Description
These Melted Snowman Peanut Butter Cookies are a festive and fun twist on classic peanut butter cookies. Soft, chewy cookies are topped with a gooey marshmallow “melt” effect using melted white chocolate, then decorated with black and orange gel to create adorable snowman faces and buttons. Perfect for holiday gatherings or winter-themed treats, these cookies combine rich peanut butter flavor with playful decoration, making baking and enjoying them a joyful experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings and Decoration
- 12 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup white chocolate or white candy melts
- Black decorating gel
- Orange decorating gel
Instructions
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, ensuring a smooth base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the peanut butter mixture, stirring continuously until a uniform dough forms.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy cleanup.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them spaced apart on the lined baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Add Marshmallows: Immediately after baking, press one large marshmallow into the center of each hot cookie, allowing it to soften and stick.
- Melt White Chocolate and Decorate: Let the cookies cool slightly. In the meantime, melt the white chocolate or candy melts and spoon the melted coating around each marshmallow to create the appearance of melted snow.
- Add Facial Features: Use black and orange decorating gels to draw eyes, a carrot nose, a smile, and buttons on each snowman cookie, enhancing their festive look.
- Set and Serve: Allow the decorated cookies to set completely before serving or storing to ensure the decorations stay intact.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to maintain the cookie shape and prevent spreading.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter, but texture may slightly vary.
- White candy melts can be used instead of white chocolate for easier melting and handling.
- Decorating gels can be found at craft or baking supply stores, or use edible markers as alternatives.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peanut butter cookies, Snowman cookies, Holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, Marshmallow cookies, Festive desserts
