If you’re looking to add some festive fun and delicious sweetness to your breakfast or snack time, this Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with playful decorations that transform them into cheerful snowmen, this recipe is a joyful blend of classic flavors and heartwarming creativity. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising guests with a charming holiday treat, these snowmen are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, making each bite a celebration of cinnamon, sugar, and winter whimsy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity yet thoughtful ingredient choices. Each component plays a vital role—from the soft cinnamon rolls providing a perfect base, to the colorful candies and pretzels that bring personality and festive sparkle to your creation.
- 12.4 oz package Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with icing (8 count package): These pre-made cinnamon rolls save time without sacrificing that wonderful cinnamon swirl flavor and fluffy texture.
- 8 pretzel twists: Their salty crunch becomes the perfect “arms” for your snowmen, adding texture contrast.
- 26 mini chocolate chips: Used for facial features and details, their rich chocolate taste complements the cinnamon sweetness.
- 12 Mini M&Ms (3 each of red, green, blue, and yellow): These colorful candies make adorable buttons, giving the snowmen a pop of vibrant color.
- Orange cookie icing: Essential for crafting the tiny carrot noses—adding a bright touch and a hint of citrusy flavor.
How to Make Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rolls
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees to ensure it’s perfectly hot when the snowmen go in. Next, carefully cut about ¼ inch from the outer edge of one cinnamon roll to create a smaller circle which will serve as the snowman’s head. This little detail creates the adorable shape that makes this recipe so special.
Step 2: Arrange the Rolls for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cinnamon rolls from sticking and making cleanup easier. Place your snowman bodies on the sheet, pairing each smaller head circle just above its larger body circle so they’re touching. Leave a little space between each snowman so they bake evenly and puff up nicely.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Bake your snowmen for 10 to 13 minutes until the rolls are cooked through and deliciously golden. This step fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon—a preview of the tasty treat to come. After baking, let them cool completely before moving on to the decorating phase; this keeps your icing from melting and helps your snowmen keep their charm.
Step 4: Frost the Snowmen
Using the icing included with the cinnamon roll package, spread frosting generously over each snowman’s body and head. This frosting acts like a snowy canvas—its creamy sweetness binding all the decorations together while making every bite irresistibly luscious.
Step 5: Add the Pretzel Arms
Stick one pretzel twist into each side of the “body” circle to create whimsical, crunchy arms. This simple addition helps your snowmen look ready to wave hello or give a warm, crunchy hug. Plus, the salty bite creates a nice balance with the sweetness.
Step 6: Craft the Snowman’s Face
Arrange five mini chocolate chips at the bottom of the snowman’s head to form a cute, smiling mouth. Then, squeeze a small amount of orange cookie icing above the mouth to fashion a tiny carrot nose, giving each snowman its classic, cheerful personality. Lastly, place two chocolate chips for eyes, making those joyful expressions come to life.
Step 7: Decorate the Body with Buttons
Line the Mini M&Ms down the center of the snowman’s body as colorful buttons. The bright reds, greens, blues, and yellows offer bursts of cheerfulness and make your snowman truly festive, inviting smiles before the very first bite.
How to Serve Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of winter magic, dust your snowman cinnamon rolls lightly with powdered sugar to resemble a fresh snowfall. A tiny sprig of fresh mint or rosemary on the side adds earthy green notes and a festive look that’s sure to impress guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet cinnamon rolls with a cup of hot cocoa topped with fluffy marshmallows or a rich chai latte for a cozy, comforting combo. Fresh fruit, especially citrus slices like oranges, can add a bright, refreshing counterpoint to all that warm sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your snowman cinnamon rolls on a festive holiday platter surrounded by pine cones or cranberries for a pretty winter display. For a fun party, place individual rolls in small, clear cups with small napkins, making them perfect handheld treats that guests can admire and enjoy in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness. Avoid refrigerating as that can dry them out and make the rolls less fluffy.
Freezing
To enjoy these Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe treats later, freeze fully cooled, unfrosted rolls individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and decorating.
Reheating
Warm your cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Reheat gently to keep them soft and avoid melting or running the icing before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade rolls will add a special touch and let you customize flavors, although using store-bought Pillsbury cinnamon rolls saves time without sacrificing taste, perfect for busy days or last-minute treats.
What if I don’t have mini M&Ms—any substitutes?
You can swap mini M&Ms with small candies like Skittles, colored chocolate chips, or fruit-flavored gems. The idea is to have bright colorful “buttons” that add visual appeal and a little burst of sweetness.
Can I make the snowmen without pretzels for arms?
Yes! If you want to skip pretzels, you could try thin sticks of licorice, slivered almonds, or even small pieces of fruit leather. The key is to maintain that arm look while adding your own creative twist.
Is the orange cookie icing necessary?
It’s highly recommended as it lets you craft the carrot nose perfectly. If you don’t have orange icing, a small dab of orange-colored frosting or a tiny candy like an orange jellybean can also work.
How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh after decorating?
For best taste and texture, enjoy your decorated snowman cinnamon rolls the same day. They can be stored carefully for up to two days, but the frosting and candy decorations might soften or shift over time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about transforming a simple cinnamon roll into a cheerful snowman that brightens any table and warms any heart. The Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a sure way to bring smiles, creativity, and delectable cinnamon goodness into your day. Give it a try and watch how this playful treat turns ordinary moments into memorable celebrations!
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Snowman Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 snowman cinnamon rolls
Description
Create festive Snowman Cinnamon Rolls using Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and simple decorations like pretzels, mini chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms. These delightful treats are perfect for holiday baking and fun for the whole family to make and enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12.4 oz package Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with icing (8 count package)
- 8 pretzel twists
- 26 mini chocolate chips
- 12 mini M&Ms (3 each of red, green, blue, and yellow)
- Orange cookie icing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Using a knife or a small round cutter, carefully cut about ¼ inch off the outer cinnamon roll to create a smaller circle that will serve as the snowman’s head.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the smaller cinnamon roll (head) and then the larger cinnamon roll (body) directly below it so they touch. Leave a couple of inches of space between each snowman on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cinnamon rolls for 10 to 13 minutes, or until they are fully cooked. Remove and allow them to cool completely before decorating.
- Frost the Snowmen. Use the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls to generously frost each snowman, covering both the head and body to look like snow.
- Add Pretzel Arms. Insert one pretzel twist into each side of the cinnamon roll body, positioning them as the snowman’s arms.
- Create the Mouth. Arrange five mini chocolate chips in a curved line towards the bottom of the head to form the snowman’s mouth.
- Make the Nose. Using orange cookie icing, squeeze a small carrot-shaped nose in the center of the face, between and slightly above the mouth and eyes.
- Add the Eyes. Place two mini chocolate chips above the nose to serve as the snowman’s eyes.
- Decorate with Mini M&Ms. Line up the mini M&Ms down the body as colorful buttons, using three M&Ms per snowman.
Notes
- Be careful when cutting the cinnamon rolls to maintain a round shape for the snowman’s head.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
- You can use colored icing or gel tubes if orange cookie icing is not available for the carrot nose.
- For extra stability, you can slightly press the smaller roll onto the larger roll before baking to help them bake together.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
