be fun to make with my son.
These are so cute and such an awesome idea. I know my son would have so much fun making and eating your snowman cookies. They’ll be perfect to make over Christmas.
These melted snowmen cookies are just too cute, I’d love to make them with and for my grandchildren!
I am a very bad cook but this one looks super yummy. I love making cookies but Im not that efficient yet I’ll try this out!
oh my.. these look so adorable.. i am tempted to make some now simply because..
It sounds like this recipe is absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to try it!
These are adorable! My kids are teens but enjoy doing things like decorating cookies with their friends. It would be fun to put together a little decorating session for everyone.
Totally irresistible! That looks fun and cute!
These melting snowman cookies are so adorable and look yummy. This is a cookie I think the kids and I would enjoy creating together.
These sound so amazing; I will have to try to make these for my holiday party.
These are really adorable! We had so much fun making them! Thanks for the recipe!
I always wanted to try my hand at making adorable cookies like this…hope I will have the time soon, they’re pretty!