Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Name: Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
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 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional); Extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for coating

Published: October 8, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and aromatic cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Festive Presentation: The snowy coating makes these cookies visually stunning, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday dessert table.
Versatile Treat: Great for Christmas gatherings, winter parties, or as a cozy snack by the fire, these cookies fit any occasion.
Customizable Texture: You can add finely chopped nuts for an extra crunch or leave them out for a softer cookie.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Electric mixer (optional)
Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients properly. A large bowl allows room for mixing without spills.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking. Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, resulting in lighter cookies.

Ingredients

For the 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 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

For Coating

Extra cinnamon
Powdered sugar

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Fold in Nuts (Optional)

Fold in finely chopped nuts if desired for extra texture.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough, placing them about an inch apart on the sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While warm, roll each cookie in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Once cooled, roll again to add a festive snowy coating.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies with family and friends!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are not only delightful on their own but can also be enhanced with various serving suggestions. Here are some creative ways to present these festive treats at your next gathering or cozy night in.

With Hot Beverages

Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside a rich hot chocolate, making for a sweet and comforting treat.
Tea: A delicate herbal tea complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

Cookie Assortment: Include Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies on a platter with other festive cookies for variety.
Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of fruit compote for a refreshing twist that balances the sweetness.

As Party Favors

Gift Bags: Package these cookies in decorative bags as homemade gifts for friends and family.
Cookie Jars: Fill jars with cookies and tie them with ribbon for an attractive presentation.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

To make the most of your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture in your dough.
Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements, preventing dense cookies.
Chill the dough: For better shape and texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Bake until golden: Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be golden on the bottom but still soft on top when done.
Roll in sugar while warm: Rolling the cookies in cinnamon-sugar while they are warm allows for better coating adhesion.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed alongside several complementary side dishes. Here’s a list of great pairings that enhance their flavor profile.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the cookie’s texture.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries, then serve with cookies for a satisfying dessert option.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, creating an interesting flavor combination with the cinnamon.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and complement the cookie’s flavors without overwhelming them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your success.

Bold ingredient measurements: Always use precise measurements for ingredients. A slight change can affect the cookie’s texture and flavor.
Bold neglecting to cream properly: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial. This step helps incorporate air for a better texture.
Bold skipping the cooling step: Allow your cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar. This prevents melting and ensures an even coating.
Bold baking at incorrect temperatures: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. An uncalibrated oven can lead to uneven baking.
Bold not checking doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be golden brown on the bottoms but still soft in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for about one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
They can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to label them!

Reheating Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm; avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

What are Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar, perfect for winter gatherings.

Can I use different nuts in my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various nuts like walnuts or pecans for added flavor and texture.

How do I make my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding extra spices like nutmeg or using flavored extracts such as almond extract along with vanilla.

How long do these cookies last?

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different nuts or spices according to your taste preferences. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or just enjoying by the fire—give them a try!

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