Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats perfect for any season. Coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend, these cookies offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 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
- Extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 3: If using, fold in the finely chopped nuts for added texture.
- Step 4: 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 about an inch apart on the sheet.
- Step 5: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Step 6: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Once cooled, roll them again to create a festive, snowy coating.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- Use pecans or walnuts for a classic flavor, or try pistachios for a unique twist.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve the perfect dough texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm briefly in a low oven or microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Ensure your butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the dough before baking. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.
PrintCinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats dusted generously with cinnamon and powdered sugar, perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a subtle nutty crunch. The cookies are soft inside with a lightly crisp bottom, beautifully coated to resemble little snowballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 cinnamon and powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: 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 mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If you choose to include nuts, gently fold in the finely chopped nuts to the dough, distributing them evenly for extra texture and flavor.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms turn a golden brown, being careful not to overbake.
- Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon to coat them thoroughly. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll them again in the cinnamon sugar mix for a festive, snowy finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.
- Use finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for the nuts to add a nice crunch.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Rolling the cookies twice in the cinnamon sugar coating ensures a generous and even snowy appearance.
Keywords: cinnamon sugar cookies, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, nut cookies, festive cookies, buttery cookies, cinnamon cookies
