If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, you’ll love these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies! They are not only delicious but also super fun to make, especially when the weather outside is chilly. These cookies have a unique buttery texture that just melts in your mouth, paired with a cozy hint of cinnamon that wraps you in a hug. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

The best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family baking sessions. You can even prepare them ahead of time and share them with friends during the festive season. Trust me; everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery goodness makes each bite feel like a warm hug.
Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love rolling the cookies in powdered sugar—it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Make-Ahead Delight: Bake these cookies in advance and store them for a sweet treat whenever you need it.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this cozy treat!

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

For Rolling

Extra cinnamon
Extra powdered sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Add Different Nuts: Try swapping out the finely chopped nuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor twist.
Make It Chocolatey: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate version of these cookies.
Infuse with Citrus: A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing brightness to the flavors.
Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding the vanilla extract at this stage enhances the flavor too!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender and delicate.

Step 3: Fold in Nuts

If you’re using nuts, now’s the time! Gently fold them into your dough for added texture. This step is optional but adds an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place them about an inch apart on the sheet. Baking them until just golden brown on the bottoms ensures they remain soft inside while developing that lovely golden hue.

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

While your cookies are still warm from the oven, roll each one in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. This gives them their signature snowy look! Once cooled completely, roll them again in more sugar for an even sweeter finish—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

And there you have it—a beautiful batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ready to brighten your day! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your cookie game!

Use room-temperature butter: Ensuring your butter is softened at room temperature helps create a fluffy texture when creamed with sugar, resulting in tender cookies.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten formation, which keeps the cookies light and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft to roll into balls, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This will make handling easier and help maintain their shape while baking.
Roll in sugar twice: Rolling your cookies in cinnamon-sugar first while they’re warm allows for better adherence. A second roll after cooling gives them that extra snowy finish!
Experiment with nut types: While walnuts and pecans are traditional choices, try using almonds or hazelnuts for a unique taste twist. Just ensure they’re finely chopped for even distribution.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Presenting your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies can be as delightful as baking them! Here are some fun ideas to showcase these sweet treats.

Garnishes

Sprinkled cinnamon: A light dusting of additional ground cinnamon over the cookies adds a touch of spice and visual appeal.
Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint on the side can add a pop of color and freshness that complements the warm flavors of the cookies.

Side Dishes

Hot cocoa: The rich, creamy taste of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with these cookies, making it a perfect cozy beverage for winter gatherings.
Spiced chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the cinnamon flavor of the cookies, creating a wonderful pairing for an afternoon treat.
Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cookies and makes for an indulgent dessert experience!
Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies with its natural tartness—perfect for brunch or holiday parties.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family with your homemade Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cookies anytime. You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them for those moments when a sweet craving hits.

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If you prefer, layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw cookies at room temperature before enjoying.
If you’d like them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies:

Can I use margarine instead of butter in Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter. Just ensure it’s softened to achieve that fluffy texture!

How do I add more flavor to my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?

You can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of nutmeg or using flavored extracts like almond along with the vanilla!

Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional. The cookies will still be delightful without them.

What makes Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies so special?

These cookies combine a buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful cinnamon sweetness, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies! Their tender texture and warm flavors make them truly special for sharing with loved ones during the holidays—or any day you need a little sweetness. Enjoy baking and savoring each bite; I can’t wait for you to taste them!