If you have a soft spot for melt-in-your-mouth treats that feel like a cozy hug, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delicate, buttery cookies are nestled under a snowy coat of cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar, making every bite perfectly sweet with a hint of warm spice. They’re simple to whip up yet impressively irresistible, and whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, these snowball cookies will quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that signature tender crumb and festive flavor. From the rich buttery base to the aromatic cinnamon and the optional crunch of nuts, these components come together to create a cookie that’s as wonderful to eat as it is to share.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup plus extra for coating): Adds sweetness and creates that dreamy soft texture inside, plus coats the outside for a snowy finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A warm, mellow flavor that rounds out the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
- Finely chopped nuts (1 cup, optional): Adds delicious crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft dough.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings that cozy warmth which defines these cookies.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for rolling: For coating the cookies in that signature snowball sparkle and gentle spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it traps air in the dough, making the cookies tender and slightly airy. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is silky and smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the cinnamon’s warm spice throughout the dough. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here so the cookies stay soft rather than tough.
Step 3: Fold in the Nuts
If you love a little crunch, fold in the finely chopped nuts now. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work beautifully and add a wonderful texture that contrasts with the smooth, crumbly dough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and space them about an inch apart on the baking sheet to allow room for gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms turn a soft golden brown, signaling that the cookies are perfectly baked.
Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
The moment these cookies come out warm from the oven, roll each one in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. This initial coating sticks to the warm cookie. After they cool completely, roll them again to create that iconic, snowy appearance and double-layer of sweet spice that defines the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle, dust the cookies with a pinch of extra powdered sugar just before serving. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor and add visual appeal. These little touches make your snowball cookies look as festive as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or a rich cup of cocoa. The warm spices and sugary coating complement these drinks perfectly, helping to create a cozy moment that’s easy to savor. They’re also a charming addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging them in a pyramid on a pretty plate for a charming centerpiece or stack them in a jar tied with a ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. You could also serve them alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for a light, festive dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their signature crumbly texture without drying out or losing that luscious buttery flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container after about an hour. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature and roll in more cinnamon sugar for that fresh homemade feel.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm and freshly coated, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gentle warming brings back that tender softness and reactivates the delicious cinnamon sugar coating, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help the texture stay just right.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all excellent choices, giving a satisfying crunch and a deep nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon and buttery dough wonderfully.
Can I skip the nuts if I have allergies?
Yes! The nuts are optional and the cookies are just as delicious without them. The tender, buttery texture and cinnamon sugar coating shine through beautifully on their own.
How do I get the cookies to keep their round shape?
Keep the dough chilled if your kitchen is warm, and use a smooth cookie scoop for uniform size. Baking balls of dough placed close but not touching helps the cookies puff slightly without spreading too thin.
Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is preferred because it blends smoothly into the dough and makes the outer coating taste light and snowy. Brown sugar would change the texture and flavor, making the cookies denser and less melt-in-your-mouth.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery dough that makes this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe a lifelong favorite. Whether you’re baking up a batch to cozy up your own home or sharing with friends, these snowball cookies bring warmth and smiles with every bite. It’s easy to see why they disappear fast, so don’t wait — grab your ingredients and start baking your own sweet winter magic today!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture that creates a festive, snowy appearance. With a hint of vanilla and optional nutty crunch, they are perfect for holiday treats or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Rolling and Coating
- Extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. If desired, gently fold in the finely chopped nuts to add a crunchy texture to the cookies.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a scoop or spoon, form dough into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden brown, indicating they are baked through but still tender inside.
- Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, while they are still warm, roll each ball gently in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon to coat them. Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them again in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a festive, snowy coating.
Notes
- For best texture, use unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain the cookie shape if your kitchen is warm.
- Feel free to substitute nuts with your favorite variety or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies in a single layer and thaw before rolling in cinnamon sugar for best freshness.
