Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe

Introduction

When the holiday season rolls around, my family loves to get into the spirit with festive baking, and one of our absolute favorite treats is Melted Snowman Cookies. These adorable cookies are not only fun to make but also a hit with everyone who sees them. I can still recall the first time I baked these with my kids. Their laughter filled the kitchen as we transformed simple sugar cookies into charming little snowmen, complete with melting icing and marshmallow heads. Watching their creativity shine as they added buttons and arms to each cookie was a joy. Every time we make them, we create not just delicious treats, but wonderful memories.

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:
• 12 sugar cookies (store-bought or homemade)
• For the Royal Icing:
• 2 cups royal icing
• For the Snowman Decor:
• 6 marshmallows, cut in half
• Long orange sprinkles (for the snowman’s nose)
• M&Ms (for buttons)
• Black gel food color

Instructions

1. Prepare the Black Icing:

• Dye the Icing:
  Take 1/2 cup of the royal icing and dye it black using black gel food coloring. Mix until you reach your desired shade of black.
• Thin the Icing:
  Thin the icing to a 15-second consistency. This means when you drizzle a spoonful of icing, it should smooth back into the rest of the icing in about 15 seconds.
• Transfer to Piping Bag:
  Add the black icing to a piping bag and snip off a small tip for precise piping.

2. Prepare the White Icing:

• Thin the Icing:
  Thin the remaining royal icing to a 10-second consistency (slightly thinner than the black icing for easier spreading). Transfer this white icing to a separate piping bag and snip off a small tip.

3. Frost the Cookies:

• Ice the Cookies:
  Frost each sugar cookie with the white icing, allowing it to drip over the sides to create the “melted” effect of the snowman. This adds to the charm and whimsy of the cookies.

4. Assemble the Snowmen:

• Add the Heads:
  Immediately after icing, place a cut marshmallow near the back of each cookie to represent the snowman’s head. The marshmallow should be cut-side down so that it sits nicely on the cookie.
• Add the Buttons:
  Use M&Ms to represent the buttons on the snowman’s body. You can arrange them however you like to give each snowman a unique personality.

5. Add Arms and Face:

• Pipe the Arms:
  Use the black icing to pipe stick arms “floating” out from the sides of the snowman. You can make them as long or short as you like.
• Create the Face:
  Use the black icing to add eyes and a surprised ‘O’ shape for the mouth on the marshmallow head.

6. Attach the Nose:

• Add the Nose:
  Use a small dab of white icing to attach the orange sprinkle to the marshmallow for the snowman’s nose. This gives it a fun and colorful touch.

7. Let the Cookies Set:

• Cooling Time:
  Allow the cookies to set for 20-30 minutes to let the icing firm up before serving. This will ensure that the decorations stay in place and look lovely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 12 cookies
• Calories per serving: About 150 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Prep Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm or Room Temperature: Serve cookies warm from the kitchen or at room temperature.
• On a Festive Platter: Arrange them on a festive platter for a beautiful holiday display.
• With Milk: Pair with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a delightful treat.
• As a Gift: Package them in a clear bag tied with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients, especially the icing, are fresh for the best flavor and consistency.
2. Customize Your Snowmen: Let kids decorate their snowmen with different colors of M&Ms or sprinkles to personalize each cookie.
3. Store Icing Properly: If you have leftover royal icing, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Try different flavored sugar cookies for added variety. Lemon or almond flavored cookies could be a fun twist!
5. Patience is Key: Allow the cookies to set completely to prevent smudging the decorations when they are stacked or stored.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Snowman Cookies: Use chocolate cookies instead of sugar cookies for a rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free flour for the cookies to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and aquafaba instead of egg whites for the royal icing to make it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Parties: These cookies make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays at parties.
• Classroom Treats: Perfect for sharing in classrooms during winter celebrations.
• Winter Baking Parties: Make them as a fun group activity during holiday baking parties with friends or family.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Thawing: To thaw, leave the cookies at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought sugar cookies?

• Yes, store-bought cookies work perfectly for this recipe, making it even easier to prepare.

1. How long do the cookies need to set?

• Let the cookies set for about 20-30 minutes to allow the icing to firm up.

1. What can I use instead of M&Ms?

• Any small candy, such as chocolate chips or Skittles, can be used for the buttons.

1. Can I make the royal icing in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare royal icing a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.

1. What if my icing is too thick?

• Add a few drops of water to thin the icing to the desired consistency.

1. Can I use other types of sprinkles?

• Absolutely! Feel free to use any sprinkles you like for added decoration.

1. How should I store leftover cookies?

• Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

1. Is it necessary to use the lemon juice in the jam?

• Lemon juice is optional, but it adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the jam.

1. What if I don’t have black gel food color?

• You can make a dark chocolate icing or use a mixture of cocoa powder and icing sugar for a similar effect.

1. How do I prevent the icing from running?
   • Ensure that the cookies are fully cooled before decorating, and allow the icing to set properly.

Conclusion

Melted Snowman Cookies are a delightful and whimsical treat that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. They are easy to make, and each cookie offers a combination of sweetness and fun, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a festive gathering, or simply want to indulge in some seasonal baking, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, invite loved ones into the kitchen, and enjoy the magic of creating these adorable melted snowmen together! Happy baking!

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