Celebrate winter with these irresistibly adorable Snowman Cupcakes! Whether you’re planning a holiday party, a snow day treat, or just want to surprise the kids with a magical dessert, these festive cupcakes bring both joy and flavor to your table. Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with stacked marshmallow snowmen make this a project that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
These cupcakes are not just eye-catching; they’re also incredibly easy to make with simple store-bought or homemade ingredients. Perfect for bakers of all levels, these snowman cupcakes are a playful way to enjoy the season’s magic. Great for gifting, parties, or cozy nights in with hot cocoa.
What Kind of Cupcake Base Should I Use?
You can go classic with a rich chocolate cupcake base (homemade or boxed mix both work great), which contrasts beautifully with the white marshmallow snowmen on top. Chocolate cupcakes offer a delicious, stable base that holds up well under the marshmallow weight and frosting. If you’re feeling creative, vanilla or spice cupcakes would also make a delicious variation.

Ingredients for the Snowman Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes – Acts as the snowy ground for the snowman; rich and sturdy enough to support the marshmallow tower.
Marshmallows – The stars of the show! You’ll need two large marshmallows per snowman to create that cute stacked look.
White Frosting – Helps glue the marshmallows together and can be used to frost the cupcake base for extra snow effect.
Mini Chocolate Chips or Candy Eyes – For the snowman’s eyes and buttons. Choose something small and round to bring their face to life.
Orange Sprinkle, Mini M&M, or Candy Corn Tip – Makes a perfect little carrot nose.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Sticks – Use these for the snowman arms. They add flavor, crunch, and lots of character.
Optional: Chocolate Squares or Frosting Hat – Add personality with a chocolate “hat” or piped icing.
How To Make the Snowman Cupcakes
Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
Prepare your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe or a box mix and bake according to instructions. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Step 2: Frost the Base
Add a swirl of white frosting to the top of each cooled cupcake. This creates a snowy surface and helps anchor your marshmallow snowman.
Step 3: Stack the Marshmallows
Use a small dab of frosting to stick two large marshmallows on top of each other. Gently press the bottom marshmallow onto the frosted cupcake.
Step 4: Decorate the Snowman Face
Use mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for the eyes. Add an orange sprinkle or mini M&M for the nose. A toothpick makes application easier.
Step 5: Add Buttons and Arms
Place 3 mini chocolate chips down the snowman’s front for buttons. Insert chocolate-covered pretzel sticks into the sides for arms.
Step 6: Top with a Hat (Optional)
For extra cuteness, place a square of chocolate or use piped frosting to make a hat.
How to Serve and Store These Snowman Cupcakes
These are best served fresh within a day for the fluffiest marshmallow texture. If you’re prepping ahead, store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the snowmen the day you plan to serve for the best visual impact.
Refrigerate leftovers, but note that marshmallows can get sticky. If storing decorated cupcakes, keep them loosely covered to avoid smushing the snowmen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I make these cupcakes?
You can bake the cupcakes 1–2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Decorate the day you plan to serve.
Can I use mini marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows are too small for the snowman body but can be fun to use as snow around the base.
What if I don’t have candy eyes?
Mini chocolate chips or even small dots of melted chocolate piped on wax paper work just as well.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Kids love assembling the snowmen and decorating the faces. Just prep the frosting and base for them.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Only if you’re storing them overnight. Marshmallows can change texture in the fridge, so room temp is best for serving.
Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?
If these snowman cupcakes made you smile, you’ll love these other cheerful creations:
- Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts – A romantic, sugary delight for any season.
- Oreo-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls – Ooey-gooey and irresistible.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes – A fruity twist on a classic favorite.
- Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites – Light, sweet, and snackable.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes – A bite-sized burst of joy.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a top hat? Use a different base flavor? I love seeing how everyone adds their own twist.
Looking for more fun and festive baking ideas? Follow me on Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes for new treats every week!

Snowman Cupcakes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking + Decorating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Snowman Cupcakes are the perfect winter treat! Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with sweet marshmallow snowmen, complete with candy faces and pretzel stick arms. They’re festive, fun, and easy to make—perfect for holiday parties or a cozy baking day with kids.
Ingredients
12 chocolate cupcakes, baked and cooled
24 large marshmallows
1 cup white frosting
36 mini chocolate chips
12 orange sprinkles or mini orange M&Ms
24 chocolate dipped pretzel sticks
12 small chocolate squares or extra frosting (optional, for hats)
Instructions
1. Bake 12 chocolate cupcakes and allow them to cool completely.
2. Frost the top of each cupcake with white frosting to resemble snow.
3. Stack 2 large marshmallows on each cupcake, securing them with a dab of frosting between layers.
4. Press in mini chocolate chips or candy eyes to create the snowman’s eyes and buttons.
5. Add an orange sprinkle, M&M, or small candy for the carrot nose.
6. Insert a pretzel stick on each side of the bottom marshmallow to create arms.
7. Optional: Top the snowman with a chocolate square or use frosting to pipe a hat.
8. Serve immediately or store loosely covered at room temperature.
Notes
Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting or decorating to avoid melting the snowman.
Use thick frosting to anchor marshmallows so they don’t slide off.
Want variety? Swap chocolate cupcakes for vanilla or spice cake for a festive twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: winter cupcakes, snowman desserts, holiday treats


