There’s nothing quite like biting into a Starbucks Snowman Cookie—the perfect blend of buttery goodness and festive charm. Every holiday season, I find myself craving those delightful treats, longing to enjoy them without the coffee shop lines.
Determined to bring the magic home, I embarked on creating my own copycat version. The result? A cookie that’s just as soft, sweet, and whimsical as the original. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to spread joy and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing
- Black food coloring
- Orange food coloring
- Candy eyes
- Assorted sprinkles for decoration
Equipment
Creating the perfect Starbucks Snowman Cookies at home is a fun and rewarding experience. To ensure everything runs smoothly, here’s the essential equipment I use:
- Mixing Bowls: I rely on a set of sturdy mixing bowls for combining ingredients. They come in handy for both the dough and the icing.
- Electric Mixer: A good electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, achieving that light and fluffy texture every time.
- Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures each snowman cookie is uniform in size, promoting even baking.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Lining your baking sheets prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Baking Sheets: I prefer heavy-duty baking sheets for consistent heat distribution, which is key for perfect cookies.
- Cooling Racks: Allowing the cookies to cool on racks helps them maintain their shape and texture without becoming soggy.
- Royal Icing Piping Bags and Tips: For decorating the snowmen, piping bags with various tips allow for precise icing application.
- Food Coloring: Vibrant food coloring lets me create the classic snowman features, adding a festive touch to each cookie.
- Candy Eyes and Sprinkles: These small decorations bring the snowmen to life, giving them that charming and whimsical appearance.
Having these tools on hand makes the baking and decorating process seamless, helping me recreate those delightful Starbucks Snowman Cookies with ease and precision.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Starbucks Snowman Cookies ahead of time ensures a stress-free holiday season. Here’s how I like to streamline the process:
Preparing the Dough
- Mix the Dough: Follow the recipe steps to combine the dry and wet ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and enhances the flavors.
Freezing the Dough
- Portion the Dough: After chilling, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into individual balls.
- Freeze Individually: Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
- Store for Later: Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever needed.
Preparing Royal Icing
- Mix the Icing: Combine the royal icing ingredients according to the recipe. Divide and color as desired for decorating.
- Store the Icing: Transfer the icing to airtight containers and refrigerate. They can be stored for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir well before using.
Assembling Decorations
- Prepare Decorations: Keep candy eyes and sprinkles in separate containers. You can also pre-portion sprinkles into small bags for quick decorating.
- Organize Tools: Ensure your piping bags and tips are clean and ready for use. Label containers if you’re using multiple colors.
Baking and Decorating on the Day
- Bake from Frozen: Preheat your oven and place frozen dough balls on prepared baking sheets. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from the freezer.
- Cool and Decorate: Once baked and cooled, use the pre-made royal icing to decorate your snowmen quickly. Enjoy your festive treats without the last-minute rush!
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy delicious Starbucks Snowman Cookies with minimal effort, leaving more time for holiday festivities.
Directions
Creating these delightful Snowman Cookies is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to bring the magic of Starbucks into your kitchen.
Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Shape the Snowmen
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Portion the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, portion out 2 tablespoons of dough for each snowman.
- Form the Body: Shape each portion into a ball. Place one ball on the baking sheet.
- Add the Base: Gently press a slightly larger dough ball on top of the first to create the snowman’s body.
- Create the Head: Add a smaller dough ball on top for the head, ensuring each part is stable.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate the Snowmen
- Prepare Royal Icing: In a small bowl, mix 2 cups of powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Color the Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls and color them using food coloring to match the snowman’s features.
- Assemble the Snowman: Use piping bags to apply the icing. Draw the face with candy eyes and a carrot nose. Pipe a scarf and add buttons using colored sprinkles.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle additional festive decorations over the iced cookies for a whimsical finish.
- Set the Icing: Allow the decorated cookies to sit until the icing is fully set before serving.
Storage Tips
To keep your Starbucks Snowman Cookies fresh and festive, proper storage is key. Here’s how I ensure my cookies stay delightful:
Room Temperature
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This method keeps them soft and chewy for up to two weeks. I like to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration
If you need to extend their freshness, refrigerate the cookies. Place them in an airtight container and they will stay good for up to one month. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for the best texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Follow these steps:
- Freeze the Dough: Shape the cookies and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Freeze Decorated Cookies: If you’ve already decorated your snowmen, freeze them on a baking sheet until the icing hardens. Then, store them in a freezer-safe container. They retain their appearance and taste for up to three months.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 weeks |
| Refrigeration | 1 month |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months |
Tips for Best Results
- Separate Layers: Use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Label Containers: Clearly label your storage containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Avoid Moisture: Ensure containers are completely dry to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Creating Starbucks Snowman Cookies is just the beginning of the festive fun. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and enjoy these delightful treats:
Holiday Beverage Pairings
Pair your snowman cookies with classic holiday beverages to elevate the experience:
- Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy texture complements the buttery cookies perfectly.
- Mulled Wine: For an adult twist, serve with warm mulled wine spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
- Eggnog: The creamy and spicy notes of eggnog enhance the sweet flavors of the cookies.
- Peppermint Latte: A nod to Starbucks, this pairing adds a refreshing minty kick.
Festive Presentation Ideas
Make your cookie display as charming as the treats themselves:
- Winter Wonderland Platter: Arrange the snowman cookies on a white platter sprinkled with powdered sugar to mimic snow.
- Holiday-Themed Plates: Use plates adorned with holiday patterns like snowflakes or reindeer for an extra festive touch.
- Interactive Decorating Station: Set up a table where guests can add their own sprinkles or icing decorations to the cookies.
Perfect for Gifting
Snowman cookies make thoughtful and delicious gifts:
- Gift Boxes: Place the cookies in decorative boxes lined with holiday tissue paper.
- Mason Jars: Layer the cookies with festive ribbons and a personalized tag for a charming gift.
- Cookie Tins: Stack the cookies neatly in holiday-themed tins for a reusable and attractive present.
Party Ideas
Incorporate snowman cookies into your holiday gatherings:
- Cookie Decorating Party: Invite friends and family to decorate their own snowman cookies with various icings and toppings.
- Holiday Dessert Table: Feature the cookies alongside other festive treats like gingerbread houses and peppermint bark.
- Secret Santa Goodies: Include a batch of snowman cookies in your Secret Santa exchanges for a sweet surprise.
Seasonal Enhancements
Add a touch of seasonal flair to your serving setup:
- Cinnamon Sticks: Garnish the serving table with cinnamon sticks and pinecones for a cozy atmosphere.
- Twinkling Lights: String fairy lights around the platter to create a magical presentation.
- Themed Napkins and Utensils: Use holiday-themed napkins and serving utensils to complete the look.
By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform your homemade Starbucks Snowman Cookies into the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations, delighting guests with both taste and presentation.
Conclusion
Baking these Snowman Cookies has been such a joyful experience for me. Seeing the little snowmen come to life in my kitchen brings a special kind of happiness. Sharing them with family and friends adds an extra layer of warmth to the holiday season.
I hope making these cookies becomes a cherished tradition for you too. It’s amazing how a simple recipe can create so many sweet memories. Enjoy every bite and the smiles they bring.
Happy baking and happy holidays!
