Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season brings with it a special kind of magic, and what better way to celebrate than with adorable Snowman Cookies? Inspired by the delightful treats from Starbucks, these cookies are not only fun to make but also deliciously soft and sweet. Every year, my family and I gather in the kitchen to bake these festive cookies, and it has become one of our cherished traditions. The joy on my children’s faces as they help decorate the snowmen with colorful icing is priceless. They love personalizing each cookie, and I enjoy watching their creativity shine through. These cookies make for perfect gifts, party favors, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. Let me share this charming recipe that will surely add a touch of joy to your holiday celebrations!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (280g, spooned and leveled)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

For the Icing:

• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar (500g)
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8-9 tablespoons room temperature water
• Black, orange, red, and brown food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too soft, add 1 tablespoon more flour at a time until it reaches a rollable consistency. Divide the dough into two equal parts.

1. Roll and Chill the Dough:

• Lightly flour a silicone mat or parchment paper, then roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Stack the rolled dough with parchment paper between the layers on a large baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days.

1. Cut Out and Bake the Cookies:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough and use a snowman-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough to cut out more shapes.
• Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 3 inches between each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Prepare the Icing:

• In a stand mixer, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, vanilla extract, and 8-9 tablespoons of room temperature water on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and silky. Adjust the consistency with more water or sugar as needed.
• Divide the icing into five small bowls. Keep one bowl white and color the others red, orange, black, and brown using food coloring. Transfer each color to individual piping bags.

1. Decorate the Snowman Cookies:

• Use a round tip (#4 or #5) to cover the snowman cookies with white icing, leaving space for the hat. Allow the icing to set by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
• Use red icing with a round tip (#4 or #5) to pipe the scarf. Use brown icing with a round tip (#1) to pipe the hat, and black icing to pipe the buttons and eyes. Finally, use orange icing to pipe the nose and white icing to add polka dots to the scarf.

1. Let the Icing Set:

• Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for 2 hours until the icing sets completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 120 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes

How to Serve

• Presentation: Arrange the decorated snowman cookies on a festive platter for a delightful holiday display.
• Pairing: Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a comforting treat.
• Gifting: Package cookies in decorative boxes or bags for holiday gifts.
• Occasions: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a fun baking activity with kids.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better mixing and a softer cookie texture.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking, ensuring that the snowman shape holds.
3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
4. Decorate Creatively: Feel free to add your own personal touches to the snowmen, such as different colors for scarves or hats.
5. Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Different Shapes: Use other cookie cutters to create various holiday shapes while following the same dough and icing recipe.
• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the icing for a refreshing flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped nuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Chocolate Chip Snowmen: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey surprise inside the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

• Cookie Bar: Create a cookie bar with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men and sugar cookies for a fun dessert table.
• Dessert Table: Feature these cookies on a dessert table at holiday gatherings alongside cakes and pastries.
• Party Favors: Wrap cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for party favors at your holiday events.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Ensure the icing is fully set before layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• While margarine can be used, it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies.

1. What can I use instead of almond extract?

• You can substitute with more vanilla extract or omit it entirely if desired.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

• The cookies should have lightly golden edges, and the tops should look set but not overbaked.

1. What if my icing is too runny?

• If the icing is too runny, add more confectioners’ sugar until the desired consistency is reached.

1. Can I make the dough in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roll it out.

1. What is the best way to store the decorated cookies?

• Store them in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging the icing.

1. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

• Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

1. How can I make the icing colored?

• Use gel food coloring, which provides vibrant colors without adding too much liquid to the icing.

1. Can I use fresh strawberries for flavor?

• Fresh strawberries can add moisture and may not work well in the dough; it’s best to stick with extracts for consistent results.

1. What can I do if the dough is too soft?
   • If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it for an additional 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Conclusion

These Snowman Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, combining festive fun with delicious flavors. Their adorable appearance and sweet taste will surely bring smiles to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just to enjoy with your family, this recipe is bound to become a cherished tradition in your home. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and create these charming cookies together. Enjoy the process, and savor the joy that comes from sharing these delightful treats! Happy baking!

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