Snowman Treats: 16 Snow Day Snacks Led by the Mini Donut Snowmen With 130,000 Reactions

Snowman treats are the cozy winter trend that starts on Thanksgiving weekend and lasts until the last snow day in January. One Facebook video of powdered mini donuts stacked into little snowmen drew 130,200 reactions and 27,000 shares, and copycats keep popping up. The appeal is simple: they borrow the shape of the classic backyard snowman, they are cute, and they come together fast with shortcuts like donuts, marshmallows and cheese. Here you will find snowman treats for class parties, holiday open houses and lazy snow day mornings, from melted snowman cookies and cupcakes to a snowman cheese ball and a veggie platter. Many need no oven and only a few minutes. Grab some mini chocolate chips and let’s build a snowman..

Snowman Treats Star: Mini Powdered Donut Snowmen

Three powdered mini donuts stacked on a stick, a pretzel scarf, a candy nose and two little chocolate eyes. That is the entire idea, and it melted hearts on Facebook with 130,200 reactions and 27,000 shares. Snowman treats like these need no oven and about ten minutes, so they are perfect for a snow day or a classroom party. Tip: dab melted chocolate between the donuts so they do not spin on the stick. Line them up with more Christmas treats for kids and let the little ones build their own..

You will need: 18 powdered mini donuts, 6 wooden skewers or lollipop sticks, 1/4 cup chocolate chips (melted), 6 orange candy-coated chocolate pieces or a sliver of orange candy, 6 strips of fruit leather or pull-apart licorice for scarves, mini chocolate chips

How to make it: 1. Slide 3 donuts onto each stick, adding a dab of melted chocolate between them. 2. Use a toothpick and melted chocolate to dot on eyes and a smile. 3. Press an orange candy on for the nose. 4. Tie a fruit leather strip between the top and middle donut as a scarf. 5. Add mini chocolate chips as buttons and serve.

Melted Snowman Treats: Sugar Cookies

Melted snowman cookies are the silly, sweet cookies that make everyone laugh. A puddle of white icing on a round sugar cookie looks like melting snow, with a marshmallow head and a little candy face. Tip: let the icing spread slightly before you set the marshmallow so it looks naturally melted. These snowman treats are great for cookie decorating parties. Box them up next to a batch of snowball cookies. Are your snowmen melting yet?

You will need: 24 baked round sugar cookies, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 12 large marshmallows (halved), black and orange decorating gel, mini candies

How to make it: 1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk and vanilla into a thick but pourable icing. 2. Spoon a puddle onto each cookie, letting it spread unevenly. 3. Set a marshmallow half near the edge as the head. 4. Draw eyes, a smile and a carrot nose with gel. 5. Add candy buttons and let set 1 hour.

Snowman Treats for Grown-Ups: Snowman Cheese Ball

A snowman cheese ball is the party appetizer that gets everyone talking before they even taste it. Three creamy cheese balls rolled in shredded white cheese are stacked into a snowman, with a carrot nose, peppercorn eyes and a little cracker hat. Snowman treats are not only for kids, and this one is a holiday party star. Tip: chill the balls for an hour so they hold their shape when stacked. Serve it with crackers next to a holiday relish tray. Will this be the hit of your party?

You will need: 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 cups shredded white cheddar (plus 1 cup for rolling), 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried dill, 2 green onions (minced), 1 baby carrot, black peppercorns, crackers

How to make it: 1. Mix cream cheese, 2 cups cheddar, garlic powder, dill and green onions. 2. Shape into 3 balls: large, medium and small. 3. Roll each in shredded cheese and chill 1 hour. 4. Stack on a platter, using a toothpick to hold them together. 5. Add a carrot nose, peppercorn eyes and buttons, and serve with crackers.

Snowman Treats Bake Sale Favorite: Cupcakes

Snowman cupcakes turn a simple bake into a winter wonderland. A tall swirl of white buttercream makes the body, a big marshmallow sits on top as the head, and a few lines of chocolate draw the face and buttons. Tip: freeze the cupcakes for 15 minutes before frosting so crumbs stay put. These snowman treats are perfect for a class party or a holiday bake sale. Line them up next to red velvet Christmas desserts. Will your snowmen smile or wink?

You will need: 24 baked vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, 1 cup softened butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 24 large marshmallows, 1/4 cup melted chocolate, red and orange candy pieces

How to make it: 1. Beat butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until fluffy. 2. Pipe a tall round swirl of frosting on each cupcake. 3. Press a marshmallow on top for the head. 4. Pipe eyes, a smile and buttons with melted chocolate. 5. Add a small candy nose and let set.

Snowman Crispy Rice Treat Pops

Crispy rice treats shaped into balls and stacked on sticks make chewy, crunchy snowmen kids can help build. Dipped in white candy coating, they look like freshly packed snow. Kids love squishing the warm mixture into round snowballs. Tip: butter your hands lightly so the mixture does not stick while shaping. These little snowmen travel well for parties. Pack them for a party just like our team snacks for kids. Do your kids love crispy treats?

