Transform ordinary Nutter Butter cookies into extraordinary holiday delights with this incredibly easy no-bake snowman cookie recipe! These adorable treats are a festive masterpiece waiting to happen, perfect for bringing smiles to classroom parties, family potlucks, thoughtful neighbor gifts, and all your cherished holiday events. While these charming Nutter Butter snowmen might appear intricate at first glance, our simple, straightforward recipe ensures a smooth and fun decorating experience for all ages. Get ready to add an irresistibly cheerful and whimsical touch to your holiday dessert table this season!
Our Nutter Butter snowmen offer a wonderfully clever and accessible way to elevate simple Christmas cookies into something truly spectacular and memorable. Crafted with just a few readily available pantry staples—like creamy white chocolate, a touch of coconut oil, and a selection of colorful candies—this delightful no-bake cookie recipe comes together in mere minutes. What makes these sweet snowmen even better is their versatility: you can easily customize them by swapping candy colors, adding tiny pretzel stick arms, or even fashioning mini scarves or hats from fruit leather or decorative icing. Best of all, they store beautifully, making them perfect for preparing in advance for gifting or simply enjoying as a festive snack throughout the entire holiday season.
Looking for more delightful treats to complete your holiday spread? Be sure to try our irresistible Mint M&M Cookie Recipe – a cool and chocolatey sensation that pairs perfectly with the festive charm of these snowman cookies.
Snowman Cookies Video Tutorial
Watch our step-by-step video guide to see just how simple it is to create these delightful Nutter Butter snowman cookies. Perfect for visual learners!
Why These Nutter Butter Snowmen Are a Holiday Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this charming no-bake cookie recipe. From their effortless creation to their undeniable festive appeal, these Nutter Butter snowmen are destined to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
- Perfect for Spreading Holiday Cheer
These snowman cookies are the epitome of festive fun. Their undeniably cute appearance makes them an instant hit on any cookie platter or at any holiday party. They embody the whimsical spirit of winter and are sure to delight guests of all ages, creating cherished memories during the most wonderful time of the year. - Effortless Batch Preparation
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how easily you can prepare large quantities at once. This makes them an absolute dream for sharing! Whether you’re gifting them to neighbors, surprising coworkers, or sending them to classroom events, you can whip up multiple batches without spending endless hours in the kitchen, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities. - No-Bake Fun for Everyone
Since there’s no need for an oven, this recipe is a fantastic hands-on activity that genuinely includes everyone. Kids and adults alike can join in the exciting decorating process, turning cookie creation into a joyful family tradition. It’s a delightful way to bond and makes the holidays even sweeter and more memorable for all involved.
Ingredient Essentials and Clever Substitutions
Crafting these delightful Nutter Butter snowman cookies requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some handy substitutions to ensure your no-bake cookie project is a sweet success:
- White Chocolate: The foundation of our snowy coating! You have several excellent options here. White melting wafers are ideal for their smooth consistency and easy melting. Almond bark is another fantastic choice, known for its quick setting properties and robust white color. Alternatively, white candy coating, often found in baking aisles, works just as well. If your coating begins to thicken during the dipping process, a quick 10-15 second reheat in the microwave, followed by a good stir, will bring it back to a perfectly smooth, dippable state.
- Coconut Oil: This essential ingredient is key to achieving that perfectly smooth, glossy finish on your snowmen. Coconut oil helps to thin the white chocolate slightly, making it much easier to dip the cookies evenly and giving them a beautiful, professional sheen once set. If coconut oil isn’t on hand, you can confidently substitute it with vegetable shortening or even a small amount of any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil.
- Cookies: Classic Nutter Butters are our cookie of choice, thanks to their iconic peanut shape which forms the perfect snowman body. Their sturdy structure also holds up well to dipping. However, don’t let a lack of Nutter Butters deter you! Any peanut-shaped sandwich cookie will work wonderfully as a base. You could even experiment with other simple sandwich cookies, though the shape might vary the snowman’s appearance slightly.
- Candy Details: The fun part! Mini M&M’s are fantastic for buttons and mouths, and candy eyeballs instantly bring your snowmen to life. These are usually easy to find, especially during the festive holiday season. But creativity is encouraged! Feel free to use small chocolate chips for eyes or buttons, colorful sprinkles to add texture or a dash of sparkle, or even edible markers to draw on unique expressions, rosy cheeks, or tiny scarves. The possibilities for personalization are endless!
Recipe Variations to Spark Your Creativity
While the classic Nutter Butter snowman is a hit, don’t hesitate to experiment with these fun twists to make your cookies even more unique!
- Marshmallow Melt Snowmen: For an extra gooey and delightful winter treat, try this variation! Before dipping, gently press a toasted marshmallow between two Nutter Butter cookies. The toasted marshmallow adds a wonderful caramelized flavor and soft texture. Once coated in white candy melts, dust your snowmen with a generous layer of confectioners’ sugar or powdered sugar to create a magical “snow” effect. Finish with tiny edible snowflakes or festive sprinkles for an extra touch of winter wonder.
