Snow Globe Cookies: A Magical Winter Treat for Your Holiday Table
If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and easy-to-make dessert this holiday season, snow globe cookies are the perfect choice. These adorable treats not only taste delicious but also serve as a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. Made with chocolate chip or sugar cookies as the base, and topped with coconut “snow,” white frosting, edible decorations, and a clear ornament dome, these cookies will delight kids and adults alike. Using premade cookie dough makes this project a breeze, so you can focus on the decorating magic!
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make snow globe cookies, including tips for assembly, decorating ideas, and how to create a holiday showstopper with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Snow Globe Cookies
Fun and Festive: These cookies bring the magic of winter right to your table.
Easy to Make: Premade dough simplifies the process, so you can focus on decorating.
Kid-Friendly: A great activity for little hands—they’ll love adding the decorations.
Customizable: Swap out cookie flavors, decorations, or colors to suit your holiday theme.
Wow Factor: These cookies look like they came straight out of a bakery!
Here’s what you’ll need to make your snow globe cookies:
Premade Cookie Dough: Choose chocolate chip or sugar cookie dough—both work perfectly as the base.
White Frosting: Use store-bought or homemade frosting for the “snow” layer.
Shredded Coconut: To mimic fluffy snow, use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes.
Edible Icing Decorations: Look for mini Christmas trees, snowmen, gingerbread houses, or other festive designs. You can find some great options here!
Clear Plastic Ornament Halves: These serve as the dome for your snow globe. Make sure they are food-safe.
Optional: Sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy snowflakes for extra sparkle.
Tools and Supplies
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading frosting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cookie Bases
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your cookie dough packaging.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll your premade cookie dough into evenly sized balls (about 1.5 inches for medium cookies).
Bake according to package instructions until the cookies are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool completely. A flat surface is ideal for the decorations to stick properly, so if your cookies puff up too much, gently press them down with a spatula while they’re still warm.
2. Prepare the Frosting and Coconut Snow
Spread a layer of white frosting over each cooled cookie using an offset spatula or butter knife. This will act as the adhesive for the coconut and decorations.
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting to create a snowy effect. Press lightly to ensure it sticks.
3. Decorate Your Snow Globes
Place your edible icing decorations on top of the frosted coconut layer. Think of your cookie as a mini winter scene—arrange Christmas trees, snowmen, or gingerbread houses in a creative way.
Add extra flair with sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy snowflakes.
4. Add the Ornament Dome
Gently press half of the ornament onto the cookie, covering your decorations. The frosting will serve as the adhesive.
5. Display and Serve
Arrange your snow globe cookies on a platter or tiered stand. These cookies make a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
For added flair, sprinkle extra coconut flakes or powdered sugar around the display to enhance the snowy effect.
Tips for Success
Flat Cookies Work Best: A flat cookie surface ensures your decorations stay upright and the ornament dome fits securely. If needed, gently flatten the dough before baking or press the cookies after baking.
Choose Lightweight Decorations: Avoid using heavy decorations that might topple over inside the globe.
Food-Safe Ornaments: Double-check that your plastic ornament halves are food-safe before placing them on your cookies.
Assemble Close to Serving Time: While the cookies can be made ahead of time, assemble the globes close to when you’ll serve them to keep the decorations fresh and intact.
Variations to Try
Cookie Base Alternatives
Gingerbread Cookies: Add a spiced touch to your snow globes.
Oatmeal Cookies: A hearty, rustic base that pairs well with the snowy theme.
Brownie Rounds: For chocolate lovers, bake brownies in a round shape and decorate similarly.
Frosting Options
Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with sugar cookies.
White Chocolate Ganache: A luxurious, glossy alternative to frosting.
Decorating Themes
Classic Christmas: Use green trees, red candy accents, and gold edible glitter.
Winter Wonderland: Stick to blues, silvers, and white decorations with snowflakes and ice-themed accents.
Whimsical Holiday: Incorporate bright colors, rainbow sprinkles, and fun shapes like candy canes or reindeer.
Why Premade Cookie Dough is a Game-Changer
Using premade cookie dough saves you time without compromising on taste. You can focus more on the fun, creative decorating process, making this project perfect for busy families or last-minute holiday gatherings.
If you prefer to bake from scratch, homemade sugar or chocolate chip cookies work wonderfully as well.
Make It a Family Tradition
Snow globe cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. Gather your family for a decorating session and let each person create their own edible winter wonderland. This activity is perfect for:
Holiday Parties: Set up a decorating station with all the supplies and let guests make their own cookies.
Kids’ Playdates: Keep little hands busy with this creative and tasty project.
Homemade Gifts: Wrap individual snow globe cookies in clear cellophane and tie with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful holiday treat.
How to Store Snow Globe Cookies
Short-Term Storage: Place cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Long-Term Storage: If you need to store them longer, omit the coconut and decorations, and freeze the cookies. Assemble the globes when ready to serve.
Pairing Ideas
These cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with other holiday treats makes for an irresistible spread:
Hot Cocoa Bar: Serve alongside a hot cocoa station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes.
Mini Pies: Add variety with bite-sized pies or tarts.
Fruit and Cheese Platter: Balance the sweetness with a light, savory option.
Snow globe cookies are a show-stopping holiday dessert that combines creativity, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re making them for your family, hosting a cookie-decorating party, or gifting them to friends, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. With a little frosting, coconut, and some edible magic, you’ll have a winter wonderland you can eat.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creations and share them so we can see your snow globe masterpieces! Leave a comment down below!
Now it’s your turn to bring the magic of snow globe cookies to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!
Make sure to check out these other fun holiday treats!
DIY Donut Hole Tree
