Every holiday season, I try to pick at least one recipe that’s more about the experience than just the eating. These Snow Globe Cookies hit that mark perfectly. They’re festive, fun to make, and honestly look like something straight out of a Christmas movie. And the best part? They taste just as magical as they look.
The first time I made these, I was a little intimidated—gelatin sheets, clear candy centers, piping royal icing—it sounded fancy. But once I got into it, I realized how forgiving and fun they are to put together. These cookies are the kind that make people stop and stare, and they’re worth every step.
Whether you’re baking with kids, planning a cookie exchange, or just want to wow your friends and family, these snow globe cookies are the holiday showstopper you didn’t know you needed.
Why These Snow Globe Cookies Work
They’re more than just pretty—they’re also incredibly delicious and cleverly crafted. Here’s why I keep making them every December:
- Stunning presentation: They truly look like tiny edible snow globes.
- Perfect sugar cookie base: Soft but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
- Fun and customizable: Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or tiny candy scenes.
- Great for gifting: Wrap them up individually and you’ve got the ultimate holiday treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 10–12 snow globe cookies | Prep Time: 30 mins | Chill Time: 1 hour | Bake Time: 10 mins | Decorating: 30 mins+)
For the sugar cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the “glass” center:
- Clear hard candies (like clear mints or isomalt candy wafers)
- Optional: gelatin sheets for layered effect
For decorating:
- Royal icing (store-bought mix or homemade)
- Food coloring (for details)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles or tiny edible figurines
- Piping bags or zip-top bags with small tips
- Edible glitter (because why not?)
How I Make Snow Globe Cookies
1. Make and Chill the Dough
I start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then I mix in the egg and vanilla. I stir in the baking powder and flour gradually until a dough forms. Once it’s ready, I flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least an hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.
2. Roll, Cut, and Shape
After chilling, I roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. I use a round cookie cutter for the globe shape and a small knife or extra cutter to create a “stand” shape at the base. For each snow globe, you need two cookies—one for the back and one with a cut-out center to hold the “glass.”
I cut a smaller circle from the center of half the cookies to create the front window, then transfer all the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Add the Candy Centers
For the front cookie pieces, I crush the clear candies and sprinkle the pieces into the center cutouts before baking. As the cookies bake, the candy melts and forms a shiny, glass-like window. It sets as it cools and looks just like a real snow globe.
I bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just barely golden. I let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
4. Decorate the Inside Scene
On the solid back cookies, I pipe little snowbanks using white royal icing. Then I add holiday-themed sprinkles or edible decorations—tiny trees, snowmen, or even candy cane pieces. Let those dry before sandwiching.
5. Assemble the Snow Globe
Once the icing has set, I pipe a ring of royal icing around the edge of the back cookie and gently press the candy-window cookie on top. It seals beautifully and holds everything in place.
You can add a final border of icing or decorate the front with more designs, snowflakes, or glittery details.
Tips From My Holiday Baking Toolbox
- Chill your dough: It helps the cookies stay crisp and defined during baking.
- Use clear candies or isomalt: They melt smooth and stay crystal-clear when cooled.
- Let decorations dry fully: If you rush assembly, the inside scene may smear.
- Go small with your details: Tiny sprinkles and small piping tips work best for intricate decorations.
- Add sparkle: Edible glitter, shimmer dust, or luster spray takes these to the next level.
How I Store and Share These Cookies
These cookies are delicate but durable. Once fully assembled, I store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also make all the components ahead of time—cookies, candy windows, and icing—and assemble them the day you need them.
They make the ultimate edible gift when wrapped in a clear cellophane bag and tied with ribbon. I always include a little note that says “Shake with your tastebuds, not your hands!”
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I make these without the candy window?
A: Absolutely. You can pipe on a “snow globe” scene with icing and skip the window for a flatter version.
Q: What if I don’t have isomalt or clear candies?
A: Use light-colored mints or even sugar-free hard candies—they melt just the same and work great in a pinch.
Q: Can I freeze the dough or finished cookies?
A: Yes to the dough—just thaw before rolling. I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled cookies since the “glass” center may crack or sweat when defrosting.
Q: Do I have to use royal icing?
A: Royal icing is best for crisp, clean designs, but you can use buttercream if you’re not stacking or sealing the cookies.
Why These Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Holiday Lineup
These Snow Globe Cookies are more than just another sugar cookie—they’re a baking experience. You get to create something that’s beautiful, creative, and completely edible. They’re the kind of treat that gets people talking, and they bring a little magic to any holiday celebration.
Whether you’re decorating with your kids or showing off at a cookie swap, these snow globes will steal the show. And the fact that they taste amazing? Just the frosting on the (cookie) cake.
These Snow Globe Cookies Are My Favorite Holiday Baking Project Ever
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Decorative candies or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out cookie shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk to create a glaze. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate the cookies with the glaze and top with decorative candies or sprinkles.
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