If you’re looking for a charming, festive treat that captures the whimsy of winter in every bite, the Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe is an absolute delight to make and share. These soft, buttery cookies topped with gooey marshmallows and sweet icing bring a playful spirit to your holiday table or any cozy day at home. The combination of tender cookie dough and perfectly “melted” snowman marshmallow toppers makes this recipe both fun to create and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, all-star ingredients is the first step to baking your own batch of Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe. Each one is essential in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and adorable look that makes these cookies stand out.
- Cold butter (⅔ cup): Using cold butter helps create a tender, flaky cookie texture when mixed properly.
- Granulated sugar (⅔ cup): Adds essential sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Provides a warm, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookie.
- Egg yolks (2): These enrich the dough, giving it moisture and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): A leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise just right without becoming cakey.
- Flour, all-purpose or gluten free (1 ½ cups): The foundation of your cookie’s structure.
- Powdered sugar (¼ cup): Used to create a smooth, sweet icing that’s easy to spread.
- Milk (1 tbsp): Helps thin out the icing to just the right consistency.
- Large marshmallows (5, cut in half): The magical “melting” snowman heads that crown each cookie.
- Frosting: Any favorite decorating frosting will add personality and charm to your snowmen.
How to Make Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for baking these cookies just enough to get those edges set while leaving the middle soft and melt-in-your-mouth. Line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine the cold butter and granulated sugar. Whip them together on high speed for about 2 minutes until the butter pieces disappear and the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step ensures a light texture for your cookies.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Egg Yolks
Mix in the vanilla extract followed by the egg yolks. These ingredients bind the dough and give a rich, golden color to your cookies. Mixing until just combined keeps the dough tender.
Step 4: Incorporate Baking Soda and Flour
Sprinkle in the baking soda and then add the flour. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined into a thick dough. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might become tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Divide the dough into 10 equal-sized balls and place them at least 3 inches apart on your prepared baking pan. This spacing gives each cookie plenty of room to spread without sticking together. It’s best to bake in two batches for the best results.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges but soft, slightly underbaked centers that will stay chewy once cooled. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Step 7: Cool Before Decorating
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack. Cooling completely is crucial so that the icing and marshmallow decorations won’t melt or slide off.
Step 8: Prepare Your Icing
Mix the powdered sugar with milk in a small bowl to create a thick but spreadable icing. Adjust with a little more milk or sugar if needed until the texture feels just right.
Step 9: Decorate and Assemble Your Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe
Spread a generous layer of icing over each cooled cookie. Then, place half of a large marshmallow on top to mimic a melting snowman head. Use your frosting to add eyes, a carrot nose, and any other fun details to give character and charm to your little snow friends.
How to Serve Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair with colorful sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter can elevate the festive mood of your Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe. These visual touches make your cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of cocoa or creamy eggnog for the ultimate cozy treat. The rich drinks balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully and enhance the seasonal vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging your Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or dusted with powdered sugar “snow.” Present them in a gift box with tissue paper for a lovely homemade gift or set a cookie decorating station for gatherings to let friends and family personalize their own snowmen!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out and the marshmallows from hardening.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For baked and decorated cookies, wrap them well and freeze for up to a month.
Reheating
To bring a bit of that fresh-from-the-oven warmth back to your Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This helps soften the cookie again without melting the decorations.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of the large ones?
Yes, but using large marshmallows cut in half gives you the perfect “melting snowman head” effect. Smaller marshmallows won’t create the same visual impact.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend with a 1:1 ratio. The texture will still be soft and delicious.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare and bake them a day or two in advance. Decorate them the morning of or right before serving for the freshest look.
What kind of frosting works best for decorating?
A simple buttercream or royal icing works great since both are easy to pipe and hold their shape well for snowman features.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting too much during baking?
Marshmallows are added after baking to avoid melting. Bake the cookies first, cool completely, then add marshmallows and icing for perfect “melted” snowmen without a gooey mess.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making the Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe with loved ones, whether to celebrate a holiday or brighten a chilly day. The combination of simple ingredients transformed into adorable, tasty treats is a recipe for smiles and cherished memories. Grab your mixing bowl and festive spirit, and let these sweet “melting” snowmen bring a little extra magic to your kitchen!
Print
Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies
Description
Melted Snowman Cookies are soft, buttery cookies topped with a sweet glaze and marshmallows designed to look like melting snowmen. With a simple dough base enhanced by vanilla and egg yolks, these festive treats are perfect for holiday celebrations or winter gatherings. They combine a tender texture with a delightful sugary finish and playful decoration.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ⅔ cup cold butter
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ cups flour (all purpose or gluten free)
Icing and Decoration
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 5 large marshmallows (cut in half)
- Frosting (to decorate)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cold butter and granulated sugar. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and no clumps of butter remain, ensuring a uniform dough texture.
- Add Vanilla and Egg Yolks: Incorporate the vanilla extract and egg yolks into the mixture, mixing well to blend the flavors and create a cohesive dough base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add baking soda and flour gradually. Stir until fully combined; the dough will be thick and slightly firm to the touch.
- Shape Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking pan, spacing them at least 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in two batches if necessary.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers appear soft, ensuring the cookies retain a tender texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the pan or a wire rack before decorating to prevent melting of the icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create a glaze for the cookie tops.
- Decorate: Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cookies. Top each cookie with half a large marshmallow to resemble a melting snowman. Use additional frosting to add details and personalize your decorations.
Notes
- Use cold butter for better texture and structure in the cookie dough.
- Spacing cookies adequately prevents them from spreading into one another while baking.
- Letting cookies cool fully before icing helps the glaze set properly.
- Customize decorations with colored frosting for a festive look.
- Gluten free flour can be substituted for a gluten free version without compromising texture too much.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American

