If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe. These little delights are beautifully crumbly, laced with a gentle hint of cinnamon and vanilla, and perfectly dusted in a snowy coating of cinnamon sugar that makes them as festive as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these cookies melt in your mouth and deliver comfort in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cookies just right starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that brings tenderness to the dough, to the cinnamon that infuses holiday warmth, and the powdered sugar that finishes them with that iconic snowy look.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): Adds sweetness and helps create that soft crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For a warm, inviting aroma and deep flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping the cookies delicate.
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you love texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these snowball cookies their signature warmth.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for rolling: This finishing touch creates their classic snow-dusted appearance.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by whipping the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until your mixture looks light and fluffy. This is the secret to that tender bite everyone loves. Adding the vanilla extract at this point brings a wonderful smoothness and depth to your dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the cinnamon throughout each cookie, giving you a consistent, cozy flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. This careful mixing prevents overworking the dough, keeping your cookies nice and tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Add Nuts (If Using)
Fold in the finely chopped nuts if you want to add a bit of crunch and a lovely nutty note. Pecans or walnuts are fantastic choices and bring a delightful contrast to the soft cookie.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place them an inch apart—this spacing helps them bake evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms just begin to turn golden brown, which signals they are perfectly baked without losing moisture.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, gently roll each cookie in a mix of powdered sugar and cinnamon. This first coat gives a sweet crust, but the magic happens once they’ve cooled—you roll them again to build up that iconic “snowball” sweetness and snowy look that’s pure cookie perfection.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add a touch of extra charm, try topping your Snowball Cookies with a light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or even a few chopped nuts. A tiny drizzle of white chocolate can also complement the cinnamon and create a festive look.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, a warm chai latte, or even an old-fashioned glass of cold milk. Their rich, buttery flavor and soft crumb make them perfect companions for cozy drinks during chilly afternoons or festive gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or holiday parties, stack the cookies in a clear jar adorned with a festive ribbon or arrange them on a decorative platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a gorgeous winter display. You can even sandwich a little dollop of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a playful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and fully cooled, store your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies to keep them fresh for longer. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and roll them in cinnamon sugar again for a fresh look.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, gently reheat them in a low oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their melt-in-your-mouth quality and bring back their full buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I omit the nuts in the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! The nuts are optional and just add a crunchy texture. The cookies are delicious on their own without them, offering that classic crumbly softness.
Why do I need to roll the cookies twice in cinnamon sugar?
Rolling them while warm starts the sweet coating to stick beautifully, but the second roll after cooling builds up the iconic “snowball” snowy finish, giving them their signature look and extra sweet flavor.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing the tender texture these cookies need. Using whole wheat or alternative flours might change the softness and could alter the flavor, but you can experiment if you prefer.
How long do Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, making them a great make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.
What nuts work best for these cookies?
Walnuts and pecans are traditional favorites that complement the cinnamon beautifully. Make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the dough and don’t overpower the delicate texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe is one of those timeless classics that never fails to bring warmth and joy, whether you’re baking with family or just treating yourself. Their tender crumb, cozy cinnamon flavor, and delightful snowy finish make them a must-try addition to your cookie repertoire. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery, and coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that gives them a delightful festive look and flavor. Featuring a soft crumb with optional chopped nuts for added texture, these classic holiday cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
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 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
Coating
- Extra powdered sugar
- Extra ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- 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 Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and making it tough.
- Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped nuts if using, which adds a nice crunch and complementary flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop dough by 1-inch portions and roll them into balls. Place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Coat Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Allow them to cool completely, then roll them a second time for a thick, snowy coating that gives these cookies their signature look and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Using softened butter is key for proper creaming and texture.
- Chopped nuts are optional; pecans or walnuts work especially well.
- Rolling cookies twice in the cinnamon sugar coating enhances flavor and appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can freeze dough balls for up to a month; bake directly from frozen adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.
