🔄 Compare: Classic Snowman vs Kawaii Reindeer Cookies (Which Kids Love More?)
Discover which holiday cookie design wins the kid approval test – and how to mix both for a festive cookie platter that satisfies every child’s favorite!
Holiday cookie contests are all about fun, but when you’re baking for kids, the real winner is the one that sparks their eyes wide open. In this side-by-side showdown, we pit the beloved Classic Snowman Cookies against the adorable Kawaii Reindeer Cookies to find out which one wins hearts (and cookie crumbs) during the holidays.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time cookie decorator, this comparison covers everything from shaping ease to kid-approval ratings. Both cookies pair perfectly with the Anchor Kid-Friendly Fun Christmas Cookie Kit, making it easy to create a mixed-character tray that’s a holiday hit.
By the end, you’ll know which cookie reigns supreme – and how to simplify each design for maximum festive cheer with minimal stress.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Kid-Friendly Fun
Both cookies are shaped like beloved holiday icons, making them a hit with children who love to decorate and eat them.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Use the same base dough for both designs, saving time and money while creating a variety of holiday treats.
👥 Versatile Pairings
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or family baking sessions – these cookies complement hot cocoa, festive drinks, and more.
🌟 Visual Appeal
The whimsical designs of both cookies make them Instagram-worthy and perfect for holiday gift baskets.
Classic Snowman vs Kawaii Reindeer Cookies
Side-by-Side Recipe Comparison
🛒 Ingredients
Base Dough (Makes 24 cookies)
- - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - ¾ cup powdered sugar
- - 1 large egg
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - ¼ tsp salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add flour and salt until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
💡 Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use snowman and reindeer cookie cutters to shape. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
💡 Use a bench scraper to keep dough manageable.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool completely before decorating.
💡 Rotate the pan halfway for even browning.
Decorate: Use royal icing for snowman faces (black dots for eyes/nose, a coal button) and reindeer features (antlers, nose, eyes).
💡 Let icing dry completely before stacking cookies.
Provides the right texture for crisp edges. Substitute with bread flour for a chewier bite.
Substitutions: Bread flour, whole wheat flour (use ½ cup less liquid).
Essential for decorating – it hardens to protect intricate designs. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues.
Substitutions: Store-bought decorator’s icing (check for egg whites in store-bought versions for allergen-free).
Look for sturdy stainless steel cutters with clear outlines for clean shapes. Reuse cutters for multiple batches.
Substitutions: Use a knife to hand-cut shapes if cutters are unavailable.
Adds warmth and depth to the dough. Pure vanilla extract is recommended over imitation.
Substitutions: Almond extract for a nutty twist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
✨ Dough Handling
Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading. If dough becomes too soft while rolling, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
🎨 Icing Tips
Use a small piping bag with a fine tip for precise snowman buttons and reindeer antlers. Let icing dry 24 hours for durability.
📦 Storage
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.
🧩 Kid-Friendly Hacks
Let kids decorate with pre-piped icing in squeeze bottles. Use cookie markers for easy, mess-free decorating.
Variations & Customizations
Mini Cookie Bites
Use a 1-inch cookie cutter for bite-sized versions. Perfect for cookie exchanges or kid-friendly snacks.
Edible Glitter
Sprinkle edible glitter on snowman faces or reindeer antlers for a sparkling holiday touch.
Candy Eyes
Replace hand-drawn eyes with candy eyes for a quick, kid-friendly option.
Mini Jar Gift
Package cookies in mason jars with a ribbon and holiday tag for a festive homemade gift.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa with marshmallows for a cozy afternoon treat
- Vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce for a cookie sundae
- Festive fruit platter with strawberries, oranges, and grapes
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon, spiced chai tea, or hot apple cider.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough 2 days in advance and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. Baked cookies can be iced up to 3 days ahead.
Refrigerator Storage
Store unbaked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Iced cookies last 2 days at room temperature.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked, undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best served at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Cookies spread too much
A: Chill dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Avoid over-rolling the dough.
Q: Icing cracks or doesn’t harden
A: Adjust icing consistency with more powdered sugar (for thicker) or water (for thinner). Allow 24 hours for drying.
Q: How to prevent cookie breakage
A: Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Avoid overbaking.
Q: Can I use a different icing type
A: Yes, but royal icing is best for intricate designs. For a quick option, use buttercream with a toothpick for details.
Final Thoughts
Whether your family cheers for the jolly Classic Snowman or the adorable Kawaii Reindeer, these cookies are guaranteed to bring holiday joy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – mix both designs to create a cookie platter that satisfies every child’s favorite while doubling the festive fun.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first (like our Kid-Friendly Fun Christmas Cookie Kit), followed by complementary sides, and finishing with a dessert completion pin. Which character will win your family’s heart this year? 🍪
