The whole process takes about 80 minutes from start to finish. You can bake the cookies ahead of time and set up a decorating station for family members to assemble their own snowmen.
Why this works
- Using cornstarch in the cookie dough keeps the baked cookies soft and tender.
- Trimming the bottom of the marshmallows helps them sit flat on the icing without toppling over.
- Letting the white icing set slightly before piping the arms and scarf prevents the colored gel from bleeding into the white puddle.
Ingredients you'll need
- Butter: Use unsalted butter softened to room temperature so it creams smoothly with the sugar.
- Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create a soft cookie texture that holds its shape in the oven.
- Powdered sugar: Sift your powdered sugar before mixing if it has hard lumps.
- Marshmallows: Standard large marshmallows work for the heads. Do not use jumbo or mini sizes.
- Gel food coloring: Gel colors are thicker than liquid drops and will not water down your piping icing.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to make it
Step 1: Make the cookie dough
Cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the wet ingredients. Fold in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Roll and bake
Roll the dough on a floured surface to an even thickness. Cut out circles and bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the icing
Whisk the powdered sugar and water until smooth. Separate a few spoonfuls into small bowls and dye them with gel food coloring for the details.
Step 4: Decorate the marshmallows
Trim a small piece off the bottom of each marshmallow. Pipe the eyes, mouth, and a small orange nose onto the sides.
Step 5: Assemble the snowmen
Spread a spoonful of white icing onto each cooled cookie. Press a marshmallow head into the icing and add mini chocolate chips for buttons. Once the white icing sets, pipe the arms and scarf.
Serve it with
Serve these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk.
Storage and reheating
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Undecorated baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes. You can bake pre-made sugar cookie dough rounds and follow the icing and decorating steps.
How far in advance can I make these?
You can bake the cookies up to 3 days in advance and keep them in an airtight container. Decorate them the day you plan to serve them.
Why is my icing running off the cookie?
Your icing might be too thin or the cookie was still warm. Add more powdered sugar to thicken the icing if needed.