- Cookie Dough Frosted Snowmen: Indulge your inner cookie dough lover! Spread a luscious layer of edible cookie dough frosting between two Nutter Butter cookies before dipping them in white chocolate. For the frosting, you can mix a touch of vanilla extract, heat-treated flour (to ensure food safety), and a beaten egg substitute for the perfect texture. Once the chocolate coating has set, drizzle your snowmen with white cookie icing and adorn them with mini candies for a truly unique and sweet twist on classic snowman cookies.
Essential Equipment for Your Snowman Cookie Creation
You won’t need a fancy array of kitchen gadgets to bring these delightful Nutter Butter snowmen to life. A few basic tools are all it takes:
- Baking sheet or cookie sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Fork or specialized dipping tool
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting No-Bake Snowman Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your own adorable army of Nutter Butter snowmen. This no-bake cookie recipe is designed for ease and fun, making it a perfect holiday activity for the whole family.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step ensures your newly dipped cookies won’t stick and can be easily transferred once set. Having your tray ready and within arm’s reach will keep your no-bake cookie production moving smoothly and efficiently once you start dipping.
- Melt the White Chocolate Coating: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine your chosen white chocolate (chips, wafers, or bark) with the coconut oil. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, then remove and stir thoroughly with a spoon or spatula. Continue heating in short 15-second bursts, stirring diligently after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted to a pourable consistency. This careful approach prevents scorching and ensures a perfect coating.
- Dip Each Cookie: Using a fork or a dedicated dipping tool, gently submerge one Nutter Butter cookie at a time into the warm, melted white chocolate. Lift the cookie, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl with a gentle tap or two against the rim. Carefully transfer the coated cookie onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
🎯 Pro Tip
Don’t underestimate the power of coconut oil! It’s the secret ingredient that keeps your white chocolate beautifully smooth, glossy, and much easier to work with, preventing it from seizing or becoming too thick for dipping.
- Decorate the Faces and Buttons: Immediately after dipping each cookie, while the white chocolate coating is still wonderfully wet and pliable, carefully press on two candy eyeballs near the top. Then, place a mini orange M&M in the center for the nose, and arrange three more mini M&Ms vertically down the body to create the snowman’s buttons. Speed is key here to ensure all decorations adhere firmly.
- Work One by One: It’s essential to complete the dipping and decorating of each individual cookie before moving on to the next. The white chocolate sets relatively quickly, especially in a cooler room, so finishing each snowman fully ensures that all the candy details stick cleanly and securely to the coating.
- Adjust Coating Consistency as Needed: If you notice your white chocolate coating starting to thicken or become difficult to work with as you progress, simply return the bowl to the microwave for another quick 10-15 second burst. Stir it well until it regains its smooth, perfectly dippable state. This intermittent warming ensures consistent results for all your snowman cookies.
🎯 Pro Tip
Pace Yourself! Focus on one cookie at a time. Dip, then immediately add all the decorations, and only then move on to the next. The chocolate sets quickly, so completing each snowman individually is the best way to ensure neat, secure decorations.
- Chill to Set: Once all your Nutter Butter snowmen are dipped and decorated, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for about 10-15 minutes, or simply leave them at room temperature until the white chocolate coating is completely firm and set. This ensures they hold their shape beautifully.
- Final Touches and Serving: Once your festive snowmen are perfectly set, carefully lift them from the parchment paper. Arrange them artfully on a holiday platter, perhaps dusted with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar for an extra snowy effect. They are now ready to be admired and devoured!
Serving Suggestions
These charming snowman cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful and festive addition to any holiday dessert spread, instantly elevating the mood from winter bake sales to cozy family gatherings. Arrange them artfully on a holiday cookie tray alongside classic favorites like rich hot cocoa, refreshing peppermint bark, or a slice of comforting pumpkin pie for a perfect balance of festive flavors. They also make for a wonderfully engaging activity for kids, who will adore decorating their edible snowmen while the adults finalize dinner preparations! For even more vibrant color and cheer on your holiday cookie tray, consider adding our irresistible Christmas M&M Cookies, known for their soft, chewy texture and festive crunch. Pair them with steaming mugs of freshly brewed coffee, warm spiced cider, or a simple glass of milk for a truly charming and memorable holiday experience.
To balance out your sweet holiday desserts, serve them alongside a stunning Charcuterie Tree Tower or a vibrant Christmas Tree Fruit and Cheese Platter. These savory centerpieces will impress your guests and provide a beautiful contrast to your delightful snowman cookies.
