Frosty’s Faux Pas Cookies

Delightful Melting Snowman Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Baking

The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, cheer, and, of course, delicious baked goods. As the aroma of gingerbread and peppermint fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a tray of festive cookies to bring smiles to faces. This year, elevate your holiday baking with an irresistibly charming treat: Melting Snowman Cookies. These holly jolly delights, crafted with a rich hot cocoa mix cookie base and topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting, are designed to look like adorable snowmen gently melting into a sweet puddle. They are not just cookies; they are edible works of art that promise to be a cute and memorable addition to any holiday cookie tray or gathering.

The spirit of holiday baking is in full swing, and in my kitchen, it’s been a whirlwind of flour, sugar, and festive flavors! I’ve spent weeks perfecting an array of treats, from delicate Christmas tree meringues to the dangerously addictive buckeyes. But for the grand finale of this year’s baking extravaganza, I am thrilled to present these charming melting snowman cookies – the perfect sweet ending to a joyful season.

Day 1 – Cherry Biscotti
Day 2 – Sour Cream Cookies
Day 3 – Chai Spritz Cookies
Day 4 – Millionaire Bars
Day 5 – Chocolate Chip Potato Chip Cookies
Day 6 – Nana’s Oatmeal Cookies
Day 7 – No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Day 8 – Coffee Cake Cookies
Day 9 – Meringue Christmas Trees
Day 10 – Cookie Sticks
Day 11 – Christmas Buckeye Recipe
Day 12 – You’re on it!

Why You’ll Adore These Melting Snowman Cookies

There’s something truly special about these snowman cookies that sets them apart. Perhaps it’s the whimsical design, the comforting flavors, or the pure joy they bring. Good thing I never get tired of cookies, especially the wonderful aroma they create, filling my home with festive scents throughout December!

While it’s impossible to pick an absolute favorite Christmas cookie recipe, these melting snowman cookies hold a very special place in my heart. The recipe begins with a delightful foundation: a thin, crisp chocolate cookie base. This is then generously topped with a thick, luscious marshmallow creme frosting, and finally, adorned with real marshmallows cleverly decorated to resemble charming snowmen. When arranged just right, each snowman appears to be playfully melting right onto its chocolate cookie base, creating an undeniably adorable visual that will surely earn many compliments.

But how do they taste? Imagine sipping on a cup of rich hot chocolate, but in a perfectly portable, bite-sized cookie form. That’s precisely the experience these Melting Snowman Cookies deliver! They boast the ideal balance of deep, comforting cocoa flavor from the cookie and the sweet, airy goodness of marshmallow in the frosting and “snowman head.” These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving on their own as a delightful snack, or as a show-stopping centerpiece on a grand holiday dessert spread at your next festive gathering. Get ready for everyone to rave about these cute, delicious cookies!

Essential Ingredients for Your Adorable Snowmen

Crafting these whimsical snowman cookies requires a few key components, divided into the cookie base, the marshmallow frosting, and the fun decorations. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and melting snowman effect.

For the Hot Cocoa Cookies:

The base of these cookies is a delightful chocolate treat, infused with the comforting flavor of hot cocoa. You’ll need just a handful of common pantry staples:

• Butter: Softened to room temperature, this provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweetness and helps achieve that desirable crisp edge.
• Egg: A large egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture, contributing to the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, giving the cookies their foundational structure.
• Hot Chocolate Mix: This is the secret ingredient! Use packets of powdered milk chocolate cocoa mix for that authentic, beloved hot cocoa flavor. It infuses the cookies with a deep, chocolatey taste.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies spread slightly and become tender.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the chocolate.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: I prefer semi-sweet for a balanced chocolate flavor, but milk chocolate morsels would also be a delicious and sweet alternative, adding an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

For the Marshmallow Cream Icing:

This light and fluffy frosting is crucial for the snowman’s “melted” appearance and hot cocoa flavor pairing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: Softened butter forms the base of this creamy frosting.
• Marshmallow Fluff (or Marshmallow Cream): This soft, spreadable marshmallow spread, typically found in jars in the peanut butter or baking aisle, is essential for the unique texture and flavor of this icing. I highly recommend using this specific brand for its perfect consistency, as it’s my go-to for other beloved recipes like Fluffernutter Sandwiches, Fluffernutter Dip, and Fluffernutter Cookies!
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar sweetens the frosting and contributes to its smooth, creamy texture.
• Clear Vanilla Extract: Using clear vanilla extract is key to keeping the frosting a pristine white, perfectly mimicking fresh snow. Regular vanilla extract can tint the frosting slightly yellow.
• Salt: A tiny pinch helps to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
• Milk: A small amount of milk (skim, fat-free, whole, or whatever you have on hand) is used to thin the frosting to the ideal spreadable consistency. Add it gradually to achieve your desired texture.