You will need: 3 tbsp butter, 10 oz marshmallows, 6 cups crispy rice cereal, 12 oz white candy melts, 12 lollipop sticks, mini chocolate chips, orange sprinkles, fruit leather strips

How to make it: 1. Melt butter and marshmallows, then stir in cereal. 2. Cool 5 minutes and shape 24 small and 12 large balls. 3. Stack a large and small ball on each stick and chill 15 minutes. 4. Dip in melted candy melts and let set. 5. Add chip eyes and buttons, a sprinkle nose and a fruit leather scarf.

Snowman Marshmallow Pops

Big fluffy marshmallows make the easiest snowmen of all. Stack two or three, give them candy eyes, a tiny orange nose and a row of sugar pearl buttons, and you have a snowy little crowd in minutes. Kids can build an entire snowman family at the kitchen table. Tip: a dab of melted white chocolate glues the marshmallows together and holds the decorations. These snowman treats are adorable on top of a mug, too. Bag them as party favors or tuck a few into homemade gifts in a jar. How many will your kids make?

You will need: 18 large marshmallows, 1/4 cup white chocolate (melted), candy eyes or mini chocolate chips, orange sprinkles or candy, silver sugar pearls, 6 lollipop sticks (optional)

How to make it: 1. Stack 2 or 3 marshmallows, gluing them with a dab of melted white chocolate. 2. Slide them onto a stick if you like. 3. Press on candy eyes with a little chocolate. 4. Add an orange sprinkle nose. 5. Dot on sugar pearl buttons and let set 10 minutes.

Snowman Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Pops

Chocolate sandwich cookies dipped in white chocolate make the cutest snowman faces on a stick. The crunchy cookie hides inside a creamy shell. Tip: twist the stick into the cream filling and chill before dipping so it does not slip. These snowman treats are fast to make in big batches for a school party. Serve them on a tray with no-bake icebox cakes. Who will you share them with?

You will need: 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, 24 lollipop sticks, 12 oz white chocolate or white candy melts, mini chocolate chips, orange sprinkles

How to make it: 1. Gently twist each cookie open, add a dab of melted chocolate, insert a stick, and close. 2. Chill 15 minutes. 3. Dip in melted white chocolate and tap off excess. 4. Add mini chip eyes and mouth and an orange sprinkle nose before it sets. 5. Chill until firm.

Snowman Treats for Breakfast: Fluffy Pancakes

Snow day mornings call for a breakfast that makes everyone smile. Two thick, fluffy pancakes set into a snowman shape, with blueberry eyes and buttons, fresh strawberries and a ring of whipped cream for snow. Tip: cook the batter in greased ring molds over low heat so the pancakes rise tall and round. These little snowmen get sleepy kids to the table fast. If you love tall, wobbly stacks, try our Japanese souffle pancakes. Who gets the first snowman?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 3/4 cups milk, 2 large eggs, 3 tbsp melted butter, blueberries, 6 strawberries (sliced), whipped cream

How to make it: 1. Whisk dry ingredients, then stir in milk, eggs and butter. 2. Cook one small and one large thick pancake per plate in greased rings over low heat. 3. Set them in a snowman shape. 4. Add blueberry eyes and buttons and tuck strawberries around. 5. Pipe whipped cream around the plate like fresh snow.

Snowman Veggie and Cheese Stick Platter

A snowman made of veggies and cheese is a fun, colorful way to get everyone snacking on vegetables before the holiday cookies come out. Cauliflower makes the snowy body, broccoli becomes the scarf, cheese sticks make the arms and a carrot forms the nose. Little bowls of dip sit right in the middle of each circle. Tip: put the dip bowls down first and build the florets around them. Set it beside Christmas tree appetizers. Will your crew eat their veggies?

You will need: 2 cups cauliflower florets, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup broccoli florets, 2 string cheese sticks, 1 baby carrot, black olives, 1 cup ranch or veggie dip

How to make it: 1. Set 3 small bowls of dip in a snowman shape on a large board. 2. Surround the bowls with cauliflower to form the body. 3. Add broccoli as a scarf and tomatoes as buttons. 4. Place cheese sticks as arms and a carrot nose. 5. Use olives for eyes and serve.

Snowman Treats in a Mug: Cocoa Toppers

Snowman cocoa toppers turn a mug of hot cocoa into a cozy treat. Big marshmallows get little faces made from mini chocolate chips and a sliver of orange candy, and they float on top of the warm cocoa like a snowman taking a bath. Tip: press the chips in firmly so they stay put when the marshmallow starts to melt. These snowman treats are great gifts in a jar with cocoa mix. Pack them with cocoa mix in Christmas gifts in a mug. Who is ready for a mug?

You will need: 12 large marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, orange candy slivers or sprinkles, 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to make it: 1. Press chocolate chip eyes and smiles into the flat side of each marshmallow. 2. Add an orange candy nose. 3. Warm milk in a pot over medium heat. 4. Whisk in cocoa, sugar and vanilla until smooth and pour into mugs. 5. Float a snowman marshmallow on top.

