If you are searching for a delightfully cozy treat that melts in your mouth and brings a touch of warmth to any occasion, this Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, buttery cookies dusted generously with cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar create a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. Not only are they easy to make, but each bite offers a nostalgic charm that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, an afternoon snack, or just because, these cookies always steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in making these cookies perfectly tender, buttery, and fragrant. From the rich butter to the aromatic cinnamon, every component contributes to the cookies’ irresistible flavor and texture.
- 1 cup butter (softened): The backbone of the cookie’s richness and soft texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create that tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and allows the cookies to hold their shape.
- 4 ounces very finely chopped pecans (about 1 cup): Adds a pleasant, slightly crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: For the luscious coating that gives the cookies their signature ‘snowball’ look.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Mixed into the coating, this brings the comforting and festive spice that defines the recipe.
How to Make Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F to ensure it reaches just the right temperature while you prepare the dough. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Next, add in the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Mix everything gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t worry if the dough seems a little crumbly at this point – that’s perfectly normal and helps keep the cookies light and delicate.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll the mixture into balls and place them about 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start to set but the cookies remain pale. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to stay soft and tender.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Powdered Sugar Coating
While the cookies are baking, combine the ¾ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a zip-top bag or a large container with a lid. This cinnamon-spiked sugar mixture is what transforms each cookie into a snowy, flavorful delight.
Step 5: Coat the Cookies and Cool
Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them while still warm into the cinnamon powdered sugar mixture. Shake gently to coat each cookie evenly. This warm coating step is vital as it allows the sugar and cinnamon to cling perfectly, giving the cookies their trademark “snowball” appearance and taste.
How to Serve Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful on their own, but if you want to get fancy, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon powdered sugar right before serving. A delicate drizzle of white chocolate or a few whole pecans placed on top of each cookie before baking also adds a charming touch.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with hot drinks like spiced chai tea, pumpkin latte, or a classic cup of coffee. The cozy spices in the cookies complement flavors in warm beverages perfectly, making your snack time feel like a comforting retreat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dessert spread, arrange these cookies on a tiered platter with small sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with twine for a lovely homemade gift that anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed well preserves their delicate texture and keeps the powdered sugar coating fresh and intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked and coated cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature while keeping them covered to avoid moisture.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft and fresh, gently warming them in a low oven for 5 minutes can refresh their tender texture if they’ve been stored. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them too soft or cause the coating to dissolve.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans for other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully and provide a similar crunch and flavor. Just chop them finely like the pecans to keep the texture balanced.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for baking for a gluten-free version, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?
The key is not to overbake them and to coat them while still warm, which helps lock in moisture. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their tender texture.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, if you have nut allergies or prefer nut-free, you can omit them entirely. The cookies will still be delicious, just a bit different in texture.
Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a vanilla extract without alcohol. Keep in mind, the texture will be slightly different but still tasty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe a try because it effortlessly combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor. Every batch brings a little extra warmth and happiness to the table, making it a go-to recipe for cozy days and special moments alike. Once you taste these fluffy, buttery, cinnamon-kissed cookies, they will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Cinnamon Snowball Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery dough, finely chopped pecans, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are easy to prepare and ideal for sharing during holidays or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces very finely chopped pecans (about 1 cup)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your cookies are ready for baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are just combined; the dough might be slightly crumbly, which is expected.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to set but the cookies remain pale.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the cookies bake, mix together ¾ cup powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a zip-top bag or large container. This will be used to coat the cookies while they are still warm.
- Coat the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them into the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently shake to coat each cookie evenly, forming the signature snowball appearance.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best dough consistency.
- Chopping pecans very finely helps distribute the nutty flavor evenly in each bite.
- If you prefer, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to keep them fresh.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and consider adding an extra ¼ cup flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
