Making it with MaryAnn
I have stumbled on a fun new treat that is both easy to make and includes espresso! I’ve named this recipe Espresso Snowmen and it’s a great treat for the kids after winter activities like sledding or skiing. It is a recipe that can become very creative or just basic and delicious.
You will need the following:
- 2 sticks softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ounces of brewed espresso
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups finely chopped nuts (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar
Here is how it’s done:
- In a large bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth consistency. Gradually add the rest of the ingredients (excluding the confectioners’ sugar) and continue mixing until everything is blended thoroughly.
- Once everything is completely mixed together, cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes.
- Once the dough is chilled you can start making the balls that will become the snowmen. You will have enough dough to make three different size balls, 12 of each.
- Set the oven temperature to 325 degrees and butter up some cookie sheets ahead of time. You will want to form 12 tablespoon size balls, 12 slightly smaller (for the heads) and 12 slightly larger for the bases.
- Bake for 20 minutes and then cool for 10 minutes.
- Once they’ve cooled you can roll the balls around in the confectioners’ sugar to make “snowballs”. Next comes the fun part! To create the snowmen layer the baked dough balls from the largest to the smallest (from the bottom up) and push a toothpick down the center.
You will have 12 snowmen that you can decorate with candy, sprinkles, frosting or whatever fun sweets you think of!