Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, infusing the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon into a traditional favorite. These bite-sized, buttery confections are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. The addition of cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also adds a cozy, comforting element that makes these cookies irresistible.
Snowball cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Their simple yet rich flavor profile, typically featuring butter, sugar, and nuts, has made them a beloved treat worldwide. In this cinnamon-infused variation, the nuts are often omitted, making them suitable for those with nut allergies, while still maintaining the delectable, melt-in-your-mouth texture that snowball cookies are known for.
The process of making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is straightforward, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The dough comes together quickly with just a handful of pantry staples, and the cookies bake up in a matter of minutes. Once out of the oven, they’re rolled in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a sweet, spiced coating that complements the tender cookie inside.
These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a lovely addition to holiday cookie trays, can be packaged as gifts, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Their festive appearance and delightful flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any event.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the ingredients needed to make these cookies, step-by-step preparation instructions, common mistakes to avoid, ingredient alternatives for dietary preferences, tips and tricks for perfect results, serving suggestions, answers to frequently asked questions, and a concluding note on why Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies should be on your baking list.
Ingredients
To create a batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. The butter provides the rich, tender texture characteristic of snowball cookies.
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup for the dough, plus additional for rolling the baked cookies. Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the dough, ensuring a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups, measured accurately to avoid dense cookies. Flour forms the structure of the cookies.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for the dough, plus an additional 1 teaspoon to mix with the powdered sugar coating. Cinnamon infuses the cookies with warm, spicy notes.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
Preparation
Creating Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is a straightforward process that yields delightful results. Follow these steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Add Vanilla and Cinnamon: Mix in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Incorporate the Flour and Salt: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Shape the Cookies: After chilling, divide the dough into 1-inch balls, rolling them between your palms for a uniform shape. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops of the cookies should remain pale. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the cookies to become dry.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re cooling, prepare the coating by combining powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is relatively simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the texture, flavor, and overall appearance of the cookies. By keeping these pitfalls in mind, you can ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Skipping the Butter Softening Step
Using butter that is too cold or too melted can compromise the texture of the cookies. Softened butter is essential to create a smooth and creamy base when mixed with powdered sugar. If the butter is too cold, it won’t incorporate properly, resulting in uneven dough. If too melted, the dough may become greasy, leading to cookies that spread too much during baking. - Overmixing the Dough
Once the flour is added, it’s important to mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the cookies dense and tough instead of tender and crumbly. Use a light hand when incorporating the dry ingredients. - Skipping the Chilling Process
Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that lose their shape during baking. Chilling the dough firms up the butter, ensuring the cookies hold their round, snowball-like form in the oven. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute chill in the freezer can make a significant difference. - Overbaking
Snowball cookies are meant to be soft and crumbly. Baking them until they’re golden all over can make them dry and hard. Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the bottoms are lightly golden, while the tops remain pale. - Coating Cookies When They’re Too Hot or Too Cold
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar when they’re too hot can cause the sugar to melt, resulting in a sticky coating. On the other hand, waiting until the cookies are completely cool may prevent the sugar from sticking properly. The ideal time to coat them is when they’re warm, but not hot. - Ignoring Accurate Measurements
Precise measurements are crucial for baking. Using too much flour can make the dough dry and crumbly, while too little can result in cookies that spread too much. Always measure your ingredients accurately, preferably using a kitchen scale.
Ingredient Alternatives
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and ingredient availabilities. Here are some ingredient alternatives to try:
- Butter Substitutes
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. Note that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor, which pairs well with cinnamon. - Gluten-Free Flour
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to replicate the structure provided by gluten. - Powdered Sugar Alternatives
For a refined sugar-free option, use powdered erythritol or another sugar-free powdered sweetener. These alternatives work well in both the dough and the coating. - Cinnamon Variations
If you want to experiment with different spices, try swapping cinnamon with ground cardamom, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice for a unique twist. - Nutty Additions
While this recipe is nut-free, you can incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor. - Vanilla Extract Alternatives
Replace vanilla extract with almond extract or a dash of maple syrup for a different flavor profile. - Low-Sodium Option
Skip the added salt if you’re watching your sodium intake. The sweetness and cinnamon flavor will still shine through. - Sugar-Free Coating
If you’re avoiding added sugars, you can dust the cookies lightly with cinnamon alone or use a sugar-free powdered sweetener for the coating.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies turn out flawless and irresistible, follow these tried-and-true tips and tricks. These small adjustments can make a significant difference in the final product.
