Name: Sweet Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe for Joyful Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Can substitute with gluten-free blend); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt (Kosher salt recommended); 1 cup unsalted butter (Use margarine for dairy-free option); 1 cup granulated sugar (Brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor); 1 large egg (Flax egg can be used for vegan alternative); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Almond extract can be a fun twist); 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (Aim for a fine grind); 2-4 tablespoons water (Adjust for desired consistency)

While decorating for the holidays, a delightful thought struck me: what if I could bring the joy of festive treats into my kitchen with a warm twist? Enter the Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe—an irresistible family favorite that combines soft, buttery sugar cookies with whimsical decorations. Not only are these charming cookies perfect for cookie exchanges and festive gatherings, but they also promise to bring smiles to both young and old alike. With quick prep and the freedom to unleash your creativity through colorful icing, these sweet little snowmen will become a seasonal tradition you’ll cherish. Ready to roll up your sleeves and start a delicious holiday adventure? Let’s dive in!

Why Make Snowman Cookies This Holiday?

Joyful Baking Experience: This festive recipe is more than just cookies; it’s an opportunity to create memorable moments with loved ones.

Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer classic snowmen or fun variations like snowflakes, your creativity can shine through the colorful icing.

Deliciously Soft: Expect soft, buttery goodness that melts in your mouth, making them irresistible for both kids and adults alike.

Perfect for Sharing: These charming cookies are ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply pairing with a warm cup of cocoa.

Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow technique, you’ll have delightful treats ready in no time!

If you’re excited about other holiday inspirations, try your hand at Christmas Cookies Butterscotch or the whimsical Kiss Chocolate Cookies for additional festive cheer!

Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) Ingredients

• Get ready to create adorable holiday treats!

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; you can substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
Baking soda – Helps cookies rise slightly, ensuring a soft texture.
Salt – Enhances flavor balance; using kosher salt adds a bit of delightful texture.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a tender crumb; opt for margarine if you need a dairy-free alternative.
Granulated sugar – Offers sweetness and a light texture; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Egg – Binds ingredients together, providing moisture; for vegan, experiment with a flax egg.
Vanilla extract – Imparts aromatic sweetness; almond extract can be a fun twist instead.

For the Icing

Confectioners’ sugar – Essential for icing sweetness and texture; aim for a fine grind for smooth frosting.
Water – Combines with confectioners’ sugar to create a perfect icing consistency.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making delightful Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) that bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Snowman Cookies will bake evenly, creating a golden-brown base. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cookie removal once baked.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined. The mixture should look uniform, with no clumps of flour remaining. This step is essential for even distribution of the leavening agent and flavor throughout your Snowman Cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale and aerated, setting a rich foundation for your cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This should take about 1 minute. The addition of these wet ingredients adds moisture and flavor, binding your mixture together beautifully for the Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) recipe.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this could result in tough cookies. The dough should come together nicely, appearing soft and slightly sticky, ready for shaping into whimsical snowmen.

Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on your lined baking sheets, shaping them into snowman figures. Lightly flatten each snowman with your palm for a uniform thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing
While your cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar with 2-4 tablespoons of water in a bowl until smooth. The icing should be thick but spreadable. Adjust the water as needed to achieve your desired consistency for decorating your delightful Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat).

Step 8: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a small spatula to decorate each snowman with icing. Get creative and add cute faces, buttons, and scarves using colorful icing or candy decorations. This final touch adds charm to your Snowman Cookies, making them perfectly festive for any occasion.

Make Ahead Options

These Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) are perfect for busy holiday bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days before decorating to keep them soft and delightful. When you’re ready to serve, just add your icing and festive decorations. This way, you’ll enjoy the fun of decorating without the time crunch, ensuring these charming cookies are just as delicious as the day they were baked!

How to Store and Freeze Snowman Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and flavorful.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can also refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks, but be sure to keep them in a sealed container to avoid drying out.

Freezer: To extend their freshness, freeze the decorated or undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature. For a warm treat, briefly microwave them on a low setting for 10-15 seconds.

What to Serve with Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat)

Cozy up this holiday season with delightful pairings that will enhance every bite of your charming snowman treats.

Warm Milk: This classic favorite creates a comforting combination, complementing the sweet, buttery flavor of the cookies perfectly.
Hot Cocoa: Indulge in rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, capturing the spirit of cozy winter evenings while balancing the sweetness of your cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds lusciousness that contrasts beautifully with the crumbliness of the snowman cookies.
Peppermint Tea: A warm, herbal cup of peppermint tea works wonders in cutting through the sweetness, creating a refreshing balance for your holiday treats.
Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits like berries and citrus provide a zesty contrast that enhances the overall experience and adds a vibrant touch to your holiday spread.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling salted caramel sauce over your snowman cookies elevates their appeal, offering an additional layer of richness and flavor to enjoy.
Festive Eggnog: This traditional holiday drink pairs wonderfully, its creamy and spiced elements mingling delightfully with the sugary cookies for a truly festive feast.
Spiced Nuts: For a savory touch, consider roasted spiced nuts. Their crunchy texture and warm flavors offer a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet cookies.
Chocolate Milk: A fun and nostalgic pairing, chocolate milk adds a playful element to the experience while complementing the cookies’ sweet notes.

Expert Tips for Snowman Cookies

Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a fluffy dough; cold butter will lead to dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough, chewy snowman cookies.
Cool Before Icing: Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating. If you ice them too soon, the icing may melt and lose its shape.
Colorful Icing Ideas: Get creative with colored icing for a personal touch! Different colors can make your Snowman Cookies more fun and festive.
Storage Matters: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft for up to a week. Freezing is an excellent option for longer storage.

Snowman Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make these Snowman Cookies your own with these fun variations!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a deliciously soft texture.
Vegan-Friendly: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter.
Cocoa Delight: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to half of the dough for delightful chocolate snowmen. A little twist like this adds depth to the flavors while keeping the cookie base soft.
Spiced Twist: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday spice that brings extra coziness. It infuses a classic sweet cookie with a seasonal touch.
Flavor Infusion: Experiment with adding 1 teaspoon of almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
Decorative Options: Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter in addition to or instead of traditional icing decorations for a festive flair that’s eye-catching.
Seasonal Shapes: Besides snowmen, try using holiday cookie cutters to shape your cookies into trees, stars, or snowflakes for variations in decoration that spread even more joy.
Nutty Goodness: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough, providing a comforting crunch with every bite. The added texture elevates the classic snowman into something even more delightful.

These variations not only personalize your Snowman Cookies but also keep the holiday spirit alive with excitement! If you enjoy holiday baking, you might also love the rich flavors in Caramel Apple Cheesecake or a warming bowl of White Chicken Chili to share with family and friends.

Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat) Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the cookies?
All-purpose flour is ideal for creating the structure of your Snowman Cookies (Starbucks Copycat). If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How long can I store my Snowman Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they’re sealed properly to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze the cookies, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Snowman Cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find that your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! Simply add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Make sure to mix it gently to avoid toughening the cookies.

Are these cookies safe for pets or anyone with allergies?
While Snowman Cookies are a delightful treat for humans, they contain ingredients that are not suitable for pets, such as chocolate—which can be toxic—and eggs. If you have allergy concerns, always check the ingredient labels and consider using alternatives like flax eggs for those with egg allergies.

Can I use colors in the icing for decoration?
Oh, very much! I recommend using gel food coloring or liquid food coloring to achieve vibrant hues for your icing. It allows you to create playful and festive designs that will make your Snowman Cookies stand out at holiday gatherings.