If you’re searching for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that brings a festive touch to your holiday baking, look no further than Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. These buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in a delicious coating of cinnamon sugar, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas gathering, a family celebration, or simply looking to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to delight.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Gradually add the flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts. Stir until the dough comes together and forms a soft, cohesive ball. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently press down on each cookie to flatten it slightly. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the cookies to remain soft. - Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the cookies are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by combining the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated. - Cool and Enjoy:
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are best enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa or your favorite holiday beverage.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the powdered sugar. This ensures the dough comes together smoothly.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make shaping the cookies easier.
- Double the Recipe: These cookies disappear fast, so consider making a double batch if you’re planning to share them with friends and family during the holiday season.
Why These Cookies are a Holiday Favorite
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies have become a beloved tradition for many during the holidays. Their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the warm cinnamon flavor makes them a comforting treat that captures the essence of the season. Whether placed on a holiday cookie platter, given as a gift, or enjoyed on a quiet winter afternoon, these cookies are always a hit.
Conclusion: Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Part of Your Holiday Traditions
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of the flavors and warmth of the holiday season. With their soft texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and simple preparation, these cookies are a must-bake for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Enjoy every bite and share the love with those around you!
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Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, buttery cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, nut cookies, holiday baking, snowball cookies
Serving and Storage Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies stay fresh and delicious, here are some helpful serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve Fresh:
These cookies are best enjoyed within the first few days of baking, when they are at their freshest. Serve them on a holiday cookie platter, alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies or shortbread, to create a beautiful and varied spread. - Pair with Beverages:
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of hot beverages. Enjoy them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for the ultimate comfort snack. For a festive touch, serve them with mulled wine or spiced apple cider. - Perfect for Gifting:
These cookies make a great homemade gift! Arrange them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful holiday present. You can even add a personal note or a festive tag to make the gift extra special. - Serve at Room Temperature:
For the best flavor and texture, serve the cookies at room temperature. The cinnamon sugar coating will be the perfect balance of sweetness and spice when enjoyed fresh.
Storage Tips
- Store in an Airtight Container:
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container. This will help preserve their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and prevent them from becoming stale. - Room Temperature Storage:
These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week. Make sure the container is sealed properly to keep out moisture and preserve the cookies’ flavor and texture. - Freezing for Longer Storage:
If you have leftover cookies or want to prepare them in advance for an event, Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies freeze well. To freeze:- Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, simply let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
- Re-coating with Cinnamon Sugar:
If the cinnamon sugar coating loses its crispness after storage, you can re-roll the cookies in fresh cinnamon sugar before serving for a new burst of flavor and texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies for longer and keep them as delicious as the first bite!
1. Can I use a different type of nut in Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?
Yes! While the classic recipe typically uses walnuts, pecans, or almonds, you can easily customize the cookies by using other nuts you prefer. Hazelnuts, pistachios, or cashews would also work well. Just make sure to chop the nuts finely so they blend smoothly into the dough.
2. Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the dough in rolled balls and bake them fresh later. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies in advance, store them in an airtight container, and keep them fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.
3. What if my dough is too soft to roll into balls?
If your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, simply chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to shape into balls. Chilling also helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
4. Can I add other flavors or ingredients to these cookies?
Yes, you can easily customize the flavor of your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. For example, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor, or mix in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, try reducing the amount of powdered sugar in the dough and cinnamon sugar coating.
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat. With a warm cinnamon sugar coating, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or cozying up with a cup of tea.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until firm. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Shape the Cookies:
Roll the chilled dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart. - Bake:
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake. - Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the powdered sugar and cinnamon together. - Coat the Cookies:
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, give them a second roll in the cinnamon sugar for a beautiful coating. - Serve and Store:
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- If you’re not a fan of nuts, simply omit them from the recipe.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the coating for an extra festive flavor.
- These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.