Snowman Cookies Starbucks

Introduction

There’s something magical about the holiday season, right? The snowflakes falling, the twinkling lights, and, of course, the sweet treats! If you’ve ever stepped into Starbucks during the winter months, you’ve probably been enchanted by their festive offerings—especially the adorable Snowman Cookies. These little guys are so cute, and their festive charm just makes them irresistible.

I remember the first time I tried a Snowman Cookie at Starbucks. I was in the middle of a hectic shopping day, and I grabbed a coffee to take a break. That’s when I saw them—the Snowman Cookies, perfectly decorated with icing, smiling at me from the display case. I couldn’t resist. The soft cookie, with a perfect blend of vanilla and almond flavor, paired with the sweet icing, was everything I needed. It quickly became a holiday tradition to grab one each time I visited Starbucks during the season.

Inspired by that delightful experience, I decided to recreate these Snowman Cookies at home. And I have to tell you—these cookies are so easy to make, and they’ll add the perfect touch to your holiday baking. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want to treat yourself while sipping a hot chocolate, these Snowman Cookies are bound to bring some holiday cheer.

So, if you’re ready to bring the holiday magic to your kitchen, let’s get baking these adorable Snowman Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why these Snowman Cookies will become your new holiday favorite:

1. Easy to Make: No complicated steps here! This recipe is simple, with easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for even beginner bakers!
2. Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies are shaped like little snowmen, making them an instant hit for your holiday parties or as gifts. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
3. Customizable Decoration: You can make each snowman unique with different decorations. Want a snowman with a candy cane scarf or one with chocolate buttons? Go for it! The icing sets beautifully, allowing you to get creative.
4. Delicious Flavor: These cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness without being too overpowering. The almond and vanilla flavors come through perfectly, making them melt-in-your-mouth good.
5. Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for baking with kids or getting the whole family involved in decorating. They’re fun to make and eat, plus they can help with the icing and decorating!

Each bite of these Snowman Cookies is a little piece of holiday magic, bringing festive joy to everyone who tastes them. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them solo with a cup of cocoa, these cookies will warm your heart.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling and decorating time)

Servings: Makes about 12-15 cookies, depending on the size of your snowmen.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories per serving: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the cookies and decorations. You probably already have most of these ingredients at home!

Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 large egg whites (or meringue powder for a safer option)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• Food coloring (for decorating the snowmen)

Decorations:

• Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)
• Orange candy melts or fondant (for noses)
• Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar (for scarves and hats)
• Pretzel sticks (for arms)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process of making these adorable Snowman Cookies. It’s simple and straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it every step of the way!

1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is your dry mixture.

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and continue mixing until combined.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches. Mix until the dough comes together. It may seem a little crumbly at first, but keep mixing, and it will eventually form a soft dough.

3. Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles for the snowmen’s bodies. You can make them as big or as small as you’d like!

4. Shape the Snowmen
To create the snowman’s shape, cut smaller circles for the heads and larger circles for the bodies. Gently press the head circle on top of the body circle to create the snowman shape.

5. Bake the Cookies
Transfer the cookies onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want them to over-bake. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Make the Royal Icing
While your cookies cool, prepare the royal icing. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice until stiff peaks form. If you’re using meringue powder, follow the package instructions.

Once the icing is ready, divide it into separate bowls, depending on how many colors you want. Use food coloring to dye the icing for the snowman’s scarf, buttons, eyes, and hat.

7. Decorate the Snowmen
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to decorate! Start by using a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) to outline and fill in the body of the snowman with white icing. Use the same technique for the head.

For the eyes and buttons, use mini chocolate chips and gently press them into the icing. For the carrot noses, you can either use orange fondant or melt orange candy melts and pipe out small carrot shapes.

Decorate the scarves and hats with colored icing and sprinkles. Use pretzel sticks as arms, and be sure to let the icing dry for about 1 hour.

How to Serve

These Snowman Cookies are the perfect treat for any holiday occasion. Serve them as a fun addition to your holiday dessert table or package them up as gifts for friends and family. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Gift Ideas: Pack the cookies in cute holiday tins or gift boxes, and tie with a festive ribbon for a perfect handmade gift.
• Holiday Parties: These cookies make a fun and festive snack for kids and adults alike. They’re also great to bring to holiday potlucks or cookie exchanges.
• Pair with Hot Chocolate: What’s better than pairing a snowman-shaped cookie with a cup of creamy hot cocoa? The sweetness of the cookies and the warmth of the drink is the ultimate holiday combo.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Snowman Cookies turn out perfect every time:

1. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
2. Get Creative with Decorations: You can easily personalize these snowmen by using different sprinkles, colored icing, or candy accessories. Think about adding mini candy canes, gumdrops, or even licorice for a fun twist!
3. Be Patient with the Icing: The royal icing takes some time to set, so don’t rush the decorating process. Allow each layer to dry before adding more details to avoid smudging.
4. Use Parchment Paper: For easier clean-up and even baking, always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It also prevents the cookies from sticking.
5. Store Properly: Keep your Snowman Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, so make a batch ahead of time for future holiday parties!

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Sugar Cookie Version: If you prefer a classic sugar cookie flavor, simply swap the almond extract for vanilla extract. The icing will still be the star of the show!
2. Gluten-Free: You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Chocolate Snowmen: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a delicious chocolate snowman cookie. It’s a fun twist on the traditional vanilla flavor!
4. Add Some Spice: If you love warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, add 1 teaspoon of each to the dough for a festive, spiced version of the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these Snowman Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cookies ahead of time. After baking, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.

2. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of royal icing?

While royal icing creates the perfect texture for decorating and setting, you can use store-bought frosting in a pinch. However, it might not set as firmly as royal icing, so it could smudge more easily. If you go this route, be sure to allow extra time for the cookies to dry completely before handling them.

3. How can I make the royal icing thinner or thicker?

To make the royal icing thinner, add a few drops of water until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker icing, simply add more powdered sugar. Keep in mind that for outlining the snowman, you’ll need thicker icing, while flooding (filling in the body or head) requires a thinner consistency.

4. Can I use egg whites from a carton instead of fresh eggs?

Yes, you can use egg whites from a carton (pasteurized egg whites). Just ensure you’re using the right measurement equivalent (usually about 2 tablespoons of egg white per egg). This option is safer and helps avoid the risks associated with raw eggs.

5. How do I keep the Snowman Cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour before rolling it out. Chilled dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

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Conclusion

There you have it—your very own batch of Starbucks-style Snowman Cookies! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just indulging in some festive fun, these cookies are sure to be a hit. From their adorable snowman shape to the melt-in-your-mouth flavor, these cookies bring the magic of the holiday season to life.

Making these cookies with loved ones is also a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit. So, gather your family, put on some Christmas music, and start baking these delightful snowman-shaped treats. Don’t forget to take some pictures—you’ll want to remember these moments forever!

These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or just enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. I hope this recipe adds a little extra sweetness to your holidays. Happy baking, and here’s to a festive season filled with joy, laughter, and lots of delicious cookies!