Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the comforting flavor of cinnamon makes them perfect for holiday celebrations or quiet evenings at home. These cookies stand out with their snowy coating of cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar, adding a festive touch that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and warm cinnamon creates a taste that is irresistible.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a cozy snack at home.
- Customizable: You can easily add nuts or adjust the sweetness to suit your preferences.
- Festive Presentation: The snowy coating of powdered sugar makes these cookies visually appealing for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the necessary equipment will help streamline the process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for mixing ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Parchment paper: This helps in easy removal of cookies and keeps the baking sheet clean.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 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 Rolling
- Extra cinnamon and powdered sugar
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 3: Add Nuts (Optional)
If you like some crunch, fold in finely chopped nuts at this stage for added texture.
Step 4: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place them about an inch apart on the sheet.
Step 5: Bake Your Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
While warm, roll each cookie in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. After cooling, roll them again to get that snowy finish.
Enjoy making these delicious Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be paired with drinks or presented on festive platters for an appealing display.
With Holiday Beverages
- Hot Cocoa – The rich flavors of hot cocoa complement the buttery texture of the cookies perfectly.
- Coffee – A warm cup of coffee enhances the cinnamon flavor and provides a cozy pairing.
- Eggnog – This classic holiday drink adds a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cookies.
Festive Platters
- Dessert Table – Arrange Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies on a dessert table alongside other holiday treats for an impressive display.
- Gift Boxes – Package these cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
- Cookie Exchange – Bring them to a cookie exchange party, where their unique flavor will surely stand out.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Boldly measure ingredients – Accurate measurements lead to consistent results; use proper measuring cups and spoons.
- Boldly cream butter and sugar – Creaming until light and fluffy incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture.
- Boldly chill the dough – For best results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
- Boldly roll after baking – Rolling the warm cookies in cinnamon sugar first allows it to stick better, ensuring a delightful coating.
- Boldly check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies make a wonderful treat that pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some delightful options to serve alongside them:
- Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that complement the sweet cookies beautifully.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing.
- Whipped Cream – Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream for an extra sweet touch and creamy contrast.
- Mini Cheesecakes – These provide a rich dessert option that pairs well with the delicate flavors of snowball cookies.
- Spiced Applesauce – The warm spices in applesauce echo the flavors in your cookies, making it an excellent companion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with the sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them tender.
- Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the rolling step: Rolling in cinnamon sugar while warm is key for flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step for best results.
- Baking at incorrect temperatures: An oven that’s too hot can burn the bottoms. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to keep them from sticking together.
Reheating Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on them.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery cookies coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.
Can I customize the nuts in my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?
Yes! You can add finely chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Just fold them into the dough before baking.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden brown bottoms and set edges. The tops may still appear pale, but they will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile treats that can be enjoyed year-round. Their delightful flavor and festive appearance make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different nuts or spices to suit your taste! Try making these cozy cookies today; they’re sure to become a favorite!
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a must-try treat that captures the essence of warmth and joy during festive gatherings. These delightful cookies feature a melt-in-your-mouth texture, enriched by the comforting flavors of cinnamon and butter. Coated in a snowy layer of cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar, they not only taste heavenly but also look stunning on any dessert table. Perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy evenings at home, or gifting to friends and family, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- If desired, fold in finely chopped nuts for added texture.
- Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
- While warm, roll each cookie in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a delightful snowy finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to maintain shape. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. Customize with different nuts or spices for unique flavor variations.