I still remember the first time I made these Marshmallow Snowman Treats during a chilly December evening. It was one of those nights where the kids were excitedly waiting for holiday treats, and I needed something that was quick, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles. These Marshmallow Snowman Treats fit the bill perfectly—they’re simple to whip up and use ingredients you probably already have in the pantry. What makes this dish stand out for me is how it turns basic marshmallows into such a fun and cozy holiday treat everyone loves.
A Holiday Tradition
In my home, Marshmallow Snowman Treats aren’t just sweets; they’re part of our holiday tradition. Every year, the kids eagerly decorate the snowmen, making it a mini craft session mixed with baking. This easy winter snack really fits into everyday cooking because it doesn’t need any fancy equipment or rare ingredients. Plus, it’s the kind of festive marshmallow snack that works great for quick after-school munching or last-minute Christmas party treats.
If you’re like me and want a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe this season, these Marshmallow Snowman Treats could become your go-to. Whether you’re baking for family or looking to share something sweet with friends, this recipe delivers a cheerful dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I can’t wait to share the full recipe so you can enjoy these snowman dessert ideas with your loved ones. You’ll find practical tips, simple swaps, and presentation ideas—all designed to make your holiday kitchen feel warm and inviting.
What You’ll Need:
For these Marshmallow Snowman Treats, you’ll want to keep things simple. Here’s what I use every time, plus notes on substitutions and storage to fit your kitchen style:
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (You can find these in the baking aisle. If minis aren’t available, regular marshmallows chopped into smaller pieces work fine.)
- 3 tablespoons butter (I often use salted butter, but unsalted is fine too.)
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal, like Rice Krispies (Available in the cereal aisle, but any puffed rice cereal will do.)
- Black edible marker or mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons (If you don’t have these, colored icing works well.)
- Orange candy pieces or orange icing for the carrot nose (I sometimes use mini Reese’s Pieces.)
- Pretzel sticks for arms (Optional, but adds a nice crunchy detail.)
No worries if you don’t have all these on hand—this recipe works with a degree of flexibility. For example, I often swap rice cereal with corn flakes for a little more crunch. It’s a holiday marshmallow treat that stays budget-friendly because it uses staples we usually find easily.
A quick kitchen tip: melt your butter gently and stir marshmallows in slowly. This keeps things smooth and avoids burning. You can make the treats ahead and store any extras in an airtight container for up to a week—they stay fresh and soft, perfect for snacks or Christmas party treats last minute.
Let’s Make It Together:
Here’s how to bring these Marshmallow Snowman Treats to life step by step. From start to finish, it only takes about 20-25 minutes to get them ready. It’s a straightforward process anyone can follow.
- Start by melting the butter in a large pot over low heat. Keep the heat gentle to prevent the butter from browning.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter gradually. Stir constantly until all the marshmallows are melted and you have a smooth, glossy mixture. Your kitchen will smell sweet and cozy—this is the best sign the Marshmallow Snowman Treats are well on their way.
- Remove the pot from heat and pour in the crisp rice cereal. Stir quickly but carefully until the cereal is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture. Don’t over-stir; you want to keep that light, fluffy texture.
- Press the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Press it evenly but not so hard that you compress it into a solid block. I’ve found that a gentle, even press gives the perfect texture for shaping snowmen later.
- Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes—this makes it easier to handle. Meanwhile, set up your decorating station with the black edible marker or mini chocolate chips, orange candies, and pretzels.
- Cut the treats into snowman shapes or build the snowmen by stacking smaller squares, attaching with a dab of melted marshmallow if needed. Add black chips or draw eyes and buttons. Use orange candy pieces for the nose and pretzel sticks for arms.
- Don’t worry if your Marshmallow Snowman Treats aren’t perfect the first time—the charm is in their homemade look. If the mixture feels too sticky, let it cool a few minutes longer before cutting.
While these treats cool, you can tidy up your workspace or prepare a warm drink to go alongside. These festive marshmallow snacks smell wonderful and bring a cheerful vibe to any kitchen.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually serve these Marshmallow Snowman Treats fresh from the pan, with the decorations bright and cheerful. They’re perfect as holiday marshmallow treats for kids’ parties or an easy winter snack during movie nights. I like to pair them with something warm like hot cocoa or a lightly spiced apple cider to complete the cozy vibe.
