If you're on the hunt for a truly magical holiday treat, these Snowman Sugar Cookies are absolutely irresistible! They're soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, topped with the sweetest vanilla icing for a whimsical touch.

Creating these adorable snowmen is surprisingly simple, and decorating them is pure festive fun-especially for kids and anyone young at heart. This recipe makes them light, fluffy, and perfectly shaped for your next winter party or family cookie decorating night.

Whether you're planning a holiday cookie exchange, hosting a frosty party, or just want to fill your home with the scent of fresh-baked goodness, these cookies are a must-try. I first made these with my niece on a snowy afternoon, and now it's our favorite seasonal tradition!

Festive plate of snowman-shaped sugar cookies with cheerful icing faces and scarves

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Soft and tender cookies every time, no chill required
Easy-to-follow, perfect for baking with kids
Whimsical snowman decorations that charm everyone
Versatile-swap colors or candies for endless creativity

Key Ingredients for Snowman Sugar Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the backbone of any great sugar cookie, giving the dough that rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture we all crave. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and tender results. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt slightly.

Granulated Sugar

Classic white sugar keeps these cookies perfectly sweet and helps with their crisp edges. If you want a softer finish, you can swap in half light brown sugar, but the dough may spread a bit more.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour gives these cookies structure, keeping the snowmen sturdy and cutouts sharp. Measure it by spooning into your cup and leveling off for best results-too much flour will make your cookies dry.

Vanilla Extract

A generous splash of pure vanilla is what gives these cookies their irresistible, bakery-style aroma and flavor. Try almond extract for a festive twist, or add a hint of lemon zest for extra brightness.

Royal Icing

Royal icing makes decorating a breeze: it dries hard and glossy, perfect for detailed faces and snowman accessories. You can make it with store-bought meringue powder or pasteurized egg whites-either works beautifully!

Instructions for Snowman Sugar Cookies

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl for 2-3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. This step helps create airy, tender cookies. Don't skip creaming thoroughly!

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating just until combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should hold together but not feel sticky.

Roll Out and Cut Cookies

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. No need to chill! Use a set of round cookie cutters (three graduated sizes) to cut out body segments for each snowman-one large, one medium, one small per cookie. Arrange the circles in a snowman shape on baking sheets lined with parchment.

Bake Until Just Golden

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should stay soft. Cool completely on the tray before decorating.

Make and Color Royal Icing

Whisk powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water together until smooth and pipeable (add extra water, a few drops at a time, if needed). Separate into bowls and tint with gel food coloring to make black (eyes, mouth, buttons), orange (nose), and any extra colors for scarves and hats.

Decorate Your Snowmen

With a small piping bag or zip-top bag, outline and fill the cookies with white icing. Let set, then decorate faces, buttons, scarves, and hats with colored icing and sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. Get creative-the more personality, the better!

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Snowman Cookies

Swap the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The cookies will come out slightly more delicate but still super tasty!

Vegan Version

Replace butter with vegan baking sticks and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), plus plant-based meringue powder for the icing. The flavor stays rich, and everyone can join in.

Flavored Fun

Add finely grated orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus twist. Or, use ½ teaspoon almond extract in place of some vanilla for a classic bakery taste.

Chocolate Snowmen

Mix 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the flour for a chocolate sugar cookie base. Decorate with white icing for a cute contrast!

Mini Snowman Bites

Use just two cookie cutters (medium and small), make bite-sized snowman cookies, and decorate with mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles for fast, adorable treats.

Serving Suggestions

These charming Snowman Sugar Cookies are fantastic alongside a mug of hot cocoa, festive peppermint tea, or an eggnog latte. Serve them as the star attraction on your holiday dessert platter, or package a few in clear bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts. Sprinkle a little edible glitter on top for extra winter sparkle!

Storage and Reheating

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months; thaw and decorate as needed. If the cookies have been refrigerated or frozen, let them come to room temperature before serving-no reheating required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snowman Sugar Cookies (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it soften slightly before rolling.

Q: Can I use store-bought icing?

A: Yes! Store-bought decorating icing works in a pinch, just make sure it dries hard if you plan to stack or package the cookies.

Q: What if I don’t have round cookie cutters?

A: No problem-use the rim of a glass, biscuit cutter, or even freehand with a paring knife. The snowmen may have a little extra personality!

We hope these Snowman Sugar Cookies bring as much joy and holiday cheer to your home as they do to ours! Give this recipe a try, have fun decorating with family and friends, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating below to share your snowman creations.