Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies

When the holiday season rolls in, I always find myself craving something whimsical yet delicious to bake. These Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies check all the boxes: they’re soft, sweet, and loaded with peanut butter flavor—but what truly makes them magical is their melted snowman design. They’re just the right mix of festive and fun, and I’ve never seen anyone resist smiling when they see them.

I love making these with kids or surprising coworkers and neighbors with a plateful. The decorations are as delightful as they are simple, and the cookies themselves? Buttery and rich with that nostalgic peanut butter taste. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, school parties, or just cozying up with some hot cocoa and a Christmas movie.

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Why You’ll Love This Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

This cookie recipe is not only adorable but incredibly simple to make. It combines a soft, chewy peanut butter base with a marshmallow and melted white chocolate topping. The little snowman faces add personality, and you don’t need any advanced decorating skills to make them look great.

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What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

For the best results, stick to creamy peanut butter—the classic kind, not the natural variety with oil separation. Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly into the dough and gives the cookies a soft, rich texture. Chunky peanut butter can be used if you like a bit of crunch, but it will change the texture slightly.

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Options for Substitutions

If peanut allergies are a concern, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both will give a slightly different flavor but still provide that creamy richness. Marshmallows can be swapped with vegan alternatives, and the white chocolate can be replaced with candy melts or vanilla frosting in a pinch.

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Ingredients for This Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

Creamy Peanut Butter – This is the heart of the cookie, bringing that rich, nutty flavor and moisture to the dough.

Unsalted Butter – Softened butter creates a tender texture and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.

Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and structure.

Brown Sugar – Adds a deeper flavor and keeps the cookies chewy.

Egg – Binds the dough and contributes to the soft texture.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and balances the moisture from the peanut butter and butter.

Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.

Salt – Balances out the sweetness and intensifies flavors.

Large Marshmallows – These become the melted snowman heads when placed on warm cookies.

White Chocolate or Candy Melts – Used to create the melted snow effect around the marshmallow.

Black and Orange Decorating Gels – For making the snowman’s eyes, smile, buttons, and carrot nose.

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Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial to give the cookies a soft, chewy texture.

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Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds depth to the flavor and keeps the dough cohesive.

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Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

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Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

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Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

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Step 6: Add the Marshmallows

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one large marshmallow into the center of each cookie. The heat will begin to melt the marshmallow slightly, helping it stick and form the snowman head.

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Step 7: Create the Melted Snow Effect

Once the cookies are slightly cooled, melt the white chocolate or candy melts and spoon a small amount around the base of the marshmallow to mimic melted snow.

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Step 8: Decorate the Faces

Using black and orange decorating gels, draw on the snowman faces—eyes, carrot noses, smiles, and buttons. Let the decorations set before serving or storing.

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How Long to Prepare the Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep Time

Preparing the dough takes about 15 minutes, including mixing and measuring ingredients. Chilling the dough adds an extra 30 minutes but is essential for getting the perfect shape and texture.

Bake and Decorate Time

Baking takes 10–12 minutes per batch. Once out of the oven, marshmallows are added right away, and decorating takes an additional 15–20 minutes depending on how intricate you want your snowman faces to be. Overall, set aside around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this ensures the dough mixes properly and the cookies bake evenly.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough. It keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
• Press the marshmallows into the cookies immediately after baking so they stick without falling off.
• Use gel icing or edible pens for more control when decorating faces.
• Let the white chocolate cool slightly before spooning it on so it doesn’t run everywhere.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking the cookies – They should still be soft in the center when you take them out.
• Skipping the dough chill – Warm dough spreads too much and ruins the shape.
• Using natural peanut butter – The oils can cause the dough to become greasy and crumbly.
• Adding decorations before cooling – Wait until the cookies are cool enough so your designs don’t melt.
• Using too much white chocolate – A thin layer works best for that melted snow look.

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What to Serve With Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies?

1. Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

Rich, creamy hot chocolate makes the perfect winter pairing for these cookies.

2. Spiced Apple Cider

Warm and cozy, apple cider complements the peanut butter flavor without overwhelming it.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve cookies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a playful dessert combo.

4. Peppermint Mocha

For a festive twist, pair your cookies with a peppermint mocha latte.

5. Milk (Classic Style)

Sometimes, a simple glass of cold milk is all you need to enjoy these cookies to the fullest.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid smudging the decorations.

Refrigerator

If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 8 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well. Freeze undecorated cookies for best results, then add marshmallows and decorations after thawing. Store frozen cookies in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cookie (approximate):

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 16g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 120mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the marshmallows from sliding off?

Place them on immediately after baking while the cookies are hot, and gently press down so they stick.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled until you're ready to bake.

Can I use mini marshmallows instead?

Mini marshmallows don’t give the same visual impact. Stick with large marshmallows for the snowman heads.

Do I need to use decorating gel?

It’s the easiest and cleanest way, but melted chocolate or edible markers can also be used.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.

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Conclusion

These Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies are more than just a treat—they're a holiday experience. From the buttery peanut butter base to the playful decorations, every bite brings cheer. Whether you're baking with kids, gifting them to friends, or serving them at a festive gathering, they’re sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite. So grab your apron and a few marshmallows—these snowmen are ready to melt hearts!

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