For Decorating Your Charming Snowman Cookies:

The magic truly happens with these decorative elements, bringing your melting snowmen to life:

• Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows will serve as the snowman’s “heads.”
• Pull ‘n Peel Licorice: Red licorice strings are perfect for creating colorful, whimsical scarves for your snowmen. You can use the remaining licorice to make other fun holiday crafts, like these festive Cornflake Wreaths!
• Mini M&Ms: These tiny candies are ideal for making cute, colorful buttons down the snowman’s body. Be sure to use mini M&Ms, as regular-sized ones might be too large for these cookies.
• Black and Orange Cookie Icing or Edible Markers: I find edible markers to be the easiest tool for drawing the snowman’s eyes, mouth, and a little carrot nose with precision. However, tubes of cookie icing (black and orange) work just as well for creating these adorable facial features and stick arms.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Melting Snowman Cookies

While making these snowman cookies involves a few distinct steps, the process is straightforward and incredibly fun, especially when you see the charming results! Let’s break it down:

1. Bake the Hot Chocolate Cookies:

First, we create the flavorful foundation for our melting snowmen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and consistent baking.

• In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
• Beat in the large egg until thoroughly combined, then mix in the pure vanilla extract. These wet ingredients form the heart of your cookie dough.
• In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, hot chocolate powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Ensure they are well combined to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft cookie dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Finally, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
• Drop rounded tablespoons (about 1.5 tablespoons) of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly crispy. Don’t be alarmed if the cookies appear quite flat at this stage; this flat surface is actually perfect for decorating later, making it much easier to create your melting snowmen.
• Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before moving them. This prevents them from breaking and ensures the icing will set properly.

2. Prepare the Marshmallow Cream Icing:

While your cookies are cooling, prepare the star of the show – the fluffy marshmallow cream icing! This frosting not only tastes incredible but also creates the perfect base for your melting snowmen.

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and creamy.
• Add the marshmallow cream to the butter and continue beating until the two are perfectly combined and smooth.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, clear vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt to the mixture. Continue beating until the icing is smooth and wonderfully fluffy.
• Next, add the milk, a little at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to drip slowly off your paddle when lifted. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk (a teaspoon at a time); if too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar.
• Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to ice them! Use a spoon or a piping bag with the corner snipped off to spread or pipe the marshmallow cream icing onto the top of each cookie. Leave a small, irregular space between the icing and the edges of the cookie. Don’t worry about making the edges perfectly neat or even; a little waviness actually enhances the “melting” effect, making the icing look like softly fallen snow. As the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz famously exclaimed, “HELP ME, I’M MELTING!!!” – that’s the kind of charming, slightly irregular look we’re aiming for!

3. Decorate Your Adorable Snowman Cookies:

Now for the most exciting part – bringing your melting snowmen to life! This decorating stage is simpler and more forgiving than you might imagine.

• To create the snowman’s “head,” take each regular marshmallow and carefully cut a thin slice from the bottom. This flat base will help it sit neatly on the cookie and enhance the melting illusion.
• Using your black edible marker or black cookie icing, draw two button eyes and a cheerful mouth onto the marshmallow. Don’t stress too much about precision here; if your snowman’s face looks a little wonky, just embrace it! After all, he’s in the process of melting, which adds to his unique charm. Imperfection is part of the fun!
• Next, use your orange edible marker or orange cookie icing to draw a small “carrot” nose onto the snowman’s face.
• Gently press the decorated marshmallow head onto the upper half of the frosted cookie, ensuring it’s nestled slightly into the marshmallow cream icing, almost at the edge of the frosting.
• Take a string of red licorice and wrap it around the base of the marshmallow head, letting the ends drape naturally. This creates a cozy “scarf” for your snowman.
• Place three mini M&Ms down the center of the cookie below the marshmallow head to form the snowman’s “buttons.”
• Last but not least, use the black cookie icing to draw two little “stick arms” with small hands extending from the sides of the melting marshmallow body onto the cookie.

While black cookie icing provides that classic snowman look, feel free to get creative with other colors for the arms or scarves. The beauty of cookie decorating lies in personal expression, and every unique snowman will undoubtedly bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Your whole family will absolutely adore these charming, handmade treats!

Refer to the detailed recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and full instructions.

Tips for Perfect Melting Snowman Cookies

To ensure your snowman cookies turn out perfectly adorable and delicious every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with softened butter and a room-temperature egg for the cookie dough and frosting. This ensures a smooth, uniform mixture and prevents a lumpy texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies.
• Flat Cookies are Key: The recipe specifically calls for cookies that spread and are relatively flat. This isn’t a flaw; it’s by design! A flat cookie provides a stable and ideal surface for the marshmallow head and icing “puddle,” making decoration much easier and more effective.
• Icing Consistency: Achieving the right consistency for your marshmallow cream icing is vital. It should be thick enough to hold its shape around the marshmallow head but thin enough to spread smoothly and give that melting illusion. Add milk or powdered sugar in tiny increments (half a teaspoon at a time) to adjust.
• Embrace Imperfection: The charm of melting snowmen is their slightly imperfect, whimsical look. Don’t aim for absolute perfection when drawing faces or spreading icing; the “melting” aspect makes any slight irregularity part of their unique appeal!
• Cool Completely: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before applying the icing. Warm cookies will melt the butter in the frosting, causing it to run and making decoration impossible.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make the cookies ahead of time and decorate later?

