By Arina Habich. Updated April 9, 2026
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, tender gingerbread cookies — not the hard snap kind.
- Cream cheese or nutmeg buttercream filling that makes them gift-worthy.
- Holiday-friendly for dessert tables, cookie boxes, and make-ahead baking.
Marshmallow snowmen are one of my favorite last-minute holiday treats to make with kids. They're quick, charming, and require just a handful of pantry staples—perfect when you need to bring something festive to a party or create a fun family activity on a snowy afternoon. The best part? Even if they wobble a little or the eyes go sideways, they still taste amazing and bring smiles to everyone's face.
These adorable treats are ideal for holiday parties, playdates, and family gatherings from Christmas through New Year's. You can whip up a whole batch in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining. Pair them with hot chocolate, peppermints, and candy canes for a cozy winter evening that feels special without any fuss.
Marshmallow Snowmen
The winter season is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen with fun and easy recipes! It’s even better when you can involve the whole family in a sweet holiday activity. One of the best kid-friendly recipes to make during this time of year is this one for sweet and simple Marshmallow Snowmen!
These tasty treats come out so charming and adorable that they are perfect for literally any kind of holiday party, playdates, or family gathering! From Christmas get-togethers to New Year’s celebrations, these charming snowmen snacks will be a huge hit for kids and adults alike! Plus, these are so quick and easy to make that you can easily whip up a party batch at the last minute if you need to.
Pair these delightful treats with some peppermints, candy canes, and hot chocolate and you’ve got the makings for a perfectly cozy winter evening with the family! This just goes to prove that you don’t have to break the bank to bring holiday cheer to your home or to enjoy some simple Christmas fun with the kiddos!
Tools That Make It Easier
For these sweet and simple Christmas treats, I only need the help of a few kitchen tools. Here’s what I use to make easy marshmallow snowmen:
What You'll Need From Your Pantry
To make this snowman recipe even sweeter, my ingredient list is short and simple too! Here are the ingredients I use for these easy snowmen snacks:
- 30 Large Marshmallows - about 2 16oz bags
- ½ cup Red Wilton Candy Melts
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- ½ cup Chocolate Chips
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Before You Start: My Quick Tip
Now let me break down my easy process for making these melt-worthy marshmallow snowmen. It’s really simple to do but I do start my recipe with a little candy prep to get my decorating chocolate ready. Here’s how I make these tasty treats:
Snowmen Candy Prep:
- To melt the candies, I start by combining the Red Wilton Candy Melts and coconut oil in my Wilton’s Candy Melt Pot. Heat them together, while stirring, until completely melted and smooth.
- If you have a dual-compartment lining insert for your candy melting pot then you can melt 2 chocolate colors at the same time.
- Then, transfer the red melted chocolate into a piping bag and close it off with a piping bag tie.
- Keep the melted chocolate in a warm spot until you’re ready to use it. I like to keep mine in an oven mitt.
- Then, after transferring the melted red candy, rinse out and dry the silicone liner of the melting pot and repeat the melting process with the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- After the chocolate has melted until smooth, transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag and tie it off with a piping bag tie.
- Remember to keep the melted chocolate warm until ready to use.
- Cut off a small part of the tip of the bags for easy decorating.
Microwave Method:
Alternatively, you can melt the candy and chocolate with the coconut oil in the microwave, using either a microwave-safe bowl or a silicone cup. Heat the chocolate or candies at 50% power using 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Remove from the microwave and let the residual heat melt the remaining chocolate.
How to make Marshmallow Snowmen:
- First, gather up all of the marshmallow snowmen ingredients.
- Then, stick 3 large marshmallows together on a short bamboo skewer and transfer them to a flat surface to decorate. Repeat the process with 9 more skewers.
- If desired, use a sheet of wax or parchment paper under the snowmen for easy clean up or accidental spills.
- Next, use the piping bag of melted brown chocolate to carefully draw the eyes, mouth, and arms onto each snowman.
- Then, use the melted red chocolate to add a carrot-shaped nose and a scarf to each snowman.
- Finally, transfer the finished marshmallow snowmen to a Christmas serving plate, a serving tray, or wrap each one in individual plastic treat bags to keep them fresh for longer. Enjoy!
Storage
These cute marshmallow snowmen are best enjoyed on the same day as making them. However, if you end up with any leftovers, you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 7 days. Make sure to label the outside of the container to keep up with freshness.
