Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost are the quintessential winter treat you’ll reach for every season – delicate shortbread-style cookies topped with glossy vanilla icing, sparkling like real snow. There’s something incredibly nostalgic and joyful about crafting these snowy morsels, which capture both the magic and simplicity of a snowflake. They make for a stunning addition to holiday trays, thoughtful gifts, or simply as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of cocoa. These bites are as fun to decorate as they are to eat, and I can never resist making extra for those moments when you want to savor a little sparkle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost couldn’t be easier, and each piece contributes to the dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture or the wintry finish we all love. Stick to quality basics – especially in buttery cookies – and your snowflakes will truly shine.
- Butter (½ cup/115g, softened): Rich and creamy, the real star behind that shortbread crumb.
- Sugar (¼ cup/50g): Lends gentle sweetness; using just the right amount keeps these cookies delicate.
- Egg yolk (1): Adds lushness without making the dough too cake-like – only yolk for extra tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp for dough, ½ tsp for icing): Don’t skip this; a good vanilla makes your kitchen smell (and taste) like holiday heaven.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups/155g): Provides the structure for perfect cut-out cookies with minimal spreading.
- Cornstarch (½ tsp): Secret ingredient alert – for ultra-soft, melt-away texture.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Just enough to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup/120g): For that cloud-like, smooth frosting that mimics fresh-fallen snow.
- Water or milk (1–2 tbsp): Adjusts your icing to just-drizzle-able, glossy perfection.
- Optional snowflake sprinkles/clear dragees: The easiest (and most fun!) way to add a touch of shimmer and elegance – totally optional, but highly recommended.
How to Make Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened butter and sugar until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy. This step is where so much magic happens: aerating the dough sets you up for deliciously tender cookies that feel ethereal in texture. Use an electric mixer if you have it, but elbow grease and a wooden spoon will work too if you want to channel some holiday nostalgia.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Crack in your egg yolk and pour in the vanilla, then beat until fully incorporated. The yolk enriches the dough, giving the snowflakes their signature melt-in-your-mouth bite, while a splash of vanilla transforms your kitchen into a dreamy winter bakery.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix – you want your Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost to stay supremely tender. If the dough looks a bit crumbly at first, keep going – it will come together!
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps develop the flavor and keeps your snowflake shapes crisp and defined during baking. This is the perfect moment to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your trays with parchment.
Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake
Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Use your favorite snowflake cutters to stamp out cookies, then transfer them to prepared trays. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden – resist the urge to overbake. Let cool fully on a rack, as this ensures the cookies hold their delicate shape.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, water or milk (adding a splash at a time), and vanilla until you get a smooth, thick-yet-pourable icing. Drizzle, pipe, or spread your icing over the cooled cookies. While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle on those pretty snowflake toppings or dragees. Leave the cookies out until the icing is beautifully set and gleaming – the finishing touch to your Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost.
How to Serve Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost
Garnishes
For a truly wintry presentation, embellish your Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost with edible glitter, iridescent sanding sugar, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Those optional snowflake sprinkles or clear dragees add an extra wink of joy, making each cookie as unique as real snowflakes. If you’re serving to a crowd, a platter lined with parchment or faux greenery makes the snowy effect pop!
Side Dishes
Pair your snowflake bites with classic winter beverages like creamy hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a mug of peppermint tea. If you’re building a dessert board, tuck in chocolate-dipped pretzels, sugared cranberries, or citrus wedges. These cookies shine alongside other festive treats, making them a versatile addition to any holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost inside a glass jar for a sparkling edible centerpiece or package a few in cellophane bags, tied with silver ribbon, for delightful homemade gifts. For a holiday party, set up a decorate-your-own snowflake station with extra icing and toppings so everyone can join in on the frosty fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the frosting on your Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost is fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment between layers if stacking so the icing and decorations stay picture-perfect.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, either baked and unfrosted or after decorating (just be gentle with the icing). Arrange them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a sealed container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers. Frozen, they’ll keep their charm for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat these cookies, but if you want to revive the just-baked aroma, pop a few unfrosted cookies in a 250°F (120°C) oven for a few minutes. If frosted, let them return to room temperature naturally so the icing stays glossy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough for Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept tightly wrapped in the fridge. You can even freeze the dough for longer storage, just thaw in the fridge before rolling out.
Do I need snowflake-shaped cookie cutters?
Not at all – while snowflakes are classic, any small cutter will work. You can even cut the dough into squares or use a round glass for simple, rustic bites. The frosting and sprinkles will still give the magical “just like frost” look.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
Definitely! Store-bought icing is a handy shortcut. If you want that extra-glossy finish, you can thin it with a tiny splash of water and a touch of vanilla – just aim for a drizzle-able consistency.
Is the cornstarch really necessary?
It’s optional, but highly recommended. Cornstarch is the secret weapon for keeping Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost incredibly tender and “short,” just like a bakery butter cookie. If you don’t have it, the cookies will still be tasty, just a bit less melt-in-your-mouth.
How do I keep the icing shiny?
Let the frosted cookies dry uncovered at room temperature. The icing will set with that mirror-like finish, especially if you use water instead of milk for the thinnest, glossiest result.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a plate of Frosted Snowflake Bites – Just Like Frost truly feels like passing on a little wintry magic. Invite friends to decorate, box some up for neighbors, or simply treat yourself – these sweet, sparkly bites bring warmth and wonder to any day. I hope you’ll fall in love with them as much as I have!