The Best Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies
There’s something undeniably magical about the winter season. The chill in the air, the sparkle of lights, and the cozy smell of baking cookies wafting through the house create an atmosphere filled with warmth and nostalgia. This year, I wanted to combine all the joys of the season into a delightful cookie recipe that’s not only fun to bake but also brings smiles and laughter to the table. Enter The Best Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies!
I can still remember baking cookies with my family as a child, the thrill of mixing ingredients and rolling the dough, all while dreaming of building snowmen outside. With these adorable melted snowmen cookies, I’m bringing that cherished memory back to life, and I can’t wait for you to create your own memorable moments. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a surprise treat for your loved ones, these cookies are sure to be the highlight of your festive baking. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will adore decorating these cookies, making it a perfect opportunity for family bonding.
- Quick and Simple: With a straightforward mix-and-bake process, these cookies come together in no time—ideal for busy holiday days.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy peanut butter pairs beautifully with the sugary sweetness, creating a soft, chewy texture that everyone will devour.
- Adorably Cute Presentation: From marshmallow snowmen to drizzled melted snow, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
- Versatile Decoration Options: Use your favorite candy decorations to personalize each snowman, allowing for zesty creativity and unique cookie designs.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 24 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup icing or melted white chocolate
- Decorative candy eyes
- Mini chocolate chips
- Colored gel, or sprinkles for decoration
Let’s Make It Together
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, allowing the mixture to become smooth and velvety.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space in between.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press a marshmallow into the center of each cookie, allowing it to create that melted snowman effect. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, drizzle icing or melted white chocolate around the marshmallow to mimic the look of “melting snow.”
- Decorate with candy eyes, and use colored gel or sprinkles to create cheerful snowman faces and buttons.
- Allow the decorations to set before serving or storing your delightful creations.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Chocolate Swirls: Add chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an indulgent, rich chocolate-peanut butter experience.
- Nutty Topper: For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the melted white chocolate before it sets.
- Zesty Lemon Drizzle: Create a tangy twist by mixing lemon zest into the icing for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Winter Wonderland: Use edible glitter sprinkled over the drizzled icing for a glamorous touch that captures the snowy, festive season.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance. Just refrigerate it for up to 3 days, then bake right before your gathering.
- Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute almond butter or sun butter in place of peanut butter for those with nut allergies.
- Freezing Options: You can freeze the baked cookies without decorations. Thaw and decorate them when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Almond butter or sun butter can be used as nut-free alternatives.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- How long does it last? When stored properly, these cookies are best enjoyed within a week but can last up to 10 days.
Wrapping It Up
These melted snowman peanut butter cookies are not just a treat; they are a slice of joyful holiday nostalgia that brings families together. Each bite melts in your mouth, and the decorated snowmen are sure to brighten up anyone’s day. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let the cozy holiday baking begin! Save this recipe for The Best Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies to your favorite Pinterest board for when you need a touch of sweetness this season. Happy baking!
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The Best Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peanut butter cookies decorated as melted snowmen, perfect for holiday gatherings and fun family activities.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 24 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup icing or melted white chocolate
- Decorative candy eyes
- Mini chocolate chips
- Colored gel, or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, allowing the mixture to become smooth and velvety.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space in between.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press a marshmallow into the center of each cookie, allowing it to create that melted snowman effect. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Once cooled, drizzle icing or melted white chocolate around the marshmallow to mimic the look of “melting snow.”
- Decorate with candy eyes, and use colored gel or sprinkles to create cheerful snowman faces and buttons.
- Allow the decorations to set before serving or storing your delightful creations.
Notes
For added flavor, consider chocolate swirls or a lemon drizzle. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, peanut butter, holiday baking, dessert, Christmas