If you’re searching for a new holiday favorite or simply craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat with a snuggly twist, these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are everything you love about classic butterballs—only dressed up in a sweet, warmly spiced cinnamon sugar coat. Each bite is irresistibly tender, buttery, and just the right amount of crumbly, making them perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy afternoons with a mug of something hot. You’ll fall for the playful combination of textures, the delicate nuttiness (if you choose to add it), and the way the cinnamon sugar sparkles like fresh snowfall. If you love the comfort of cinnamon and the nostalgia of snowball cookies, this is your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is surprisingly easy, with each one playing a key role in the cookie’s flavor, texture, or irresistible appearance. These familiar pantry staples come together to create pure magic, so let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the show, lending creaminess and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the dough while keeping it delicately soft and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, comforting aroma that rounds out all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and gives the cookies their classic snowball shape.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness beautifully balanced—don’t skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon: Works double duty in the dough and in the coating for that warm, cozy spice in every bite.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Introduces a lovely nutty crunch—feel free to leave these out for a nut-free version.
- Granulated Sugar: Mixes with cinnamon for the crackly, sweet coating that gives these cookies their iconic sparkle.
- Extra Ground Cinnamon (for coating): Melds with the sugar to create that irresistible cinnamon sugar crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Before anything else, get your oven preheated to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—especially handy if you get a little generous with the cinnamon sugar later on!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is key for achieving those whisper-soft, tender Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a subtle, sweet aroma.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Add your all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon right into the bowl. Mix just until the dough comes together without overworking, which ensures your cookies stay crumbly and delicate. If you’re using nuts, fold them in gently at this stage for a subtle nutty crunch.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough—using a cookie scoop helps keep things uniform—and roll each one between your palms to create perfect little balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart; they won’t spread much but giving them room lets them bake to perfection.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Golden
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for light golden bottoms while the tops remain pale and elegant—this is the secret to those dreamy textures only Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies can deliver. Remove from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and extra ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the cookies are still warm (but not too hot to handle!), gently roll each one until it’s bathed in a twinkling, spiced sugar coat. For a thicker, sweeter crust, give them an encore roll once they’ve cooled completely. It’s pure cookie magic!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Garnishes
A gentle dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a light snowfall of powdered sugar takes these cookies from charming to stunning. For an extra seasonal touch, try a sprinkle of edible glitter or a tiny hint of orange zest—it will pair beautifully with the cinnamon.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a mug of steaming coffee, spicy chai, or classic hot cocoa. Serve them on a dessert board with chocolate-dipped fruit or other holiday cookies for an inviting spread. If you’re keeping things light, fresh berries add a festive pop of color and a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a handmade edible gift. Arrange them in cupcake liners for a polished party platter or display them in a rustic bowl scattered with cinnamon sticks for extra aroma. Don’t be afraid to mix up sizes for a playful, snowball-y look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies keep beautifully for up to five days in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment or wax paper between them if you’re stacking to prevent sticking and preserve that signature sugar coating.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after baking—just make sure they’re fully cooled first. Pop them into a freezer-safe container with parchment layers, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and, for a dazzling presentation, re-roll them in a bit more cinnamon sugar before serving.
Reheating
While these cookies are lovely at room temp, a few seconds in the microwave can warm them just enough to release their buttery aroma and soften the crumb. Don’t overdo it—ten seconds is usually perfect! A quick re-roll in cinnamon sugar after reheating brings them back to their freshly baked glory.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! Omitting the pecans or walnuts won’t change the texture much, and you’ll still get all the buttery, crumbly magic of the original. They’re just as delicious nut-free, making them perfect for school parties or anyone with allergies.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while warm?
The warmth helps the cinnamon sugar adhere in a deliciously thick layer that clings to every curve. Rolling a second time once they’ve cooled gives them an even more luxurious coating—like a winter coat for your cookies!
What’s the best way to chop the nuts?
A quick pulse in a food processor or a rough chop with a sharp knife works well. Aim for a fine but not powdery texture; small bits give the cookies gentle crunch without overwhelming the tender crumb.
Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, freeze them solid on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just add a minute or two to bake time. Roll in cinnamon sugar as directed for impossibly fresh Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies any time you like.
How do I keep my cookies from spreading during baking?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and measure your flour carefully to avoid a loose dough. Snowball cookies are meant to hold their rounded shape—chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking also helps, especially on a warm day.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tasted Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies fresh from the oven, you’re in for a true treat. These little gems are cozy, nostalgic, and filled with simple pleasures. Whether you bake them for the holidays or just a pick-me-up snack, I hope you’ll share a batch with friends—and maybe even start your own delicious tradition!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With a buttery, nutty flavor and a coating of sweet cinnamon sugar, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, and mix until combined. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Shape Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture (combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon). Let cool completely, then roll again for a thicker coating if desired.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts without affecting texture.
- You can also use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
