Snow Globe Cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for festive occasions. These whimsical treats resemble tiny winter scenes encased in sugar and sweetness, delighting both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking them as a fun holiday project or as a gift for loved ones, Snow Globe Cookies are sure to bring joy to your celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Clear isomalt or clear hard candy (to create the “globe”)
- Royal icing (white and colored as desired for details)
- Assorted small edible decorations (sprinkles, edible glitter, sugar figurines)
- Powdered sugar (for a snow effect)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll and Cut Shapes:
- Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use a large round cookie cutter to cut the base shapes, and a smaller cutter to create a window in half of them.
- Transfer the cookies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Globe Window:
- Melt clear isomalt or hard candy according to the package instructions.
- Pour the melted mixture carefully into the cut-out windows and allow it to harden completely.
- Assemble the Snow Globe:
- Pipe royal icing around the edges of the cookies with windows.
- Attach these windowed cookies to the solid cookies, creating a globe effect.
- Add small edible decorations inside the “globe” before sealing if desired.
- Decorate:
- Use royal icing and edible decorations to create winter-themed designs on the cookies.
- Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Present Snow Globe Cookies on a festive platter or as part of a dessert table. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa or tea.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the isomalt or candy globe clear, avoid humid storage conditions.
FAQs
1. Can I use premade cookie dough for Snow Globe Cookies?
Yes, premade sugar cookie dough can save time. Just ensure it’s firm enough to hold its shape when baked.
2. What can I use if I don’t have isomalt?
Clear hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers) melted in the oven work well as a substitute for isomalt.
3. How do I prevent the isomalt from turning cloudy?
Use distilled water and avoid overcooking it to keep the isomalt clear and glossy.
4. Can I freeze Snow Globe Cookies?
It’s best not to freeze these cookies as the isomalt or candy windows might crack or become cloudy when thawed. Instead, prepare the dough ahead and freeze it for later use.
PrintSnow Globe Cookies
Snow Globe Cookies are delightful holiday treats that resemble miniature snow globes, complete with a clear, sugary dome encasing festive decorations. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons water
For the Sugar Domes:
- Isomalt crystals (available at specialty baking stores or online)
Decorations:
- Assorted holiday sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Miniature edible decorations (like small fondant trees or snowmen)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder.
- Add the water and beat on low speed until the icing is smooth and forms stiff peaks.
- If the icing is too thick, add more water a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Decorate the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, use the royal icing to pipe designs on the cookies.
- While the icing is still wet, add holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or miniature edible decorations to create a festive scene.
- Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely at room temperature, preferably overnight.
- Create the Sugar Domes:
- Melt the isomalt crystals according to the package instructions.
- Once melted, carefully pour the isomalt into round silicone molds to form half-spheres.
- Allow the isomalt to cool and harden completely before gently removing from the molds.
- Assemble the Snow Globe Cookies:
- Place a sugar dome over each decorated cookie to create the snow globe effect.
- If necessary, use a small amount of royal icing to secure the dome in place.
Notes
- Isomalt can become very hot when melted; handle with care to avoid burns.
- Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of assembly.