Absolutely! The chocolate hot cocoa cookies can be baked several days in advance. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes them a fantastic option for holiday planning, especially if you’re hosting a cookie decorating party. Prepare the cookie bases the day before, and then let everyone enjoy the creative process of assembling their own adorable “melting” snowmen!

Can I use a different kind of icing?

While the marshmallow cream icing perfectly complements the hot cocoa flavor of these cookies and enhances the melted effect, you can certainly experiment with other frosting types if you prefer. A classic vanilla buttercream or a crisp royal icing could also work well, though the taste and texture will, of course, be different. Just be mindful of how easily your chosen icing spreads to achieve the desired melting look.

How should I store decorated snowman cookies?

Once decorated, store your melting snowman cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They do not require refrigeration. I highly advise against freezing these decorated snowman cookies. The process of freezing and then thawing can release excess moisture, which can cause the delicate marshmallow icing to become runny and potentially ruin the intricate details of the snowmen’s faces. Enjoy them fresh for the best appearance and taste!

More Festive Christmas Cookie Inspiration

A holiday dessert table simply isn’t complete without a variety of festive treats, and these Melting Snowman Cookies will shine among them! If you’re looking to expand your baking repertoire this season beyond these charming snowmen, I have plenty of wonderful recipes to share that are sure to delight.

For a refreshing twist on a classic, try this fantastic recipe for Peppermint Sugar Cookie Cups. They offer the timeless sweetness of traditional sugar cookies infused with a cooling burst of peppermint, making them a perfect complement to a platter brimming with your snowman creations. If your cravings lean towards chocolate, these Chocolate M&M Christmas Cookies are an absolute must-try. You won’t be able to resist the delightful crunch of M&M candies embedded in every rich chocolatey bite.

For more visually stunning cookie ideas, don’t miss these captivating Stained Glass Cookies. They are surprisingly easy to make, combining a soft cut-out cookie dough with vibrant Jolly Rancher candies that melt into beautiful, translucent “windows.” I also consistently receive rave reviews for my cheerful Christmas Sprinkle Cookies – a simple yet incredibly festive treat that everyone adores!

For even more Christmas baking inspiration, be sure to revisit last year’s 12 Days of Cookies round-up. You’ll find a treasure trove of recipes perfect for spreading holiday cheer!

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Created by:
Lynne Feifer

Melted Snowman Cookies

Course
Dessert

Cuisine
American

Prep Time
1 hour

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

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18
cookies

These cookies taste like edible hot chocolate and look like melting snowmen. Sweet chocolate cookies are topped with marshmallow cream frosting, marshmallows and M&Ms in this creative holiday recipe.

Ingredients

For the Hot Cocoa Cookies:

• ½ cup butter softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup hot chocolate powder I used milk chocolate cocoa mix
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk chocolate

For the Marshmallow Cream Icing:

• ¾ cup butter softened
• 1 ½ cups marshmallow cream
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon clear vanilla extract to keep the icing white
• pinch of kosher salt
• ¼ cup milk

For Decorating:

• 18 regular marshmallows
• Pull n’ peel red licorice cut into 6 ½-inch long strings
• Mini M&M’s Regular ones will be too big for this size cookie
• Black cookie icing or black edible writing marker
• Orange icing or writing marker

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

To make the cookies:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Mix in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, hot chocolate powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
• Drop 1 ½ rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are slightly crisp around the edges (the cookies will be flat, but this is best for decorating).
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely.

To make the icing:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Add the marshmallow cream and continue to beat until well combined.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy. Add the milk a little at a time until the icing is smooth and easily spreadable (it should slowly drip off the paddle when lifted). Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken, or more milk to thin, but only a teaspoon at a time.

To decorate:

• Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the marshmallow cream icing onto the tops of the cookies using a spoon or plastic bag with the corner cut off. Smooth it using the back of a spoon. Try to leave random space between the icing and edge of the cookie while spreading to create a “melting snow” effect.
• Cut the bottom ¼ off of the marshmallows (to make them look more like they’re melting) and draw button eyes and mouths with the black edible marker or icing. Then draw a carrot nose with the orange edible marker or icing.
• Place the marshmallow in the icing on the upper half of the cookie, nearly at the edge of the icing. Add the licorice scarf by putting one end onto the icing, then wrapping it around the marshmallow completely.
• Add 3 mini M&M’s for buttons, then draw arms with black icing (I used a premade icing bag that has the tip included).
• Enjoy your adorable hot cocoa melted snowman cookies!

Notes

• See blog post for tips, tricks and substitutions.
• The nutritional value for this recipe is approximate as the nutritional value for the decorations was calculated with regular size licorice twists, regular size M&Ms, and black and orange icing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie

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Calories: 318kcal

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Carbohydrates: 47g

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Protein: 2g

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Fat: 15g

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Saturated Fat: 9g

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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

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Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

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Trans Fat: 1g

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Cholesterol: 45mg

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Sodium: 193mg

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Potassium: 23mg

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Fiber: 0.4g

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Sugar: 35g

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Vitamin A: 426IU

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Vitamin C: 0.03mg

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Calcium: 19mg

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Iron: 1mg

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