Snow Globe Cookies Recipe

Enchanting Snow Globe Cookies Recipe: Winter Magic in Every Bite

Crafting whimsical snow globe cookies brings magic right to your kitchen countertop.

Delicate sugar cookies become miniature winter wonderlands waiting to enchant.

Sparkling decorations and creative techniques transform simple treats into edible art pieces.

Soft royal icing creates smooth landscapes reminiscent of peaceful mountain scenes.

Edible glitter and translucent sugar work like delicate frost crystals.

Professional bakers and home cooks can master these charming desserts with simple steps.

You’ll feel like a pastry artist designing these delightful seasonal sweets.

Dive into this playful recipe and let your imagination dance across each delectable cookie.

  • Create Perfectly Clear Candy Centers
  • Chill Dough for Crisp Edges: Always refrigerate cookie dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and maintain sharp, clean cuts when shaping your snow globe frames.
  • Use Parchment Paper Strategically: Line baking sheets with parchment to prevent sticking and make transferring delicate frame cookies easier without breaking.
  • Master Royal Icing Technique: Apply royal icing sparingly and precisely when attaching cookie layers and decorating to create a clean, professional-looking snow globe cookie design.
  • Choose Festive Decorations Wisely: Select small, lightweight sprinkles and edible decorations that complement the winter scene and won't weigh down the delicate cookie structure.

How to Store and Keep Snow Globe Cookies Pretty

  • Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days at room temperature.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers. Freeze flat for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
  • Keep cookies away from humid areas to prevent softening. Place a small piece of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.
  • Handle delicate snow globe cookies gently when storing or moving. Stack with care to protect the fragile candy frame and decorative elements.

Fun Pairings for Snow Globe Cookies

  • Creamy, spiced chai perfectly complements the sweet sugar cookie base, enhancing the delicate holiday flavors with its warming notes.
  • Decadent chocolate drink balances the light, crisp texture of the snow globe cookies, creating a cozy winter treat combination.
  • Aromatic, spiced wine adds sophisticated depth for adult gatherings, matching the cookie's elegant decoration and holiday spirit.
  • Crisp, bubbly Italian sparkling wine provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookie, elevating the dessert experience with elegant effervescence.

Gluten-Free Snow Globe Cookies: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly treats.

Vegan Winter Wonderland Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based royal icing for dairy-free alternative.

Chocolate Snow Globe Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the base dough for rich chocolate flavor, using dark chocolate candy pieces for the glass center and chocolate royal icing.

Low-Sugar Holiday Cookies: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic cookie texture and festive design.

  • How do I prevent the candy from burning while baking?

Use finely crushed clear hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and spread them evenly in the center cutout. Watch the cookies closely during baking and remove them as soon as the edges turn light golden to prevent burning the candy glass.

  • Can I make the snow globe cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. The assembled snow globe cookies can be made 2-3 days before serving and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

  • What type of candies work best for creating the glass effect?

Hard clear candies like Jolly Ranchers or clear fruit-flavored hard candies work perfectly. Crush them into fine pieces before filling the cookie cutout to create a transparent glass-like effect when baked.

  • Do I need any special tools to create these cookies?

You’ll need round cookie cutters in different sizes, a smaller snowflake or round cutter for the center, parchment paper, and royal icing for assembling. A rolling pin and clean work surface are also essential for rolling out the dough evenly.

Why Snow Globe Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite

  • Effortlessly create stunning snow globe cookies that transform baking into an artistic holiday experience.
  • Beginner bakers can master this recipe with simple techniques like cutting cookie frames and melting candy centers.
  • Design personalized edible presents that showcase creativity, making each cookie a unique winter wonderland masterpiece.
  • Engage kids and adults together in decorating cookies, turning baking into a playful, memorable bonding moment with festive sprinkles and royal icing designs.

Ingredients Behind Snow Globe Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundation of the cookie, provides structure and texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that creates a rich, sweet foundation for the cookies.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cookie dough.
Decorative Ingredients:
  • Clear Crushed Candies: Creates the glass-like effect in the snow globe cookie center.
  • Royal Icing: Serves as the glue to assemble cookies and add decorative details.
  • Sprinkles, Mini Candies, Edible Decorations: Adds festive holiday scene and visual interest to the snow globe cookies.

How to Make Snow Globe Cookies at Home

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar in a separate large bowl until mixture becomes light and airy with a creamy texture.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Mix in egg and vanilla extract until well blended, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.

Step 5: Chill Cookie Dough

  • Divide dough into two equal disks
  • Wrap each disk in plastic wrap
  • Refrigerate for minimum one hour to firm up dough

Step 6: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Roll and Cut Base Cookies

Roll chilled dough to quarter-inch thickness. Use round cookie cutter to create circular base cookies.

Step 8: Create Cookie Frames

Use smaller cutter to remove center from half of the cookies, forming delicate frame shapes.

Step 9: Add Candy Glass

Fill frame cookie centers with crushed clear candies.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheet, ensuring candy centers harden.

Step 12: Assemble Snow Globes

  • Apply royal icing to connect base and frame cookies
  • Decorate with festive sprinkles
  • Add mini candies or edible decorations

Step 13: Final Assembly

Attach candy frame cookie on top using royal icing. Let set completely.

Step 14: Present and Enjoy

Display as decorative treats or package as delightful homemade gifts.

Print
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Snow Globe Cookies Recipe

Snow Globe Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Festive snow globe cookies bring winter magic to your dessert table with delicate sugar cookie bases and sparkling royal icing decorations. Delightful miniature scenes capture holiday cheer while offering a whimsical treat you’ll treasure and share with loved ones.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (100 g) clear hard candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers or clear mints)
  • Royal icing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Festive sprinkles, small edible decorations, or mini holiday candies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and airy, achieving a light, fluffy texture.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
  5. Separate the dough into two equal disks, encase each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out chilled dough to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  8. Cut round base cookies using a 3-4 inch circular cutter, reserving half the rounds for cookie frames.
  9. Create cookie frames by cutting out smaller circles or snowflake shapes from the reserved rounds, leaving a decorative border.
  10. Carefully distribute crushed clear candies into the center cutouts of the frame cookies.
  11. Arrange base and frame cookies on prepared baking sheets, maintaining adequate spacing.
  12. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue, allowing candies to melt and set.
  13. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, ensuring the candy centers solidify.
  14. Construct snow globe cookies by applying royal icing to connect base and frame cookies.
  15. Embellish solid cookie bases with festive royal icing decorations, miniature candies, and sprinkles to create whimsical holiday scenes.
  16. Carefully position the candy-filled frame cookie atop the decorated base, securing with additional royal icing.
  17. Let cookies set entirely before presenting as charming edible gifts or decorative centerpieces.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
  • Use transparent hard candies like Jolly Ranchers for the most vibrant and clear “glass” effect in snow globe cookies.
  • Crush candies into fine, uniform pieces to ensure even melting and a smooth, glass-like finish in the cookie cutouts.
  • Choose winter-themed sprinkles or small edible decorations that fit inside the snow globe frame for a charming, festive presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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