For a sweet and salty contrast, these Marshmallow Snowman Treats go great alongside popcorn or simple cheese platters. When hosting Christmas party treats, placing them on a colorful platter with some fresh fruit always makes the display pop. The snowmen themselves bring a festive touch that’s hard to beat.
If you have leftovers, I recommend wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a sealed container. They also make great lunchbox treats or after-school snacks. One creative idea I’ve tried is cutting smaller snowmen and using them atop brownies for double festive fun.
Sometimes I like to try seasonal variations, like adding peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture or using white chocolate chips instead of cereal for a richer treat. Friends and family love these little twists, especially when I make them for casual get-togethers or simple holiday celebrations.
Your Questions Answered:
1. Can I make this Marshmallow Snowman Treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. I often make them a day before holiday parties, and they stay soft and tasty.
2. What’s a good substitute for butter in this Marshmallow Snowman Treats?
You can swap butter for margarine or a neutral oil like coconut oil. The flavor changes slightly, but it still works as a binder for the marshmallows.
3. How do I adjust this Marshmallow Snowman Treats for more or fewer people?
This recipe scales well. Just adjust the amounts equally—for example, halve the ingredients for a small batch or double them for a crowd. It’s a flexible treat for any occasion.
4. Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but chop them into smaller pieces for easier melting and better texture. This is a handy swap if minis aren’t available.
5. What if my Marshmallow Snowman Treats turn out too sticky or too dry?
If too sticky, let them cool a bit longer before cutting. If too dry, make sure you don’t over-press the mixture into the pan and keep the marshmallows melted gently without overheating.
6. Are there any fun decorating ideas?
Try edible markers for faces or buttons, add sprinkles for a colorful touch, or use pretzel sticks like I do for arms. Your snowmen can be as creative or as simple as you like.
7. Where can I find inspiration for different snowman dessert ideas?
I love browsing Pinterest for festive marshmallow snacks. For example, this Marshmallow Snowmen board gives loads of creative ideas.
For more snack inspiration, check out these fun treats like My kids call this Snowman Popcorn, and it’s officially our go-to holiday treat—another hit holiday marshmallow treat.
Final Thoughts:
Marshmallow Snowman Treats hold a special place in my recipe collection because they’re so reliable and fun. They combine simple ingredients with a festive look that everyone enjoys. You don’t need to be a pro baker to get these right; just follow a few straightforward steps and add your personal touches.
My Best Marshmallow Snowman Treats Tips:
- Take your time melting marshmallows on low heat for a smooth mix.
- Use gentle pressure when pressing the cereal mixture to keep a perfect texture.
- Get creative with decorations to make your snowmen unique and joyful.
I’ve tested variations like peppermint-flavored treats, chocolate-dipped snowmen inspired by ideas like this Marshmallow snowman made with chocolate, and extra colorful sprinkle toppings. The peppermint one tends to get requested most during holiday gatherings.
If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings a bit of magic to your winter snacking, these Marshmallow Snowman Treats fit the bill. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. They’re perfect for creating warm memories and simple joy in your kitchen.
If you love this, your family might also enjoy other dependable recipes like my Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, a great way to keep the cozy feeling going. For a fresh side, consider the Paleo Crab Louie Salad, or finish it off sweet with Chocolate Mint Crinkles.
Happy cooking, friends! Keep these Marshmallow Snowman Treats in your holiday rotation—they’re a simple way to share smiles.
Marshmallow Snowman Treats
These Marshmallow Snowman Treats are a fun and festive no-bake dessert perfect for winter celebrations, combining sweet marshmallows with chocolate and candy accents to create adorable edible snowmen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 large marshmallows
- 6 pretzel sticks
- 12 mini chocolate chips
- 6 candy corns
- 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate or candy melts
- Black edible marker or black icing pen
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles (optional for base)
Instructions
- Insert a pretzel stick into the center of two marshmallows to stack them vertically, forming the snowman’s body and head. Repeat for all snowmen.
- Use the melted white chocolate to adhere two mini chocolate chips as eyes on the top marshmallow of each snowman.
- Attach a candy corn horizontally below the eyes as the snowman’s carrot nose, securing it with a dab of melted white chocolate.
- Draw a mouth and buttons on the snowman using the black edible marker or black icing pen.
- Optionally, place mini chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles around the base of each snowman for a snowy effect.
- Allow the treats to set until the melted chocolate hardens before serving.
Notes
For extra fun, try adding tiny scarves made of fruit leather or sprinkle colored sugar around the snowmen for a festive touch.