Snowman Mozzarella Ball Skewers

Mini mozzarella balls make perfect little snowmen for a holiday appetizer board. Stack three on a toothpick, add a tiny piece of carrot for the nose and dots of balsamic for the eyes. They are a bright, savory bite between all the sweets on a holiday buffet. Tip: pat the mozzarella dry so the toppings stick. These little snowmen look darling next to a charcuterie board. Serve them with Christmas wreath appetizers. Will your guests guess they are cheese?

You will need: 24 mini mozzarella balls, 8 toothpicks or short skewers, 1 baby carrot (cut into tiny triangles), balsamic glaze, fresh basil leaves

How to make it: 1. Pat mozzarella balls dry. 2. Thread 3 balls onto each toothpick. 3. Press a tiny carrot triangle into the top ball for a nose. 4. Dot eyes and buttons with balsamic glaze. 5. Tuck a basil leaf under the head as a scarf.

Snowman Treats From the Cookie Jar: Iced Sugar Cookies

A snowman cut-out sugar cookie with smooth white icing is the one everyone reaches for first on the cookie plate. A chocolate brown hat, a bright red scarf, a tiny orange nose and little blue dot buttons turn a plain cookie into a winter character. Tip: let the white base dry fully before piping the hat and scarf so the colors stay crisp. These snowman treats travel well in cookie tins. Make a tray with our Linzer cookies. Which color scarf will you pick?

You will need: 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 cups royal icing (white, brown, red, orange and blue), a snowman cookie cutter

How to make it: 1. Beat butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. 2. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt, chill 1 hour and roll 1/4 inch thick. 3. Cut snowmen and bake at 350F for 8 to 10 minutes, then cool. 4. Flood with white icing and let dry 2 hours. 5. Pipe a brown hat, red scarf, orange nose and blue buttons.

Snowman Pizza for Kids

Pizza night gets a frosty twist with three rounds of dough shaped into a snowman. Mozzarella becomes the snow, pepperoni the buttons and a strip of bell pepper the scarf. Let each child top a mini version with their own favorite pizza toppings. Tip: press the dough circles slightly together so they bake as one piece. These snowman treats make a fun winter break dinner. Find more ideas in our fun food for kids roundup. Will your kids decorate their own?

You will need: 1 lb pizza dough, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), black olives, 1 baby carrot

How to make it: 1. Heat oven to 450F. 2. Shape dough into three circles of different sizes, touching, on a sheet pan. 3. Spread with sauce and mozzarella. 4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden. 5. Add olive eyes, a carrot nose, pepperoni buttons and a pepper scarf.

Snowman Sprinkle Doughnuts

A bright pink glazed doughnut rolled in sparkling sugar and topped with a little white snowman cutout is pure bakery fun. The snowman is just rolled fondant or a sugar cookie cutout set on top while the glaze is still wet. Tip: dip the doughnuts in glaze, then straight into coarse sugar, and press the snowman on within a minute. These cheerful rings are a fun twist on the classic snowman. For more fair-style fun, try these state fair favorites. Pink, red or blue glaze?

You will need: 12 plain baked or fried doughnuts, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, red food coloring, 1/2 cup coarse pink sanding sugar, 4 oz white fondant, a small snowman cookie cutter

How to make it: 1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk and a drop of red coloring into a pink glaze. 2. Dip the top of each doughnut in glaze. 3. Dip straight into sanding sugar. 4. Roll fondant thin and cut 12 small snowmen. 5. Press a snowman onto each doughnut and let set.

Healthy Snowman Treats: Banana and Grape Skewers

Fruity snowmen are a sweet and healthy snack for the classroom or the holiday table. Thick banana slices make the snowy body, a grape or a strawberry tops the stick like a hat, and mini chocolate chips plus a tiny bit of orange make the face. Tip: toss banana slices in a little lemon juice so they stay bright. These snowman treats may help balance out a cookie-heavy party. Serve them with other quick after school snacks. Will they disappear first?

You will need: 3 bananas (sliced thick), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 12 green grapes or small strawberries, 12 wooden skewers, mini chocolate chips, orange sprinkles or a few carrot slivers

How to make it: 1. Toss banana slices with lemon juice. 2. Thread 3 banana slices onto each skewer. 3. Add a grape or strawberry on the end as a hat. 4. Press chip eyes and buttons and an orange nose onto the banana. 5. Serve right away.

Cottage Cheese Snowman Cookies

This batch of New Year cookies from Saratov, Russia, was made with cottage cheese and shaped into cheerful little snowmen. Soft, tangy cottage cheese dough is rolled into balls, stacked and baked, then finished with cocoa hats and tiny faces. Tip: drain the cottage cheese well so the dough holds its shape. These snowman treats are a lovely old world twist. Pair them with old-country Polish Christmas cookies. Will you try something new this year?

You will need: 1 cup cottage cheese (well drained), 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, raisins and candied orange peel for faces

How to make it: 1. Beat cottage cheese, butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. 2. Mix in flour and baking powder to a soft dough and chill 30 minutes. 3. Roll a large and a small ball for each snowman and stack them. 4. Press a little cocoa dough hat on top and add raisin eyes and an orange peel nose. 5. Bake at 350F for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden.