Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Festive Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen when baking these delightful cinnamon sugar snowball cookies.

Powdery white orbs dusted with fragrant spices bring nostalgic comfort to every bite.

Grandma’s classic recipe whispers stories of cozy winter afternoons spent together.

Delicate and crumbly, these melt-in-your-mouth treats promise pure happiness with minimal effort.

Crisp edges give way to soft, buttery centers that practically dissolve on your tongue.

Rolling these cookies feels like creating edible art, each one a perfect little sphere of joy.

Baking these cookies promises a moment of pure, simple bliss that you’ll cherish.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Every Time

  • Prevent Dough Crumbling: Add a splash of milk if the dough feels too dry and struggles to hold together, ensuring smooth and easy cookie shaping.
  • Ensure Consistent Size: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Gentle Handling Matters: Let cookies cool for 2-3 minutes after baking before rolling in cinnamon sugar to prevent breaking and maintain their delicate structure.
  • Nut-Free Option: Substitute chopped nuts with extra flour or finely ground rolled oats for those with nut allergies without compromising texture.
  • Storage Secret: Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.

How to Keep Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Fresh

  • Store cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their delicate flavor.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make them tough and dry.
  • Dust cookies with fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating to revive their sweet, spicy exterior and enhance their just-baked appearance.

Drinks and Sides for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

  • Rich, velvety hot cocoa perfectly complements the soft, crumbly texture of these cinnamon sugar snowball cookies. The warm, sweet chocolate highlights the delicate nutty and cinnamon notes in the cookies.
  • Fragrant, spicy chai tea creates a delightful harmony with the cookie's warm cinnamon profile. The aromatic blend of cardamom, ginger, and black tea enhances the cookie's subtle sweetness and nutty undertones.
  • Smooth, creamy vanilla latte provides a luxurious backdrop for these delicate snowball cookies. The coffee's rich flavor and subtle sweetness balance the cookie's powdery texture and cinnamon warmth.
  • Chilled, slightly nutty almond milk offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced cookies. Its light, smooth consistency cleanses the palate between bites, making each cookie taste even more delicious.

Fresh Variations on Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly cookie that maintains the same delicate texture and rich flavor.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Remove chopped nuts entirely and replace with rolled oats or additional flour to keep the cookie's structure intact while accommodating nut allergies.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter substitute, replace powdered sugar with coconut sugar, and incorporate ground flaxseed as an egg replacement to craft a dairy-free and egg-free version of these classic cookies.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Utilize monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugars, and reduce the total sugar content while maintaining the cookie's signature sweet cinnamon coating.

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: Why We Keep Baking Them

  • Perfect for cozy winter gatherings, these snowball cookies bring warmth and nostalgic charm to your festive celebrations.
  • Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe an excellent activity for children to help prepare, creating sweet family memories.
  • Adaptable for various occasions like Christmas parties, afternoon tea, or casual weekend dessert sessions with minimal kitchen equipment needed.

What Goes Into Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Soft and creamy base that provides rich flavor and tender texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, classic flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Finely Chopped Nuts: Adds nutty crunch and depth to the cookie texture.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy exterior that gives the cookies their signature snowball look and warm flavor.

Simple Guide to Baking Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Spread parchment paper or a silicone mat on a baking sheet to keep cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Create Magic Dough

In a big mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Soft butter
  • Powdered sugar
Blend until super fluffy. Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Gradually fold in:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Finely chopped nuts

Stir until the mixture transforms into a soft, unified dough ball.

Step 3: Shape Your Treats

Scoop tiny dough portions (about a tablespoon) and roll into perfect little spheres. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cookie. Gently press down to slightly flatten.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown. Watch carefully to keep cookies tender and soft.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Magic

Whisk together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once cookies have cooled slightly, roll each one in the sweet, spicy mixture until completely covered.

Step 6: Cool and Indulge

Let cookies rest on a wire rack until completely cool. Pair with a steaming mug of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful cinnamon sugar snowball cookies bring winter’s warmth to classic holiday baking. Melt-in-mouth Mexican wedding cake style treats promise sweet comfort with powdery sugar coating that whispers festive cheer.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (divided into ½ cup for cookie dough and ½ cup for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Seasoning:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Craft a pristine workspace and calibrate the oven to 350F (175C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal non-stick performance.
  2. Utilizing a mixing vessel, transform softened butter and powdered sugar into a cloud-like, aerated mixture. Infuse vanilla essence, blending thoroughly until harmonious.
  3. Gradually incorporate flour, salt, and meticulously chopped nuts into the creamy foundation, manipulating the ingredients until a supple, cohesive dough emerges.
  4. Delicately sculpt miniature spheres, approximately one tablespoon in volume, positioning them with precision across the prepared baking surface. Apply gentle pressure to marginally flatten each orb.
  5. Transmute the dough within the heated chamber for 10-12 minutes, monitoring for subtle golden edges while preserving a tender interior. Exercise caution to prevent excessive baking.
  6. Simultaneously, construct a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend by amalgamating granulated sugar and aromatic ground cinnamon in a compact receptacle.
  7. Following initial cooling, tenderly enrobe each cookie within the spiced crystalline mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage that transforms the delicate pastries into glistening, sugar-dusted treasures.
  8. Position cookies on a wire rack, allowing complete thermal equilibration before savoring these ethereal confections alongside a steaming beverage.

Notes

  • Customize nut selection based on personal preference or dietary restrictions, such as using almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature but not melted to achieve the perfect dough consistency and prevent greasy cookies.
  • Roll cookies immediately after baking while still warm for better cinnamon sugar adherence and a more even coating.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 113
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 29 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star