Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday treat to delight your taste buds and warm your heart, this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe is your answer. These tender, buttery cookies coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend are like little bites of cozy joy, melting in your mouth with each nibble. Whether you’re sharing them with friends over hot cocoa or gifting them during the festive season, these snowball cookies bring sweetness and a touch of spice that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe requires a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that perfectly balance flavor and texture. Each component plays its part in creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating that makes these cookies stand out.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their structure.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough itself with the classic spice that defines this recipe.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Used for coating, providing a sweet, crunchy outer layer.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Mixed with sugar to deliver that signature cinnamon kick on the surface.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure your cookies bake evenly without any mess. This small prep step saves time and headache later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—the creaming process traps air that will help give your cookies their tender, delicate texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Next, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Vanilla rounds out the flavor profile and adds depth that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Into Dough

Gradually sift in the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients into your creamy butter base forms a soft, workable dough. The cinnamon inside the dough ensures every bite carries that signature spice, making this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe truly special.

Step 5: Fold In Nuts (Optional)

If you love a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts now. They bring texture contrast and a toasty, nutty flavor without overpowering the cookie’s delicate sweetness.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop and roll your dough into 1-inch balls. Placing these balls about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets helps them bake evenly without merging into each other. These perfectly round balls are the classic “snowball” shape everyone looks forward to.

Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re aiming for lightly golden bottoms—that subtle hint of color means they’re baked just right, soft on the inside with a slight crispness outside.

Step 8: Cool Slightly on Baking Sheet and Rack

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This gentle cooldown firms them up enough for the final step without losing their warmth. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool just a bit more.

Step 9: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the cookies are cooling, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple blend is the secret behind the charming coat that gives these snowball cookies their festive sparkle and sweet crunch.

Step 10: Coat Warm Cookies in Cinnamon Sugar

Roll each still-warm cookie gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Warm cookies absorb the sugar better, providing that signature snowy glaze with bursts of cinnamon sweetness in every bite. This last step is what truly transforms your cookies into the enchanting Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra festive charm, dust your snowball cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. It looks like freshly fallen snow and enhances the cookies’ sweet appeal. If you want a touch of color, add a few mini edible silver balls or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with hot beverages like spiced chai, rich coffee, or classic hot chocolate. The warmth of the drinks complements the cinnamon flavor, making the experience of eating these snowball cookies cozy and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try packaging your cinnamon sugar snowball cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by pine sprigs or cranberries for holiday get-togethers. A cookie jar layered with wax paper and these snowballs makes a beautiful countertop display that invites snacking all season long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cinnamon sugar snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them soft and maintains the fresh cinnamon sugar coating without the cookies drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or unbaked. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy—perfect for planning ahead during holiday baking marathons.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a low oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that freshly-baked softness and accentuate the cinnamon aroma. Avoid overheating to keep the cookies tender rather than hardening them.

FAQs

What makes these cookies snowballs?

The name snowball comes from their round shape and the coating of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar that resembles little snowballs fresh from the winter snow. Their soft texture also adds to the snowball effect when you bite into them.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together perfectly.

Are nuts necessary in the recipe?

Nuts are optional, but they add wonderful texture and a subtle nutty flavor. If you have allergies or prefer nut-free cookies, feel free to omit them and enjoy the classic tender snowball just the same.

Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for the light, fluffy texture of the dough, so it’s best not to substitute it with brown sugar. However, brown sugar could be experimented with for the cinnamon sugar coating if you prefer a deeper molasses note.

How soft should the cookies be when done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft in the center. They firm up as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake to keep that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cookie form. Every step of the process invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple delight of buttery, cinnamon-coated bites that bring smiles to every table. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and make these snowball cookies your new favorite tradition—you won’t regret it!

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