Snowman Face Cookies Recipe

Looking for a fun and festive treat that’s as adorable as it is delicious? You’re going to want to try this Snowman Face Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies are soft, sweet, and decorated with the cutest little snowman faces that’ll bring smiles all around. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a kid-friendly gathering, or just because, this recipe is super straightforward and the results are fan-freaking-tastic. I can’t wait to walk you through every step so you get perfect snowman cookies that everyone will love!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Snowman Face Cookies Recipe are basic kitchen staples that combine beautifully to give you tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that frost and decorate perfectly. Each component has a role — from the cake mix for easy base to the candies that bring the faces to life. Here’s a quick breakdown of why these work so well.

• White cake mix: Using cake mix keeps the cookie base light and cakey without complicated mixing or rising times.
• Eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture so the cookies aren’t dry.
• Canola oil: A neutral-flavored oil that keeps cookies tender without overpowering sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and creaminess for the buttercream frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for smooth, sweet frosting that can hold shape well.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor in the frosting.
• Salt: Balances sweetness in the frosting so it’s not cloying.
• Milk or cream: Gives the frosting the perfect spreading consistency.
• White sanding sugar: Sprinkled on top, it mimics sparkling snow that makes these cookies magical.
• Orange Dot candies: Perfectly sized for the snowman’s carrot nose.
• Regular brown M&Ms: Used for the eyes — their size is just right for a cute, expressive face.
• Mini brown M&Ms: These tiny morsels create the smile, arranged in a curve for charm.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making these Snowman Face Cookies Recipe my own by playing with the decoration and texture a bit. It’s so fun to invite friends or kids to get creative with the faces or add a personal spin on the frosting. You should definitely feel free to experiment a bit — it’s all about joy and sharing smiles!

• Variation: I sometimes swap the orange Dot candy nose with a small piece of dried apricot or a tiny candy corn for a different look — it adds a fun twist and some chewiness.
• Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter and a non-dairy milk in the frosting, the cookies stay just as soft and yummy.
• Seasonal: You can easily swap the white sanding sugar for colored sugar to match other seasonal themes, but honestly, the white sparkle is my favorite for snowmen!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Snowman Face Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix It Up

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper — this keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly. In a large bowl, stir together the white cake mix, eggs, and canola oil until you form a soft dough. I usually use a sturdy spoon or my hands if things get sticky. The dough should come together easily without being too wet or crumbly. If it feels sticky, a quick chill in the fridge for 15 minutes can help.

Step 2: Scoop and Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop to drop dough balls about 2 inches apart on your lined sheets. This spacing lets the cookies spread just enough without merging. Pop them in the oven for 9-11 minutes — you want to see the edges set but keep the centers soft. When I bake, I start checking around 9 minutes to avoid over-baking. The cookies will feel slightly soft but not raw. Let them cool on the baking trays for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — this step is key for good frosting grip.

Step 3: Whip Up the Buttercream

While those cookies cool, let’s make that dreamy buttercream. Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and one tablespoon of milk or cream, blending until you get a spreadable consistency. If it feels too thick, just add milk one teaspoon at a time. The frosting should be soft enough to spread easily but firm enough to hold your candies.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Spread a generous dollop of buttercream over each cooled cookie using a butter knife or an offset spatula — this frosting layer is your snowman’s face! Then quickly sprinkle white sanding sugar on top to give that glittery snow effect. Before the frosting sets, arrange the decorations: place an orange Dot candy for the nose right in the center, add two regular brown M&Ms as eyes, and finish with mini brown M&Ms curved into a smile. I find it easiest to use tweezers for placing the tiny mini M&Ms because it’s less messy and more precise. Once decorated, let the frosting set at room temp, and voilà — your snowman faces are ready to spread some holiday cheer!

How to Serve Snowman Face Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because the snowman faces are cute enough on their own! But sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving to mimic fresh snow, which adds a pretty touch. If you want to get fancy, tiny edible glitter can add extra sparkle that kids especially love.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a spiced chai latte — think cozy winter vibes! For gatherings, consider setting out a platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark to complement the theme.

Creative Ways to Present

One time I baked these for a winter-themed party and displayed them standing upright in a shallow box lined with shredded white tissue paper to look like a snow-covered scene. I also love tying a small clear bag around a couple of cookies with a festive ribbon for gifting. Presentation really amps up the “aww” factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and decorated, I store my Snowman Face Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for about 3-4 days, but I have to admit, mine never last that long! Keep the layers single or separated with parchment to avoid smudging the faces.

Freezing

I nearly always freeze the undecorated cookies so I can bake a big batch ahead of time. Just let the baked cookies cool, then freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw completely before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

If you have leftover cookies that have cooled, you can revive their softness by warming them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or they’ll get too soft. This little trick makes every bite feel freshly baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Snowman Face Cookies Recipe always brings a little magic to my kitchen. It’s not just about the tasty cookies (though they are incredible!), but about the smiles decorating them brings — especially when the kids join in. I love how simple it is to pull together, yet so charming that everyone asks for more. Give it a try, have fun with the decorations, and enjoy every sweet bite. I promise these snowmen will warm your heart — even when it’s chilly outside!

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