🎯 Pro Tip
Unleash Your Creativity with Customization! These Nutter Butter snowmen are incredibly fun to personalize. Use different colored icing or even candy ribbons to create adorable scarves that match any holiday theme, from elegant gatherings to playful Christmas cookie exchanges. You can easily switch up the colors of the M&M buttons, or if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, fashion mini scarves or tiny hats from fruit leather or small candies for an extra touch of festive flair!
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowman Cookies
Absolutely! These Nutter Butter snowman cookies are perfect for preparing in advance, making your holiday entertaining much easier. Once the white chocolate coating has fully set and hardened, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen tends to be on the warmer side, or if you prefer a firmer cookie, storing them in the refrigerator can extend their freshness and prevent any melting or stickiness. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
Certainly! While classic Nutter Butters offer that ideal peanut shape perfect for a snowman’s body, you can certainly get creative. A similar festive version can be made using store-bought sugar cookies or even homemade baked sugar cookies. Simply dip your chosen cookies in the white chocolate and decorate them in the same charming snowman style. The possibilities are open for your favorite cookie base!
It’s a common occurrence for white chocolate to thicken as it cools, especially if you’re working on a larger batch. Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix! If your white chocolate starts to become too thick or difficult to work with, simply return the bowl to the microwave for a quick 10-15 second interval. Stir it thoroughly, and it should return to a smooth, dippable consistency. Repeat this process as needed throughout your decorating session.
Yes, you can freeze these cookies, though for best results, we recommend freezing them *before* decorating. Place the undecorated, chocolate-coated cookies (once fully set) in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to decorate, thaw them in the refrigerator first to prevent condensation from forming, which could affect the chocolate coating and make decorations difficult to apply. Once thawed, you can proceed with adding the candy eyes and M&M buttons.
More Festive Cookie Recipes to Love…
- White Chocolate Matcha Cookies
- Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Cookies with White Chips
- Creme Brulee Sugar Cookies
If you tried this delightful Nutter Butter Snowman Cookie recipe or any other recipe from our website, please don’t hesitate to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments section below. We love hearing from you! For more delicious recipes and holiday inspiration, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Thanks for stopping by and happy baking!
Nutter Butter Snowman Cookies
By Renae Gerhardstein
These adorable Nutter Butter snowman cookies are a no-fuss, no-bake delight, perfect for holiday parties, thoughtful gifts, and festive cookie trays!
Pin Recipe
Servings: 16 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment
- Tablespoon
- Cookie sheet or baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Fork or dipping tool
Ingredients
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips or white melting wafers
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 16 Nutter Butter cookies
- Edible candy eyeballs
- Mini M&M’s (for noses and buttons)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This preparation ensures you’re ready to go once you start dipping the cookies, making the process quick and seamless.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 12 ounces of white chocolate chips (or melting wafers) and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each burst, until the mixture is perfectly smooth and has a pourable consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent scorching.
- Carefully dip each Nutter Butter cookie into the melted white chocolate using a fork or a specialized dipping tool. Allow any excess white chocolate to drip off by gently tapping the cookie against the side of the bowl. Place the coated cookie onto your prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- While the white chocolate coating is still wet, quickly press two candy eyeballs onto the top half of the cookie to create the snowman’s eyes. Then, position a mini orange M&M in the center for the nose, and arrange three more mini M&Ms down the body of the cookie to form the buttons.
- Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set, or for faster results, place the baking tray in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the white chocolate is completely firm, carefully lift the Nutter Butter snowmen from the parchment paper. Serve immediately and enjoy your adorable, festive treats!
Notes
Pro Tips for Success:
- If your white chocolate begins to thicken during the dipping process, a quick reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, followed by a good stir, will restore its smooth consistency.
- Don’t skip the coconut oil! It’s crucial for achieving a beautifully smooth and easy-to-work-with white chocolate coating that gives your snowmen a professional finish.
- Get creative with customization! You can swap the colors of the M&M buttons, use edible markers to draw on a smile, or even craft mini scarves or hats from fruit leather or other candies for extra festive flair.
- For the best results, work on one cookie at a time. Dip, decorate immediately, and then move on to the next. The chocolate sets quickly, ensuring all your details adhere perfectly.
Recipe Variations to Explore:
- Marshmallow Melt Snowmen: For a delightful chewy center, gently press a toasted marshmallow between two cookies before dipping. Coat in candy melts and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, adding tiny edible snowflakes for extra charm.
- Cookie Dough Frosted Snowmen: Spread a layer of edible cookie dough frosting between two cookies before coating them in chocolate. After the chocolate sets, drizzle with white cookie icing and top with mini candies for a truly indulgent variation.
Make Ahead and Storing Instructions:
- These cookies are fantastic for making ahead! You can prepare them 2-3 days before your holiday party, cookie exchange, or classroom event. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent smudging or sticking.
- Once fully set, store the snowman cookies in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them is a good option; just be sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cookie
(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.)