- Chill the Dough for Precision
Chilling the dough is non-negotiable if you want perfectly shaped cookies. It prevents the butter from melting too quickly in the oven and helps the cookies retain their snowball-like appearance. For best results, chill for at least an hour or even overnight. - Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity
A small cookie scoop ensures that each snowball is the same size. This not only looks better but also guarantees even baking, so you don’t end up with underdone or overdone cookies. - Double-Coat the Cookies for Extra Sweetness
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar once to create a sticky base, then let them cool slightly and roll them again. This second coating ensures a thick, snowy appearance and enhances the sweetness. - Toast Your Spices
For a deeper flavor, toast your ground cinnamon briefly in a dry pan before incorporating it into the recipe. This step intensifies the spice’s warmth and aroma. - Experiment with Flavor Layers
Adding a touch of zest, such as orange or lemon, can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Simply mix the zest into the dough with the other wet ingredients. - Store with Care
These cookies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve. - Serve Creatively
Pair your snowball cookies with a spiced hot beverage like chai tea or a cinnamon latte for a cozy dessert experience. You can also package them in festive tins as gifts for holidays or special occasions.
Suggestions
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be served or paired in creative ways to elevate their appeal. Here are some suggestions for serving and enjoying these cookies:
- Holiday Gift Boxes
These cookies make excellent holiday gifts. Arrange them in decorative tins or boxes with layers of parchment paper, and add a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat. - Cookie Platters
Serve them alongside other holiday cookies, such as gingerbread men or chocolate crinkle cookies, for a visually stunning and flavorful assortment. - Dessert Boards
Incorporate snowball cookies into a dessert charcuterie board. Pair them with chocolate truffles, candied nuts, and fresh fruits like berries or sliced oranges. - Ice Cream Pairing
Crumble these cookies over vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a quick and indulgent dessert. You can also use them as a crunchy topping for sundaes. - Holiday Brunch
Include these cookies in a holiday brunch spread alongside other treats like cinnamon rolls, mini muffins, and hot cocoa. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. - Dipping Options
Serve the cookies with small bowls of chocolate or caramel sauce for dipping. This adds an extra layer of richness and makes them even more indulgent. - Kid-Friendly Decorating
Let children help by rolling the cookies in powdered sugar or adding edible decorations like sprinkles or food-safe glitter for a festive twist.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also freeze the shaped dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer. - Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. - Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This can happen if the dough wasn’t chilled adequately. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before baking. - How can I make these cookies extra soft?
Don’t overbake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the bottoms are lightly golden, and the tops are still pale. - Can I substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar?
No, powdered sugar is essential for the soft texture and the signature coating of these cookies. - How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them. - Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Absolutely! Finely chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries can add a delicious twist to the cookies. - Can I skip the cinnamon?
Yes, you can make traditional snowball cookies by omitting the cinnamon and adding a different flavor, such as almond or lemon extract. - Can I use this recipe for other shapes?
While this dough is best suited for snowball shapes, you can experiment with other small, rounded shapes if desired. - Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they’re perfect for gifting, especially during holidays. Pack them in decorative containers for a delightful homemade treat.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a timeless treat, blending the buttery, crumbly texture of classic snowball cookies with the warmth of cinnamon. Their versatility and simplicity make them perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy evening snack. By following the detailed steps, tips, and tricks provided here, you’ll be able to create cookies that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your repertoire. Share the joy of baking and savor the irresistible flavors of these delightful cookies
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Treat
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for the dough)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix it in.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- If using, fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden, but the tops remain pale. Be careful not to overbake.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
- While still warm, roll the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating them evenly.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies