Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe: Divine Treats!

Soft, buttery, and dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar, these delightful snowball cookies melt in your mouth like winter magic.

Every bite of these delectable cinnamon sugar snowball cookies brings a delicate crunch and sugary warmth.

Festive gatherings and cozy afternoons call for these irresistible treats that dance between crisp and tender.

Generations of bakers have cherished this simple yet elegant recipe, passing down its delicious tradition.

Powdered sugar creates a beautiful snow-like coating that makes these cookies look as enchanting as they taste.

The blend of butter, flour, and spices transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with these melt-in-your-mouth delights that promise to become a cherished favorite at any celebration.

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

  • Whip Together the Dough

Grab your mixer and blend butter and powdered sugar until super fluffy. Splash in some vanilla and mix. Gently fold in flour, salt, and chopped nuts until you’ve got a soft, dreamy dough that holds together beautifully.

  • Roll and Shape

Scoop out small handfuls of dough and roll them into adorable little balls. Place them on the baking sheet with a bit of breathing room between each cookie. Give them a gentle press to flatten slightly.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies into the oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn a delicate golden color. Keep an eye out – you want them soft and tender, not crispy.

  • Dust with Deliciousness

Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once the cookies have cooled just a bit, roll each one in the sweet, spicy coating until they’re completely covered in sugary.

  • Serve and Savor

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Grab your favorite mug of hot cocoa and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth treats that scream holiday cheer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 145 kcal

Servings: 25

Must-Haves for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

For The Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Builds the tender structure of these melt-in-your-mouth treats, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, silky dough that helps cookies maintain their soft and crumbly character.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
For Flavor and Richness:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation that gives cookies their luxurious mouthfeel, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep aromatic notes that complement the cinnamon, opt for pure vanilla for most authentic flavor.
  • Chopped Nuts: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty undertones, pecans or walnuts work wonderfully.
For Coating and Finishing:
  • Granulated Sugar: Offers sweet crisp exterior that adds delightful texture to the soft cookies.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, spicy kick that transforms these cookies into festive treats, use fresh, high-quality cinnamon for best flavor.
  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk: Perfect for achieving light, fluffy butter mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Baking sheet: Needed to bake cookies evenly and prevent sticking.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Helps with easy cookie removal and cleanup.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
  • Small bowl: Used for preparing cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

Flavor Additions That Make These Cookies Special

  • Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts to add unique flavor profiles and crunch to your snowball cookies.
  • Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months, making holiday baking a breeze.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a delicious alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to make these cookies completely dairy-free without sacrificing rich, buttery taste.
  • Add a splash of orange zest or a pinch of cardamom to the dough for an unexpected and delightful holiday flavor upgrade.

Serve Snowball Cookies That Steal the Show

  • Cozy Cocoa Companion: Pair these delicate snowball cookies with a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, letting the warm cinnamon sugar melt into the creamy drink for an indulgent winter treat.
  • Holiday Gift Charm: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, creating adorable homemade gifts that spread joy to friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season.
  • Dessert Platter Star: Arrange the snowball cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread, creating a stunning dessert spread that will impress your guests.
  • Tea Time Delight: Serve these cookies alongside a selection of holiday teas, allowing the delicate nutty flavor and sweet cinnamon coating to complement the warm, aromatic beverages perfectly.

Keep Your Cookies Fresh for the Next Craving

  • Prepare double the recipe and freeze half the dough for future baking sessions, ensuring fresh treats are always within reach.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Fully cooled cookies can be frozen flat in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 weeks, perfect for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
  • Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly during storage.

FAQs

  • Why are these called snowball cookies?

These cookies get their name from their round, white appearance after being coated in powdered sugar, resembling small snowballs during winter.

  • Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or walnuts work great as substitutes for the nuts in the original recipe. Just make sure to finely chop them for the best texture.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from crumbling?

Make sure to handle the cookies gently when rolling and coating them. Let them cool slightly before rolling in cinnamon sugar to help them maintain their shape.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. Just a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic measuring tools are sufficient to create these delightful treats.

Print
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Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Delightful cinnamon sugar snowball cookies melt in your mouth with buttery richness from European baking traditions. Powdered sugar coating and warm spices create a classic holiday treat that connects generations of home bakers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar (divided)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C), line baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a clean culinary workspace.
  2. Creaming: Whip softened butter and powdered sugar into a fluffy consistency, incorporating vanilla extract until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts into the butter mixture, kneading until a uniform, pliable dough develops.
  4. Shaping and Initial Baking: Craft small, uniform spheres and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges while maintaining a soft interior.
  5. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, creating a fragrant, crystalline mixture.
  6. Finishing Touch: Once cookies have cooled slightly but remain warm, delicately roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar blend, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. Final Presentation: Transfer coated cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop their signature powdery exterior before serving.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect cookie texture, creating a smooth, creamy base that blends seamlessly.
  • Nut Precision: Chop nuts finely and uniformly to distribute evenly throughout the dough, preventing large chunks that disrupt the cookie’s delicate structure.
  • Gentle Baking Technique: Watch cookies closely during baking; remove when edges are just golden to maintain a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior without over-browning.
  • Sugar Coating Trick: Roll warm cookies in cinnamon sugar while slightly heated for better sugar adhesion, creating a more even and flavorful coating that sticks perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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