These Snowman Sugar Cookies are the perfect holiday recipe. They're soft, chewy and full of rich vanilla flavor. Delicious sugar cookie recipe that doesn't require any chilling, cookie cutters or frosting!
MAKE THE SUGAR COOKIE DOUGH: In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a larger bowl, cream shortening, butter, and sugar for about 2-3 minutes, or until light and creamy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla and mix for another 2-3 minutes.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
SHAPE THE COOKIES: Divide the dough into 12 balls that are 3 tablespoons each. Divide each of those balls into 3 parts – ½ tablespoon for the head, 1 tablespoon for the body, and 1 ½ tablespoons for the bottom. Roll into balls.
Place the 3 pieces on a baking sheet so that they are almost touching. Continue with the rest of the dough, keeping each snowman about 2 inches apart.
BAKE THE COOKIES: Bake in batches for 8-10 minutes until the tops of cookies are set and the edges are lightly browned.
Cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack for cooling. Allow the cookies to fully cool before removing from the cooling rack. It is important to allow the snowman to fully cool before removing from the cooling rack, otherwise they could break apart.
DECORATE THE SNOWMEN: Once cool, push 2 mini chocolate chips into the snowman for eyes. Add a dot of decorating gel to 3 M&Ms and push them into the snowman for buttons. Use decorating gel to draw a scarf on the snowmen.