Why Make This Recipe
Snowman Face Cookies are perfect for the winter season and the holidays. These fun and festive cookies will bring joy to your gatherings and celebrations. Whether you are looking for a treat to share with friends or want to delight your family, these cookies are a great choice.
With their cheerful snowman faces, these cookies can also serve as a fun activity to do with your kids. Decorating them offers limitless creativity, and everyone can make their own unique snowman. Baking and decorating together can create wonderful memories during the holiday season.
Equipment Needed for Snowman Face Cookies
To make Snowman Face Cookies, you’ll need some essential equipment. First, a mixing bowl helps combine your dry ingredients and dough. Next, an electric mixer is crucial for creaming the butter and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
You’ll also need rolling pins to roll out the dough, along with cookie cutters for shaping your cookies. A baking sheet allows for even baking, and parchment paper can prevent sticking. Finally, a cooling rack is essential for allowing your cookies to cool properly before icing.
What You Need to Make Snowman Face Cookies
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons warm water
- Food coloring
- White non-pareils (sprinkles)
- Pink luster dust
How to Cook Snowman Face Cookies Step by Step
Start by preparing the dough for your cookies. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside for later use. Meanwhile, take an electric mixer and cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, add in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating well for about another minute to incorporate everything nicely.
Next, slowly add the flour mixture to your butter and sugar blend. Continue to mix until everything is combined into a nice, smooth dough. Once the dough is ready, take half of it and knead it by hand into a smooth ball. Now, roll it out on a floured surface so you can cut out your desired shapes for the cookies.
After cutting out the cookies, it is a good idea to freeze them for about 5 minutes. While they are chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F. After the cookies have spent time in the freezer, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 9 to 11 minutes, or until the tops are no longer shiny. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
While your cookies cool, prepare the royal icing. In a mixing bowl, beat together the meringue powder, powdered sugar, and warm water until stiff peaks form. If you want to add color to your icing, this is the time to do it. Adjust the consistency using additional warm water as needed to make sure it flows well for decorating.
Once your cookies are cool and your icing is ready, outline and fill in the designs on your cookies. This is where the fun begins! Decorate with white non-pareils for the snowman’s face and add pink luster dust for a rosy cheek effect if you desire. Let the decorated cookies set properly. Be sure to allow them to fully dry before packaging them, so they stay beautiful and intact.
How to Make Snowman Face Cookies
Making Snowman Face Cookies is all about mixing, rolling, baking, and decorating. Start with the basic cookie dough, which will be the foundation for your delightful snowman faces. Remember to chill the cut cookies before baking; this helps them maintain their shape during the baking process.
Once baked, this is your chance to get creative with decorations. Use royal icing to create snowman faces, adding sprinkles for eyes and a bright little carrot nose. The finished cookies should look fun and inviting, making them perfect for serving at gatherings.
How to Serve Snowman Face Cookies
Serving Snowman Face Cookies can be done in a variety of ways. You can present them on a decorative plate at your next holiday party. Having them on display can truly bring the festive spirit alive.
Consider personalizing your serving method by wrapping cookies in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons. This can make for a sweet holiday gift or party favor. You can even create an assortment of decorated cookies for a visually appealing dessert table, where guests can choose their favorites.
What to Serve with Snowman Face Cookies
Pairing drinks with your Snowman Face Cookies can enhance the enjoyment. A warm cup of hot chocolate or a spiced apple cider complements the holiday theme perfectly.
For a more adult gathering, consider serving them alongside coffee or tea. The sweetness of the cookies balances nicely with the bitterness of these drinks. Offering a small selection of milk can also attract the kids, making snack time a special treat.
How to Store Snowman Face Cookies
To keep your Snowman Face Cookies fresh, store them properly. Once the icing is fully dry, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them maintain their texture and flavor for several days.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the undecorated cookies. Once they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to enjoy them again, allow them to thaw at room temperature and then decorate as desired.
Tips to Make Snowman Face Cookies
When making Snowman Face Cookies, preparation is key. Always measure out your ingredients accurately, as this will affect the dough’s consistency. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour.
Chilling the dough is not just for the cut cookies; it can also be helpful to chill the dough before rolling it out. This makes the dough easier to work with. While decorating, be sure to let the icing harden completely; this will prevent smudging and keep your designs looking perfect.
Variation
You can easily customize these snowman cookies for other holiday themes. Instead of making snowmen, consider creating Christmas tree-shaped cookies or star-shaped cookies that can be decorated in similar ways. Simply adjust the shapes using different cookie cutters and modify the decorations to match your chosen theme.
For added fun, you could also try different flavors for the cookies. Almond extract in place of vanilla can provide a lovely twist. Adding peppermint extract into the icing could give a festive flair for those who enjoy mint flavors.
Best Time to Make Snowman Face Cookies
The best time to make Snowman Face Cookies is during the winter months leading up to the holiday season. Many families enjoy baking together as a tradition this time of year. Planning a baking day can allow everyone to participate in creating these special treats.
Moreover, these cookies can be made ahead of time, giving you a head start for parties, gatherings, or even holiday gifts. Baking and decorating cookies a few weeks early can save time during the busier days leading up to the holidays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is forgetting to chill the cookies before baking. This can cause them to spread too much and not hold their shape. Also, ensure that the icing consistency is just right. If too runny, it may not hold its shape; if too thick, it may be hard to pipe.
Not allowing the cookies to cool completely before decorating can lead to melting icing, making your designs smudge. Lastly, be careful not to overbake the cookies. Keep an eye on them, and remove them when just set, as they will continue to cook slightly after being taken out of the oven.
Nutritional Notes
While these cookies are a delightful treat, it’s essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. A single cookie can be relatively high in sugar and calories. For those looking to maintain a balanced diet, enjoy these cookies in moderation.
Consider substituting some ingredients if you want a healthier version. For example, using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of sugar can create a lighter cookie with fewer calories. There are many alternatives that can still result in a delicious treat.
FAQs
Can I freeze Snowman Face Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well when stored correctly in an airtight container.
How long do these cookies last?
If stored in an airtight container, they can last about a week at room temperature.
Can I use different colors for the icing?
Yes! Feel free to use any colors you like to match the occasion or to make the cookies more visually appealing.
Conclusion
Snowman Face Cookies are a joyous treat to celebrate the winter season and holidays. They are not only delicious but also allow for creativity in their decoration, making them perfect for family activities. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delightful cookies that will bring smiles and warmth to your gatherings.
Enjoy the process of making and decorating them, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends. Whether served at a holiday party or given as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and sweetness during this special time of year.
