4 Ingredient Snowman Rice Cakes

These Snowman Rice Cakes are a simple, festive, and fun treat perfect for the holiday season! With just a few ingredients and endless decoration possibilities, they’re ideal for parties or a creative activity with the kids.

Chef’s Tips

• Choose Complementary Flavors: Plain rice cakes are a versatile base, but lightly flavored ones like vanilla or cinnamon can add a subtle sweetness.
• Use Edible Decorations: Candy, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, and fruit strips are great options for decorating.
• Make It Savory: For a twist, use cream cheese or thickened yogurt and top with veggies like diced bell peppers, olives, or shredded carrots.
• Set Up a DIY Station: If making these with kids, set up a decoration station where they can customize their own snowmen.

Ingredients

• 1 package rice cakes: Choose plain or flavored as per preference.
• Vanilla frosting or yogurt: Acts as the “glue” and adds sweetness.
• 1 package mini M&Ms: Used for the snowman’s eyes and mouth.
• 1 tube orange gel icing: To create the snowman’s carrot nose.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base:
   Unwrap the rice cakes and place them on a large plate or baking sheet.
2. Frost the Rice Cakes:
   Using a knife or offset spatula, spread a thin layer of vanilla frosting or yogurt evenly over each rice cake.
3. Add Eyes and Mouth:
   • Place two brown mini M&Ms toward the top of the frosted rice cake for the eyes.
   • Arrange about five brown mini M&Ms in a smile shape on the bottom half for the mouth.
4. Draw the Nose:
   Use the orange gel icing to draw a carrot-shaped nose in the center of the rice cake, between the eyes and mouth.
5. Serve or Store:
   Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Keep the decorated rice cakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness for 1–2 days.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing can alter the texture of the rice cakes, making them soggy when thawed.

Customization Ideas

• Decorations: Use candy corn for hats, fruit strips for scarves, or peppermint candies for buttons.
• Themes: Create other holiday shapes like stars or trees using shaped rice cakes or cookie cutters.
• Healthy Options: Swap frosting for peanut butter or almond butter, and use raisins or dried cranberries for the eyes and mouth.

Serving Suggestions

• For Parties: Serve these snowman rice cakes alongside other holiday treats like Rolo pretzel bites, caramel apple dump cake, or cranberry orange cookies.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Let kids decorate their own rice cakes with various candies and toppings.

FAQs

Can I make the rice cakes from scratch?
Yes! You can prepare homemade rice cakes or rice cereal treats as the base for a more personalized touch.

What can I use instead of gel icing?
You can use a small piece of dried apricot, orange candy, or even a sliver of carrot for the nose.

How do I keep the rice cakes from getting soggy?
Frost the rice cakes right before serving, or store them in an airtight container if making ahead.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free frosting or yogurt alternative for the base.

These Snowman Rice Cakes are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Quick, customizable, and perfect for all ages, they bring festive cheer to your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun activity with kids, these adorable treats are a surefire hit!