When the first snowflakes start to blanket the ground, I find myself craving something sweet and festive—these Snowman Cookies fit the bill perfectly! One chilly afternoon, as I was baking up a batch for our holiday get-together, I realized these delightful treats are not just delicious; they radiate joy and creativity. The combination of cream cheese, almond, and coconut extracts creates a unique flavor that lifts your spirits with every bite.
The best part? These cookies are a joy to make and decorate together with friends or family. Picture a kitchen bustling with laughter as you roll out the dough, sprinkle in colorful M&M’s, and transform your cookies into cheerful little snowmen. Ideal for holiday celebrations or just a cozy night in, they’re a fantastic way to break away from the mundane fast-food routine. Join me in whipping up a batch of these indulgent delights, and let’s make some sweet memories!
Why are Snowman Cookies a Must-Try?
Pure Joy: These Snowman Cookies are so much more than just a treat; they’re an experience in the kitchen! Easy to Make: With a straightforward recipe, you’ll be creating delightful cookies in no time—perfect for bakers of all levels. Colorful Decoration: The combination of festive M&M’s and chocolate kisses brings creativity to your baking. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The blend of cream cheese, almond, and coconut offers a rich taste that’s hard to resist. Family Fun: Bake together, decorate together, and enjoy the wonderful memories that come with it! Dive into making these cookies and elevate your holiday baking game this season!
Snowman Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Butter – 1 cup, softened for that rich, creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese – 1 package (8 ounces), softened to add delightful moisture and flavor.
• Sugar – 2 cups, bringing sweetness that balances perfectly with the cream cheese.
• Egg – 1 large, at room temperature for easy blending.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon, to enhance the cookies’ warm, inviting flavor.
• Almond Extract – 1/4 teaspoon, lending a lovely nutty essence to your Snowman Cookies.
• Coconut Extract – 1/4 teaspoon, adding a tropical twist that complements the other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour – 3-1/2 cups, the base for a soft and chewy cookie.
• Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon, helping the cookies rise to perfection.
• Miniature Semisweet Chocolate Chips – A handful to create delightful chocolatey surprises.
• Green and Red M&M’s Minis – For vibrant decoration and fun festive flair.
For the Frosting
• Confectioners’ Sugar – 1 cup, to create that sweet, smooth frosting.
• Coconut Extract – 1/8 teaspoon, for a touch of coconut goodness in the icing.
• 2% Milk – 2 to 4 teaspoons, adjusted for the perfect frosting consistency.
• Red and/or Green Food Coloring – A few drops for festive coloring in the frosting.
• Miniature Milk Chocolate Kisses – Unwrapped, to crown your cookies with a sweet touch.
How to Make Snowman Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfect baking environment for your cookies.
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Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. The mixture should be light in color and texture.
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Add the sugar, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and coconut extract. Stir until well combined—this is where the magic of flavors begins!
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Mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder gradually, until you have a soft dough that is slightly sticky. Don’t rush this step; patience brings perfection!
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Fold in the miniature semisweet chocolate chips and M&M’s minis, allowing them to distribute evenly throughout the dough for delightful bites.
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Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart for even baking.
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Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them!
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Prepare the frosting by mixing together the confectioners’ sugar, coconut extract, and 2 to 4 teaspoons of milk in a separate bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
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Color the frosting with red and/or green food coloring, mixing until you achieve the festive shades you desire.
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Frost the cooled cookies with the icing and top each with a miniature milk chocolate kiss, creating adorable snowmen.
Optional: Decorate with extra M&M’s or colorful sprinkles for added fun!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Snowman Cookies
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Soft Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly with the butter, creating a delightful texture for your Snowman Cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Keep that softness intact!
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Baking Timing: Keep a close watch when baking. Every oven is different, so remove them once edges are lightly golden to avoid dryness.
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Frosting Consistency: Adjust the milk in your frosting gradually. You want it smooth but not too runny—testing with a spoon can help find that perfect blend.
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Let Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting. This prevents the icing from melting and maintains those adorable snowman shapes!
