Introduction
Let’s start with a fun, engaging intro: “Winter has officially arrived, and with it comes all the cozy, festive treats we crave all year long. One of my absolute favorites? Those adorable, sweet Snowman Cookies from Starbucks. You know the ones I’m talking about: buttery sugar cookies topped with rich, creamy icing and decorated with a sweet little snowman face. They’re almost too cute to eat! But the best part is, you can make these at home—and trust me, they’re even better fresh out of your own oven.”
Explain the appeal of these cookies—perfectly soft sugar cookies with a thick layer of icing and simple decorations that make them easy to love. Share a little personal story, like why they’re special for you or how they’ve become a holiday favorite in your household. Highlight the fun of making and decorating these cookies with friends or family during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s where we get the reader excited about making these at home:
- Super Fun to Make: Decorating each snowman is an activity the whole family can enjoy!
- Better Than Store-Bought: Homemade sugar cookies taste fresher, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable: You can personalize your snowmen with different scarves, hats, or even candy features for a fun, unique twist.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in little holiday bags or boxes, and they make perfect homemade gifts.
Describe the cookie’s flavors and textures in detail, emphasizing the soft cookie, smooth frosting, and fun decorations. This helps set the expectation for a delicious, enjoyable baking project.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (includes chilling and decorating time)
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Nutrition Facts: Calories per serving: 210, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 31g, Protein: 2g
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Icing and Decoration:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
- Black and orange icing pens (or mini candy pieces)
- Mini marshmallows or white chocolate melts (for snowman heads)
- Optional: Red licorice or icing for scarves
Each ingredient has a purpose—mention how the butter keeps the cookies soft, the powdered sugar makes the icing smooth, and the orange and black icing pens make decorating fun and easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but shouldn’t be sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. For each snowman, you’ll need two circles—one for the head and one for the body.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden.
- Prepare the Icing
- While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to spread but not too runny. Add more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Transfer some of the icing to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner for precise decorating.
- Decorate the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of icing over each cookie.
- Add mini marshmallows or white chocolate melts to the top cookie circle to make the snowman’s head. Press down gently so they stick.
- Use black icing for the snowman’s eyes and mouth, and orange icing for the carrot nose.
- For the body, you can add a scarf made from thin red licorice or pipe it with icing.
- Let the Icing Set
- Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the icing can harden a bit, which makes them easier to package or stack.
How to Serve
These Snowman Cookies make a delightful addition to holiday gatherings. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Holiday Platter: Arrange them on a festive platter as part of a holiday dessert spread.
- Hot Cocoa Companions: Serve alongside hot cocoa with marshmallows for a cozy treat.
- Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap them individually in cellophane bags with a cute ribbon, perfect for gifting to friends, family, and neighbors.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: This step makes rolling and cutting easier while preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: This ensures that the butter creams with the sugar perfectly, resulting in a softer cookie.
- Don’t Overbake: For that soft, tender texture, take them out of the oven as soon as the edges are slightly golden.
- Piping Icing Details: Practice on a sheet of parchment paper first to get the hang of creating faces and details with the icing.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Experiment with candy for hats, scarves, and buttons to make each snowman unique.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free baking mix for the all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and almond or oat milk in the icing.
- Extra Flavor: Add ½ tsp almond or peppermint extract to the dough for a festive twist.
- Chocolate-Coated: Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for an extra special finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Cookie Exchange: These cookies are always a hit at cookie exchanges. Their cute snowman faces make them a festive favorite.
- With Winter Drinks: Serve alongside spiced tea, hot cider, or a classic hot chocolate.
- Festive Charcuterie Board: Add these to a dessert board with peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, and holiday candies for a beautiful, wintry spread.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the un-decorated cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transferring them to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For a fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Special Equipment
- Round Cookie Cutter: Essential for creating perfectly round snowman bodies and heads.
- Piping Bag: Makes it easy to apply icing for the face and details. If you don’t have one, a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner works too.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly, which helps the icing set properly.
FAQ Section
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge and let it sit out for a few minutes before rolling. - What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a small plastic bag with a tiny corner cut off as a substitute. - Can I use store-bought icing?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut if you’re short on time, although homemade icing gives you control over the consistency. - How can I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Make sure to chill the dough well before rolling, and avoid overbaking.
FAQ
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! The dough can be prepared up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to make it easier to roll out. - What if I don’t have a piping bag for the icing?
No problem! You can make a DIY piping bag by using a plastic sandwich or freezer bag. Simply fill it with icing, seal the top, and snip a small corner off one side to pipe on the icing. For a more precise line, make a smaller cut, or go bigger if you want thicker details. - Can I use store-bought icing instead of homemade?
Definitely! Store-bought icing is a convenient option if you’re short on time. Just choose a thick, spreadable icing and, if needed, adjust its consistency by adding a little powdered sugar (to thicken) or milk (to thin it out). - How can I keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough is key! After you roll out and cut the cookies, place them on the baking sheet and chill for 10-15 minutes before baking. This extra step helps them maintain their shape in the oven. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough as this can cause spreading. - Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! To freeze the baked (but undecorated) cookies, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to decorate, let them thaw at room temperature and then proceed with the icing and decorations. - What’s the best way to store these cookies once decorated?
Store decorated cookies in a single layer or stack them with parchment paper in between each layer to avoid smudging the icing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best results, avoid refrigeration, as it can make the cookies too firm and the icing colors may bleed.
Snowman Cookies Starbucks recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Icing and Decoration:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
- Black and orange icing pens (or mini candy pieces)
- Mini marshmallows or white chocolate melts (for snowman heads)
- Optional: Red licorice or icing for scarves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but shouldn’t be sticky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
- Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. For each snowman, you’ll need two circles—one for the head and one for the body.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart, and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden.
- Prepare the Icing
- While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to spread but not too runny. Add more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Transfer some of the icing to a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small hole cut in the corner for precise decorating.
- Decorate the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a thin layer of icing over each cookie.
- Add mini marshmallows or white chocolate melts to the top cookie circle to make the snowman’s head. Press down gently so they stick.
- Use black icing for the snowman’s eyes and mouth, and orange icing for the carrot nose.
- For the body, you can add a scarf made from thin red licorice or pipe it with icing.
- Let the Icing Set
- Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the icing can harden a bit, which makes them easier to package or stack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Wrap up with an encouraging note:
“These Snowman Cookies are sure to bring some extra cheer to your winter season! Not only are they adorable, but they’re also a joy to make—and eat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them with your family, these cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the season. So, put on some holiday music, pour a warm drink, and enjoy a cozy afternoon baking these sweet snowmen!”
