Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy treat to enjoy any time of year, the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These little pillows of buttery goodness have a tender crumb, a delightful crunch from nuts, and a magical cinnamon sugar coating that melts on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a simple afternoon snack, or a gift to brighten someone’s day, these cookies deliver a warm, comforting flavor that feels like a sweet hug with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these irresistible cinnamon sugar snowball cookies, you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples that combine to create incredible flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the richness of butter to the aromatic touch of cinnamon, making this recipe both simple and unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): The base of your dough, providing rich flavor and tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar, ½ cup: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely fragrant note.
• All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Gives structure and holds everything together.
• Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and brings out depth in flavor.
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts, ¾ cup: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses warm spice into the dough.
• Granulated sugar, ½ cup (for coating): Creates the delightful cinnamon sugar crust.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon (for coating): Mixed with sugar to coat cookies with a perfect spicy sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to reach just the right temperature for baking these tender cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat them together until light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, creating a soft, delicate texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix the vanilla extract into your creamed butter and sugar. The vanilla adds a subtle, comforting aromatics that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving every bite a consistent warmth.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add your flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently so everything just comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle and patient.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts

Carefully fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts. These nuts add a satisfyingly crunchy contrast to the soft cookie and a nutty depth of flavor.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Keeping space allows the cookies to bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 8: Bake Until Just Golden

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms turn lightly golden, but the tops still look pale and delicate — this keeps them tender rather than crisp.

Step 9: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the cookies bake, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes just enough so they’re warm to the touch. Then, gently roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create that iconic sweet, spicy coating. If you love an extra sugary crunch, feel free to give them a second roll once they have cooled completely.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies adds an elegant frosted look, perfect for holiday parties or gift boxes. You can also garnish with a few extra chopped nuts on top before baking for a rustic, inviting touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair fabulously with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, both of which accentuate the cinnamon and buttery flavors. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the cookies in festive tins layered with parchment paper for gifting. Alternatively, create a beautiful dessert platter by stacking cookies with fresh fruit, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for a burst of color and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, keep your cinnamon sugar snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crumbly for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or bringing along to gatherings.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours—easy and effortless.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm the cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens the texture and enhances the flavor, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version. The cookies will still retain their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and wonderful cinnamon flavor.

Do these cookies keep their texture after freezing?

Yes, when properly stored and thawed correctly, the cookies maintain their tender crumb and delicious coating, making freezing a great option for making batches ahead.

Can I use mini chocolate chips instead of nuts?

Yes, swapping nuts for mini chocolate chips adds a touch of chocolatey sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar coating beautifully.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.

What’s the secret to the perfect cinnamon sugar coating?

The key is to roll the cookies while they are still warm so the cinnamon sugar adheres beautifully, forming a lovely crust that defines the cookie’s character. A second coating after cooling adds even more sweet crunch.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe are pure joy in cookie form. Their buttery richness, warm cinnamon spice, and that irresistible sugary crust make them a forever favorite to bake and share. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold a special place in so many hearts and holiday traditions. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch—you won’t regret it!

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