Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

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Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a festive treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of traditional snowball cookies with a warm, cinnamon-sugar coating. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season, providing a delightful crunch with a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Their small, round shape makes them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a batch of cookies that will quickly become a holiday favorite in any household.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. Festive Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar gives these cookies a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
  2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies.
  3. Perfect for Gifting: Their adorable snowball shape and delicious taste make them an excellent homemade gift for friends and family.
  4. Versatile: These cookies can be enjoyed plain or rolled in additional cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
  5. Crowd-Pleaser: Their sweet, spiced flavor and delicate texture make them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Directions & Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. The dough will be thick.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
  7. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and additional ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they are still warm.

Nutritional Information

Per Cookie (approx. 24 cookies)

  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Potassium: 10mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Calcium: 0% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

Variations

  • Add Nuts: Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a more complex spice profile.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking or the baked cookies. If freezing the dough, roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag for longer storage.

How long will these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I use margarine instead of butter? Margarine can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures the dough mixes smoothly and the cookies bake evenly.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent them from browning too much; they should be lightly golden on the edges.
  • Roll Twice: For an extra cinnamon-sugar coating, roll the cookies in the mixture a second time after they’ve cooled completely.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are perfect served with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter or as a sweet treat after dinner. Pack them in a festive tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.