Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie Recipe

One of my favorite parts of the holiday baking season is making treats that bring smiles to everyone who sees them, and these Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies do exactly that.

They’re adorable, fun to decorate, and surprisingly easy to make. Every time I set a plate of these cookies out, kids and adults alike get a laugh out of their playful “melting” snowman design.

These cookies start with a soft, buttery sugar cookie base, topped with creamy vanilla icing and a marshmallow “head” that looks like it’s slowly melting into the cookie.

With colorful candy accents and simple decorating steps, they’re the perfect Christmas baking project for families or holiday parties.

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Recipe Highlights

These cookies are festive, whimsical, and delicious — a winning combination for holiday gatherings.

The soft sugar cookie base pairs perfectly with the sweet frosting and marshmallow topping, making them as tasty as they are cute.

Because the decorating process is simple, they’re great for baking with kids or making ahead for cookie exchanges.

They also make fantastic edible gifts and always stand out in any Christmas cookie assortment.

• Fun and festive design that delights all ages
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• Soft, buttery sugar cookies with creamy icing
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• Easy decorating steps, perfect for kids
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• Great for cookie exchanges and gifting
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• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

Ingredient Notes

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure and helps them hold their shape.
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• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and keeps the cookies soft.
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• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and provides the classic sugar cookie texture.
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• Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to softness.
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• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to both the cookies and icing.
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• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly without becoming puffy.
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• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
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• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet icing for the melted snow look.
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• Marshmallows: Form the adorable “snowman heads.”
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• Decorating candies/gel: Adds facial features, scarves, buttons, and arms.

How to Make My Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies

Step 1 – Preheat the oven: Set the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Make the cookie dough: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 3 – Add dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 4 – Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.

Step 5 – Bake: Bake for eight to ten minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned.

Step 6 – Prepare the icing: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 7 – Decorate: Spread icing over each cookie so it drips slightly to resemble melting snow. Press a marshmallow near the top edge for the head, then decorate with candy/gel to create faces, arms, scarves, and buttons.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a holiday dessert platter
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• Pair with hot chocolate or Christmas coffee
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• Wrap individually for gifting
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• Add to holiday cookie exchange boxes
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• Display as a fun centerpiece treat

Tips for the Best Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies

Do not overbake the cookies — keeping them soft helps the icing soak in slightly for the perfect texture.

Allow the cookies to cool before decorating so the icing doesn’t melt too much. Using thick icing helps control dripping for a realistic “melting” effect.

Let decorations set before stacking or storing.

Materials for Decorating Snowman Faces

Eyes

You can use:

• Mini chocolate chips (flat side facing up)
• Black decorating gel
• Tiny candy pearls (black or dark brown)
• Edible marker dots

Nose

Classic options:

• Orange decorating gel
• Tiny orange sprinkle “jimmies”
• Small triangle of orange fondant
• Mini orange Tic Tac sliced in half
• Colored royal icing piped into a carrot shape

Buttons

Fun choices:

• Black decorating gel
• Mini chocolate chips
• Black nonpareils
• Small round candies (mini M&M’s)

Arms

For the “stick arms” look:

• Orange or brown icing drawn on
• Chocolate icing piped in twig shapes
• Pretzel stick pieces (pushed lightly into the icing)

Scarves & Hats (Optional)

To level up the cuteness:

• Fruit leather strips for scarves
• Colored icing stripes
• Mini Reese’s cups or Rolos for hats
• Sprinkles or sanding sugar accents

Storage of Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container for up to four days
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• Do not stack until icing is fully set
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• Freeze undecorated cookies for up to two months
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• Allow decorated cookies to air dry before packaging