Melting Snowman Cookies

Directions

Make the cookies:

1. Make the cookies. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter and granulated sugar for 3 minutes on high. Scrape down the paddle and the sides of the bowl.

2. Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat for 1 minute, until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low until just combined and no streaks remain.

4. Mold the dough into a disc and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one hour. 

5. Once the dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

6. Remove the dough from the fridge. Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a 1/4” thick layer. Use a 3” circle cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, rolling out the excess dough and cutting out more cookies until you have no more dough. 

7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are just barely golden. Let cool completely. 

8. While the cookies bake, make the icing. Combine the powdered sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt in the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. (It helps to wipe it down the mixer with white vinegar to remove any butter residue from the cookies.) Start on low until the sugar is incorporated, then whisk on high until the icing is stiff and glossy, about 5 minutes. 

9. Scoop out 1/4 cup icing and stir in a few drops of black gel food coloring. Add this icing to a piping bag.

10. Use an offset spatula to spread the white icing on each cookie. 

11. Place an orange sprinkle onto the center of each marshmallow and use the black icing to pipe on the eyes and mouth (with any expression you’d like). Place the marshmallow on the cookie and use the black icing to pipe arms on the cookie. Finally, use icing to secure a few M&M buttons on each cookie snowman. Let the icing cool completely (or enjoy right away).