Christmas food gift ideas
- Layered Caramel Fudge – Chocolate and Caramel in Every Bite
- Holiday Grinch Fudge with Red Candy Hearts – Perfect for Gifting
- Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint Chips
- No Bake Christmas Wreath Made with Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Swirled Chocolate and Peanut Butter Fudge – No Bake Treat
- How to Wrap Homemade Fudge for Christmas and Birthdays
Tis’ the Season for Homemade Treats
These marshmallow snowmen are perfect for kids, playdates, holiday parties, or just for fun! These are also absolutely divine to serve on a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar! I highly recommend trying one of those for the ultimate winter warm-up! Want more sweet treat recipes? Check out some of my favorites:
More Recipes to Try
- Homemade Lollipops
- Chocolate Hearts and Lips
- Mini Chocolate Bars with Sprinkles
- Mini Mermaid Chocolate Bars
- Chocolate Mermaid Tails
- Homemade Star-shaped Chocolates
- Mini Chocolate Bars
- Chocolate Seashells
I've Got Answers
For more Christmas cookie decorating fun, try our Classic Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing—another kid-friendly treat that pairs beautifully with marshmallow snowmen for a complete holiday dessert spread.
Serve your marshmallow snowmen alongside homemade DIY Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs for a cozy winter celebration that feels special and handmade.
Marshmallow Snowman
Ingredients
- 30 Large Marshmallows about 2 16 oz bags
- ½ Cup Red Wilton Candy Melts
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- ½ Cup Chocolate Chips
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
Snowmen Candy Prep
- To melt the candies, I start by combining the Red Wilton Candy Melts and coconut oil in my Wilton’s Candy Melt Pot. Heat them together, while stirring, until completely melted and smooth. If you have a dual-compartment lining insert for your candy melting pot then you can melt 2 chocolate colors at the same time.½ Cup Red Wilton Candy Melts, ½ Tsp coconut oil
- Then, transfer the red melted chocolate into a piping bag and close it off with a piping bag tie. Keep the melted chocolate in a warm spot until you’re ready to use it. I like to keep mine in an oven mitt.
- Then, after transferring the melted red candy, rinse out and dry the silicone liner of the melting pot and repeat the melting process with the chocolate chips and coconut oil.½ Cup Chocolate Chips, ½ Tsp coconut oil
- After the chocolate has melted until smooth, transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag and tie it off with a piping bag tie.Remember to keep the melted chocolate warm until ready to use.
- Cut off a small part of the tip of the bags for easy decorating.
How to make Marshmallow Snowmen
- First, gather up all of the marshmallow snowmen ingredients.
- Then, stick 3 large marshmallows together on a short bamboo skewer and transfer them to a flat surface to decorate. Repeat the process with 9 more skewers.If desired, use a sheet of wax or parchment paper under the snowmen for easy clean-up or accidental spills.30 Large Marshmallows
- Next, use the piping bag of melted brown chocolate to carefully draw the eyes, mouth, and arms onto each snowman.
- Then, use the melted red chocolate to add a carrot-shaped nose and a scarf to each snowman.
- Finally, transfer the finished marshmallow snowmen to a Christmas serving plate, a serving tray, or wrap each one in individual plastic treat bags to keep them fresh for longer. Enjoy!
Notes
I’ve Got Answers
How far ahead can I make marshmallow snowmen?
Marshmallow snowmen are best enjoyed fresh but hold up well for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to prepare them several days ahead for a party, store them in a cool, dry spot away from humidity, which can soften the marshmallows. For longer storage, you can freeze assembled snowmen (before decorating) for up to two weeks; thaw at room temperature before adding the piped details.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of Wilton candy melts?
You can use melted chocolate chips or bar chocolate, but Wilton candy melts or similar compound coating is easier to work with because they stay smooth and fluid in the piping bag longer. If you prefer regular chocolate, add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening (about 1 teaspoon per ½ cup chocolate) to thin it out and help it flow through the piping bag more smoothly.
What's the best way to store finished snowmen?
Store your finished marshmallow snowmen in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. They'll keep for several days this way. If your kitchen is warm or humid, keep them in a cool spot or the refrigerator to prevent the marshmallows from softening. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other; use parchment paper between layers.
Are marshmallow snowmen safe for young children to make?
Yes, marshmallow snowmen are a great kid-friendly craft! However, adult supervision is recommended when melting chocolate and candies, even if using a microwave. The hot piping bags can be warm to the touch, so kids should handle them carefully with an oven mitt. The bamboo skewers are thin and pose minimal risk, but younger children may need help assembling the marshmallows on the skewer.
Can I substitute piping bags with a spoon or squeeze bottle?
Absolutely. If you don't have piping bags on hand, a small squeeze bottle (like a ketchup bottle) works great for drizzling eyes and mouths. You can also use a small spoon to carefully dollop the melted chocolate onto the marshmallows. The piping bag just gives you a little more control and a finer line, but the end result is equally charming with either method.
Food Photography & Video Tips from My Studio
Here’s a peek at the tools, gear, and camera setups I use to film my recipe videos and photograph food at home. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of different setups, and now I’m sharing what actually works for me—whether I’m filming overhead shots for YouTube or styling still photos for my blog. If you’re curious about how I create the content you see here, these posts are a great place to start.
What is in my toolbox?
3 ways camera setup for Tasty-style video recipes
Best camera for cooking videos
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