What to Serve with Snowman Cookies?
These delightful festive treats are perfect for sharing and enjoying alongside a variety of delicious accompaniments.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolaty goodness of hot cocoa pairs perfectly, enhancing the cozy flavors of the cookies. Perfectly complimented by marshmallows or whipped cream, this drink brings warmth to every bite.
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Seasonal Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of vibrant fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Try incorporating citrus or pomegranate seeds for a festive flair.
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Peppermint Bark: The crispness of peppermint bark complements the creamy richness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance of flavors. An ideal addition to your holiday dessert platter!
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso can elevate your cookie experience, bringing out the rich flavors of the cream cheese and almond extracts. Enjoy this pairing for a cozy afternoon break.
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Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla or peppermint ice cream creates a deliciously indulgent dessert experience. The cold contrast to the warm cookies is simply heavenly.
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Christmas Punch: A fruity and bubbly holiday punch brings an element of celebration and fun that pairs well with the festive cookies. Serve it chilled for a sparkling touch to your gathering.
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Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk beautifully balances the sweetness of your Snowman Cookies. Ideal for both kids and adults alike, it’s a timeless treat.
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Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for a fun and interactive dessert experience. It’s a sweet twist that everyone at your gathering will love!
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Gingerbread Men: A playful addition to your dessert table, these spiced cookies offer a lovely contrast and can be great for decorating alongside your snowmen.
Enjoy crafting a delightful spread that truly highlights the joy of the season!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Snowman Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps, then refrigerate the dough in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop, space them on the baking sheet, and bake as directed. For the best results, frost the cookies just before serving to keep the icing vibrant and the texture soft. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy effortlessly enchanting festive treats without the last-minute rush!
How to Store and Freeze Snowman Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Snowman Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and soft.
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, place the cookies in the refrigerator; they will stay delicious for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Warm them slightly in the microwave for a delightful treat!
Snowman Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and add your own twist to these delicious treats—let your creativity shine!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
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Nut-Free: Omit the almond extract and use extra vanilla instead to keep your cookies nut-free and just as delightful.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace miniature chocolate chips with chunky dark chocolate pieces for an intensified chocolate experience.
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Coconut Flakes: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the dough for a chewy texture and an extra tropical flavor.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist that complements the creamy frosting beautifully.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free version that everyone can enjoy without compromising flavor.
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Fruit Punch: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of fruity flavor and a festive red touch in every bite.
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** Peppermint Twist:** Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough or frosting for a refreshing holiday spin that dances on your taste buds!
Feel inspired to make your Snowman Cookies uniquely yours—each variation adds a personal touch while delivering delight!
Snowman Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Snowman Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose unsalted butter that is soft but not melted; it should yield slightly when pressed. The cream cheese also needs to be softened to room temperature, ensuring a smooth blend with the butter. Fresh eggs at room temperature are ideal for mixing, as they emulsify better in the dough.
What is the best way to store Snowman Cookies?
You can store your Snowman Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, I recommend keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just remember to use a container that seals well to maintain their delightful softness!
Can I freeze Snowman Cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your cookies! Start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between cookies if necessary to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, fear not! Start by chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes—it will firm up nicely, making it easier to scoop. You can also add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a manageable consistency. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much flour can lead to dry cookies!
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While the ingredients in Snowman Cookies are safe for humans, they may not be suitable for pets—especially chocolate, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Additionally, if you’re baking for someone with allergies, be cautious of common allergens like eggs, gluten (from the flour), and dairy (from the butter and cream cheese). Always check labels and consider using alternatives if necessary!
Deliciously Festive Snowman Cookies to Brighten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the sugar, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and coconut extract. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour and baking powder gradually until you have a soft dough.
- Fold in the miniature semisweet chocolate chips and M&M's minis.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the frosting by mixing together the confectioners' sugar, coconut extract, and milk.
- Color the frosting with red and/or green food coloring.
- Frost the cooled cookies and top each with a miniature milk chocolate kiss.