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The holiday season is in full swing, and nothing gets me into the festive spirit quite like baking up a batch of adorable, delicious treats! These Snowmen Sugar Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, with the perfect balance of soft, buttery goodness and just the right amount of sweetness.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, decorating with the kids, or gifting a homemade treat to loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. Want to see them in action? Check out my Instagram post for some serious holiday baking inspiration!
What I Think You’ll Love About My Snowmen Sugar Cookies ❤️
These snowmen sugar cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and they hold their shape perfectly for decorating—no spreading or losing that cute snowman form in the oven! The dough is easy to work with, making it perfect for cutting out fun holiday shapes, whether you’re team classic snowman, playful reindeer, or twinkling stars.
And let’s talk about the best part—decorating! Whether you love classic royal icing, fun sprinkles, or even a simple powdered sugar dusting for a snowy effect, these cookies are a blank canvas for all your festive creativity. They’re perfect for a cookie decorating party, a fun activity with kids, or a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa and Christmas music in the background.
How to Personalize Snowmen Sugar Cookies 🎨
The best thing about my snowmen sugar cookies? You can make them completely your own! If you love a hint of warm spice, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy holiday flavor. Want to make them extra festive? Mix in a little orange or almond extract for a unique twist that takes the taste to the next level.
And when it comes to decorating, the options are endless! Go classic with royal icing and cute piped details, get creative with coconut shreds for a snow effect, or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar for a frosty finish. If you’re making these with kids, let them go wild with sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candies—after all, the holidays are all about fun!
Tips & Tricks 💡
Want perfectly shaped snowmen sugar cookies every time? The key is chilling the dough before rolling it out. This helps the cookies keep their form in the oven so your snowmen don’t turn into blobs! I like to chill mine for at least 30 minutes to an hourbefore cutting out shapes.
When baking, watch for that light golden edge—that’s the sweet spot! Sugar cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. And if you’re decorating with royal icing, let the base layer dry completely before adding details to avoid smudging. Patience is key, but trust me, the end result is worth it!
Final Thoughts 😊
Baking is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and these Snowmen Sugar Cookies are a must-have in my kitchen every year. They’re fun, festive, and totally delicious—whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa, share them with friends, or leave a few out for Santa.
I’d love to see your holiday cookie creations! Try this recipe and tag me on Instagram so I can see all your amazing snowmen. And if you have any favorite holiday cookie decorating tips, drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas! 🎄🍪✨
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.
The key to perfectly shaped cookies is chilling the dough before baking. Make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutesafter rolling and cutting the shapes. Also, avoid over-softening the butter when mixing the dough.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving!
Snowmen Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract, optional, for extra flavor
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
- 5 –6 tbsp warm water
- Gel food coloring, optional, for decorating
Instructions
Making the Sugar Cookies:
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). This helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Roll & Cut – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use snowman cookie cutters (or any shape you like!) to cut out the cookies.
- Bake – Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Making the Royal Icing:
- Mix – In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tbsp of warm water. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form. If the icing is too thick, add a little more water, ½ tsp at a time.
- Color & Decorate – Divide icing into bowls and add gel food coloring if desired. Transfer to piping bags and decorate your snowmen however you like!
- Set the Icing – Let the icing dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies. This can take a few hours, depending on humidity.