Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery cookies rolled in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating that adds a delightful sweetness and spice. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for holiday baking or any cozy occasion, featuring optional chopped nuts for added texture and nuttiness.
- Author: Rami
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookies
- 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 tsp ground cinnamon (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures a tender cookie.
- Add vanilla extract: Mix in the vanilla extract to the butter mixture to enhance the flavor complexity of the cookies.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in nuts: If using, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and flavor.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Watch carefully to prevent overbaking, which can dry out the cookies.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar coating: While the cookies bake, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl to create the coating.
- Cool and coat cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- Final cooling: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure cookies don’t stick.
- For an extra touch, dust additional cinnamon sugar on top after the cookies have cooled.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep cookies soft and tender.
Keywords: Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, Snowball Cookies, Cinnamon Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Butter Cookies, Nut Cookies