Name: Melted Snowman Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 17.5 ounce sugar cookie mix; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 16 ounce tub white frosting; 1-2 tsp water or milk; 12 full-sized marshmallows, cut in half widthwise; 7 ounce tube black cookie icing; 7 ounce tube orange decorating icing; 6.2 ounce rainbow Twizzlers, sliced in half lengthwise; 12 straight pretzel sticks, cut in half; ½ cup mini M&Ms

Introduction

Melted Snowman Cookies are a fun and festive treat perfect for winter gatherings or holiday parties. These whimsical cookies combine soft sugar cookie bases with cute marshmallow snowman faces and playful decorations that look like they’re melting away. They are sure to bring smiles and warmth to any celebration.

A round cookie base with a golden-baked, slightly cracked texture is topped with a smooth layer of white icing that drips slightly over the edges. On top of the icing sits a large white marshmallow shaped like a snowman's head, decorated with two small black dots for eyes and an orange triangle for a nose. Surrounding the marshmallow is an orange licorice strand wrapped loosely like a scarf. Three small round orange candy pieces are arranged on the icing as buttons. Two small pretzel sticks are placed on each side of the cookie, representing the snowman's arms. The cookie is set on a white marbled surface with scattered colorful candy pieces nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

17.5 ounce sugar cookie mix

½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (softened)

1 large egg

16 ounce tub white frosting

1-2 teaspoons water or milk

12 full-sized marshmallows (cut in half widthwise)

7 ounce tube black cookie icing

7 ounce tube orange decorating icing

6.2 ounce (½ of 12.4 oz package) rainbow Twizzlers (sliced in half lengthwise)

12 straight pretzel sticks (cut in half)

½ cup mini M&Ms

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the sugar cookie mix package (typically 375°F). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the sugar cookie dough according to the package instructions using the softened salted butter and egg. Note: Do not add water even if the package suggests it. The dough will be crumbly but will come together when squeezed.

Step 3: Form the dough into 1½-inch balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.

Step 4: Dilute the white frosting by mixing in 1 to 2 teaspoons of water or milk until it is slightly runny but not too thin to run off the cookie edges.

Step 5: Use white cookie icing to pipe a “melted puddle” shape on the top of each cookie. For best results, outline the puddle shape first, then fill it in and gently smooth edges with a butter knife to create a shiny, bright white base.

Step 6: Decorate each marshmallow half to create a snowman face using black decorating icing for eyes and mouth, and orange decorating icing for the nose.

Step 7: Dab some white icing under each marshmallow half to act as glue, then place it on one side of the cookie, slightly off the white puddle, to simulate a melting snowman head.

Step 8: Wrap a length of the thinned rainbow Twizzler around the base of each marshmallow half to form a colorful scarf.

Step 9: Use pretzel stick halves as arms and press mini M&Ms onto the white icing puddle to create buttons, placing them off-center for a melted effect.

Step 10: Allow the decorated cookies to set for about one hour so the icing firms up before serving. Enjoy your adorable Melted Snowman Cookies!

Tips & Variations

For easier icing application, use small piping bags or plastic sandwich bags with a tiny corner cut off.

Substitute rainbow Twizzlers with any colorful licorice or fruit leather strips for the scarves.

Use vanilla-flavored frosting for a sweeter, richer “snow” effect.

Try chocolate sugar cookie dough for a fun chocolate base instead of traditional sugar cookies.

Ensure cookies are completely cool before decorating to prevent melting the icing.

Storage

Store the decorated Melted Snowman Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain the icing’s texture, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated for a few seconds in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough from scratch instead of using a mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite sugar cookie recipe instead of a mix. Just make sure the dough holds its shape well and isn’t too sticky for easy rolling into balls.

What can I use if I don’t have pretzel sticks?

If you don’t have pretzel sticks, you can substitute with thin breadsticks, small carrot sticks, or even almond slivers to mimic the snowman’s arms.