Snow Globe Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the joy of baking with the magic of winter. These whimsical cookies feature a clear “globe” made from melted candy, encasing edible decorations like sprinkles or royal icing designs. Perfect for holiday parties or as edible gifts, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopping Design: These cookies look stunning on any dessert table.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and creative activity for kids to help decorate.
- Customizable: Use different decorations to match your holiday theme.
- Great for Gifting: Wrapped in clear bags, these cookies make thoughtful, homemade presents.
- Festive and Delicious: A perfect balance of aesthetics and flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Clear hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers or isomalt)
- Decorations: Edible sprinkles, royal icing, or small candy pieces
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out sugar cookie dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut the Shapes: Use large circular cookie cutters to cut out the base of the cookies. Use a smaller circular cutter to create a hollow in the center of half the cookies.
- Bake: Bake cookies according to the dough recipe instructions. Allow them to cool completely.
- Make the Globes: Place clear hard candies in the hollowed-out cookies and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes at a low temperature (around 275°F) until the candies melt into a smooth layer. Let cool.
- Decorate: Add edible decorations to the flat base cookies. Use royal icing to attach the cookie with the candy globe on top.
- Finishing Touches: Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, if desired.
- Serve: Let the icing set before serving or packaging.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 snow globe cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
- Decoration Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Gingerbread Base: Use gingerbread cookie dough for a spiced variation.
- Colorful Globes: Mix different hard candy colors for a vibrant effect.
- Royal Icing Designs: Paint small snowmen or trees inside the globe using royal icing.
- Nut-Free: Ensure all ingredients and decorations are nut-free for those with allergies.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan sugar cookie dough and candy options.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding decorations.
- Reheating: Avoid reheating; the candy centers may melt again.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, store-bought sugar cookie dough works well for this recipe.
2. How do I keep the candy globes clear?
Ensure the candy is melted at a low temperature and avoid overbaking.
3. What type of candy works best for the globes?
Clear hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or isomalt provide the best results.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make and store them for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before cutting out shapes.
6. Can I add flavor to the sugar cookies?
Yes, you can add vanilla, almond, or citrus extract to the dough for extra flavor.
7. Can I create different shapes for the globes?
Absolutely! Experiment with stars, hearts, or holiday-themed shapes.
8. Are these cookies fragile?
The candy globes are delicate, so handle with care when packaging or transporting.
9. Can I use food coloring in the candy?
Yes, but use gel or oil-based food coloring to avoid altering the candy texture.
10. What’s the best way to package these cookies for gifting?
Wrap each cookie individually in cellophane bags to protect the candy globes.
Conclusion
Snow Globe Cookies are a magical addition to your holiday celebrations. Their eye-catching design and sweet flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy winter activity, these cookies bring the charm of a snow globe to your dessert table.
PrintSnow Globe Cookies
These Snow Globe Cookies are a magical holiday treat! Featuring a sugar cookie base topped with clear candy “glass” and festive decorations inside, they’re perfect for wowing guests and adding a whimsical touch to your holiday table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts, Holiday Cookies
- Method: Baking, Decorating
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the sugar cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the decorations and candy glass:
- 1/2 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 cookie dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
2. Chill the dough:
- Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll and cut the cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (3-4 inches) to cut out circles for the base of the snow globes.
- For half of the cookies, use a smaller round or snowflake-shaped cutter to cut out the center, creating a frame for the candy glass.
4. Add the candy glass:
- Place the “frame” cookies on the baking sheet and fill the center cutout with crushed clear candies.
- Bake both the base and frame cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Cool completely on the baking sheet to allow the candy to harden.
5. Decorate the cookies:
- Use royal icing to attach a “frame” cookie to a solid base cookie, creating the snow globe effect.
- Pipe royal icing on the solid cookie and decorate with festive sprinkles, mini candies, or edible decorations to resemble a holiday scene.
- Once decorated, attach the candy “frame” cookie on top using royal icing. Let set completely.
6. Serve and enjoy:
- Display these cookies as edible centerpieces or give them as gifts.
Notes
- For a simpler version, skip the snow globe effect and decorate the sugar cookies with royal icing and sprinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- If using colored hard candies, opt for light colors to maintain the “glass” look.