Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies
Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies
These adorable Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies are a fun and festive Christmas treat made with three different sizes of homemade sugar cookies, smooth white icing, and cute snowman decorations! Each snowman is created by stacking three round cookies from largest to smallest, giving these Christmas cookies a charming layered appearance. With little black icing buttons, stick arms, a smiling snowman face, and an orange carrot nose, these decorated Christmas cookies are almost too cute to eat!
If you love making creative Christmas cookies, these stacked snowmen are such a fun addition to your holiday baking. They’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy afternoon of decorating cookies with the family.
Why You’ll Love These Stacked Snowman Cookies
These Christmas cookies are a little different from traditional decorated sugar cookies because they’re made with three layers of cookies stacked together to create an adorable snowman.
The different-sized cookies give the snowman a dimensional look, while the white icing creates a beautiful snowy finish. They’re also easy to customize with different facial expressions, buttons, and little stick arms.
Best of all, you don’t need any fancy cookie decorating skills to make these adorable Christmas treats!
Ingredients
Makes approximately 12 stacked snowmen (36 cookies)
For the Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Decorating
- White royal icing, prepared
- Black decorating icing
- Orange decorating icing
- Additional white royal icing for attaching the cookie layers
How to Make Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft cookie dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cut Out Three Different Sizes of Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled sugar cookie dough onto a lightly floured surface until approximately ¼ inch thick.
Using three different sizes of round cookie cutters, cut out an equal number of large, medium, and small cookies.
Each finished snowman will need one cookie of each size.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, keeping similar-sized cookies together so they bake evenly.
Bake for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies, or until the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden.
Smaller cookies may finish baking before the larger ones.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely.
Step 4: Decorate with White Icing
Once the cookies have cooled, outline and flood the tops of all three cookie sizes with white royal icing.
Use a toothpick or cookie decorating tool to smooth the icing and create an even surface.
Allow the white icing to dry completely before stacking the cookies.
Step 5: Stack the Snowman Cookies
Place one large iced sugar cookie on a flat surface.
Add a small amount of thick white royal icing to the center and gently place a medium cookie on top.
Repeat with another small amount of icing and position the smallest cookie on top to create the snowman’s head.
Make sure the cookies are centered and securely attached.
Step 6: Decorate the Snowman Face
Using black decorating icing, pipe two small eyes and several dots to create a smiling snowman mouth on the smallest cookie.
Use orange decorating icing to draw a little carrot-shaped nose in the center of the face.
Step 7: Add the Arms and Buttons
Using black decorating icing, draw two stick arms extending outward from the middle cookie.
Add two black icing buttons down the center of the middle cookie and two additional buttons on the bottom cookie.
Allow the icing to dry completely before serving or packaging.
Tips for Making the Best Stacked Snowman Cookies
Use three different cookie cutter sizes. This creates the adorable layered snowman shape. Round cutters measuring approximately 4 inches, 3 inches, and 2 inches work beautifully.
Keep the cookies an even thickness. Rolling the dough evenly helps the cookies bake consistently and stack neatly.
Let the icing dry before stacking. This is especially important because the cookies need a firm surface to support the additional layers.
Use thick royal icing to attach the cookies. A small amount of thicker icing between each layer helps keep the snowman together.
Have fun with the snowman faces. Give each snowman a different expression for a cute homemade appearance.
Can I Make Stacked Snowman Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! These Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for making ahead during the busy holiday season.
You can bake the cookies up to three days in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate.
Once the cookies are iced and stacked, allow the royal icing to harden completely before storing.
Because these cookies are layered, I recommend storing them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.
Avoid stacking the finished snowmen on top of each other, as the decorations may break.
How to Serve Stacked Snowman Cookies
These adorable cookies make a beautiful addition to Christmas cookie trays and holiday dessert platters.
Arrange them on a festive serving plate with other decorated Christmas cookies, candy canes, and holiday treats.
They’re also perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, homemade holiday gifts, and winter-themed birthday parties.
For a special Christmas gift, place each snowman cookie in a small bakery box with festive tissue paper or parchment paper.
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love making cute decorated Christmas cookies, and these Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies turned out so adorable! I wanted to create something a little different from traditional snowman cookies, so I cut out three different sizes of round sugar cookies, decorated each one with white icing, and stacked them together to create the cutest little snowman.
I love how the layers give these cookies such a fun look, and the little black icing arms, buttons, and smiling face really bring the snowman to life. The bright orange carrot nose is the perfect finishing touch!
These would be so cute on a Christmas cookie tray, and I think they’re especially fun because each snowman can have its own little personality. They’re simple, festive, and such a sweet way to celebrate the Christmas season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes! You can use refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make these cookies. For the best results, choose a dough that holds its shape well during baking.
Do I have to use royal icing?
Royal icing works best because it dries firm and helps hold the stacked cookies together. However, you can use another firm-setting cookie icing if preferred.
How do I keep the stacked cookies from sliding?
Make sure the white icing has dried completely before stacking. Use a small amount of thick royal icing between each layer to secure the cookies in place.
Can I make these snowman cookies different sizes?
Absolutely! You can use any three round cookie cutters as long as they’re different sizes. Just make sure the bottom cookie is large enough to support the other two layers.
Can I freeze these cookies?
The undecorated sugar cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw completely before decorating. For the best appearance, I recommend freezing the cookies before icing and stacking them.
More Christmas Cookie Recipes
If you love these Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies, be sure to try some of our other fun Christmas treats, including Melting Marshmallow Snowman Cookies, Decorated Polar Bear Cookies, Reindeer Cookies, and Nutella Reindeer Ritz Crackers.
These easy Christmas treats are perfect for holiday cookie trays, Christmas parties, and festive baking days with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
These Stacked Snowman Sugar Cookies are a fun and creative way to make decorated Christmas cookies! With three layers of buttery sugar cookies, smooth white icing, and adorable snowman decorations, they’re a festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Whether you’re making them for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying a little Christmas baking at home, these cute stacked snowmen are sure to bring a smile!
