These donut snowmen use two powdered yeast donuts, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the head, and simple candy pieces for the face and scarf. It’s a quick, no-bake Christmas donut treat that works for kids’ parties, holiday brunches, or a playful winter dessert idea.
Each snowman starts with two stacked donuts. Yeast donuts keep their shape and give a better base than cake donuts. A firm ice cream scoop goes on top and turns into the head. Once decorated, it looks like a snowman without baking or piping anything.
Candy eyes and a jellybean nose bring it to life. The whole setup looks handmade but polished. It sits well next to other winter treats like these Mini Christmas Drip Cakes.
The Right Ratio for Stacking
Two donuts and one scoop of ice cream. Any more and the base can’t hold the weight. Press gently when stacking. If you need more support, add a short skewer through the center.
Scoop and freeze your ice cream ahead of time. Let it harden at least 30 minutes. This gives you time to decorate before it melts. You’ll use the same quick-freeze trick in Christmas Ice Cream Snowmen, which use a similar setup.
Ingredient Notes
Use yeast donuts. They stack better and don’t crumble. Go with plain powdered sugar ones, not glazed. A denser vanilla ice cream scoop works better than soft or airy varieties.
Mini chocolate chips stay in place for eyes. Candy-coated sunflower seeds or jellybeans work for the nose. Fruit leather makes a neater scarf than licorice, but either adds color.
For extra variety on the dessert table, pair these with Cookie Tree Dippers for a playful cookie option.
How to Assemble
Scoop and freeze the ice cream first. Let the donuts sit out to reach room temp. Stack the donuts gently. Place the frozen scoop on top.
Add two chocolate chips for eyes. Press in the nose. Use melted chocolate or frosting for the smile. Wrap the scarf under the head and curl the ends. Serve on cold plates to slow melting.
How to Tell It’s Done Right
The donut stack should sit flat. The scoop should hold without sliding. Decorations stay in place without pushing too hard.
If anything leans, freeze the ice cream longer or use a toothpick. Powdered sugar goes on last or it will melt.
Common Fixes
If the ice cream slides, it’s too soft. Refreeze. If the donuts collapse, they’re too warm or soft. Let them cool first.
If the nose falls off, trim the back flat. If the chocolate smile smears, let it thicken a bit before using. Work quickly in a cool room.
Easy Variations
Use mini donuts for smaller snowmen. Add a donut hole for the head if serving outdoors. Swap the scoop for whipped cream and freeze it before assembling.
Make a row of snowman doughnuts for classroom treats. For something fancier, try Cinnamon Maple Pecan Roulades next to these on your dessert table.
Storage Tips
Assemble right before serving. Keep scooped ice cream frozen and donuts loosely covered at room temp. Don’t dust until the last minute. If making ahead, prep each part separately.
Work in batches if you need more than a few. Serve on cold trays.
Quick Tips
Use firm donuts. Chill your plates. Line up decorations before starting. Use a scoop with a release lever for neat heads. Pipe small frosting dots to hold decorations if needed.
Place on a platter with candy canes. Serve with hot chocolate. Wrap in clear bags for party favors. Use cupcake liners for easy transport. Add to brunch trays with fruit and cookies.
Save This Snowman Donut Idea
Pin this snowman donut recipe for your holiday board. Let me know in the comments how it turned out or if you tried a twist. It’s quick, fun, and easy to make your own.
Donut Snowman
Turn store-bought powdered donuts into adorable snowman donuts with this simple and festive idea. Stacked and decorated to resemble cheerful snowman doughnuts, these cute bites are perfect for classroom snacks, holiday brunches, or family baking fun. Whether you’re making a full snowman donut treat platter or just a few snowman donut snacks for the kids, these Christmas donuts bring sweet charm to your holiday table. Ideal for winter parties, dessert tables, or gifting.
Ingredients
- FOR EACH SNOWMAN
- 2 sugar-dusted round donuts (yeast donuts hold shape best)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, pre-scooped and frozen
- 2 mini chocolate chips
- 1 mini orange jelly bean or candy-coated sunflower seed
- 1 red licorice string or thin strip of fruit leather
- 1 small dab of chocolate or chocolate frosting
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Toothpick or short skewer (optional, for stability)
Instructions
- PREPARE THE ICE CREAM: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a firm, rounded ball. Place it on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid enough to handle.
- STACK THE DONUTS: Arrange one donut on a serving plate, then gently place the second donut on top. Press slightly to keep them stable. Lightly dust the top donut with powdered sugar if desired.
- ADD THE ICE CREAM HEAD: Take the firm ice cream scoop from the freezer and place it carefully on top of the stacked donuts. Use a toothpick or skewer down the center for extra support if needed.
- DECORATE THE FACE: Press two mini chocolate chips into the ice cream for eyes. Add the jelly bean or seed for the nose. Use a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate or chocolate frosting to draw a smiling mouth.
- WRAP THE SCARF: Tie the licorice string or fruit leather around the base of the ice cream scoop. Allow the ends to fall naturally or curl slightly for a fun scarf effect.
- SERVE IMMEDIATELY: Present the snowman as soon as possible to prevent melting. If making several, assemble and decorate quickly just before serving.
Notes
Pre-scoop and refreeze the ice cream ahead of time to make final assembly easier. Serve on chilled plates for better temperature control. Donuts should be at room temperature for best texture.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 583Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 11gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 37mgSodium 38mgCarbohydrates 86gFiber 6gSugar 12gProtein 13g
