Summertime Snowmen

I've seen these snowmen cookies floating around some blogs way back in January, while the snow was falling sheets and the weatherman was gleefully adding up the inches like a greedy man in a bank. So somehow, I just couldn't bring myself to make these cookies quite yet. But now, after a scorcher of a week last week, I am quite ready for some winter imagery! The kids had a blast making them, and this is the kind of thing that the kids can actually make all by themselves (well mostly) and have it come out looking cute. Here's what you need:

One recipe sugar cookies, rolled and flattened into circles, baked and cooled

One recipe white royal icing

Large Marshmallows

Thin stick pretzels

Chocolate Chips

Chocolate Sprinkles

Food markers (Optional)

Fondant (Optional)

You can really go crazy with your imagination and raid your candy closet for these cookies. For the basic idea, transfer royal icing to a squeeze bottle. Squeeze a nice dollop onto the top of a sugar cookie. Grease a large dinner plate with shortening, and place marshmallows on top, spaced around an inch apart. Microwave on high for about 10-15 seconds - don't leave the microwave. Keep an eye on them, and as soon as they start to puff up, take them out of the microwave. Press a marshmallow down into the "puddle'' of royal icing and then decorate! Use leftover royal icing to attach the eyes, nose etc. 

Have fun and stay cool!