Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe

There’s something truly special about Cinnamon Snowball Cookies—their delicate crumb and gentle cinnamon warmth remind me of cozy afternoons and heartfelt conversations. These charming little treats are incredibly simple to whip up, yet each bite bursts with buttery richness, a whisper of vanilla, and that perfect dusting of powdered sugar that makes every moment feel like a celebration. If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm hug and can elevate any tea time or festive gathering, Cinnamon Snowball Cookies are absolutely the way to go.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Cinnamon Snowball Cookies plays a starring role, working together to create a balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. The baker’s harmony between spices and buttery dough means you don’t need an overwhelming list—just a few essentials to transform your kitchen into a cookie haven.

• Salted butter: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and smoothness to the dough and acts as a delightful finishing touch.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic undertone that makes the cookies irresistible.
• Cinnamon: The heart of the recipe, infusing every bite with cozy spice and an inviting scent.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, lending structure and that classic cookie crumb.

How to Make Cinnamon Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get everything nice and hot for perfect baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, which not only prevents sticking but also helps you achieve those pretty, golden bottoms every cookie dreams of.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy—that fluffy texture is key for light, tender cookies. Then, add powdered sugar and continue beating for about two minutes until the mixture looks lighter and airy, giving your cookies their delicate crumb.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cinnamon

Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon next, carefully scraping the bowl’s sides to evenly distribute the warm spices throughout the dough. This step fills your kitchen with cozy cinnamon magic and sets the delicious tone for what’s to come.

Step 4: Combine With Flour

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour just until it’s combined—overmixing will make the cookies tough, so be tender in your approach. The dough should hold together softly, begging you to roll it into those perfect little balls.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Gather the dough into a ball and tuck it into a covered bowl in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This chilling step is essential for the cookies to hold their shape and develop beautiful texture during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Divide the chilled dough into 12 equal balls, around 1 inch each, and place them on your lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges turn a subtle golden brown—this is your cue that cinnamon snowball perfection is near.

Step 7: Cool and Coat

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then generously roll or sprinkle them with powdered sugar, adding an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. This snowy dusting is what truly brings these cookies to life.

How to Serve Cinnamon Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

While the classic powdered sugar coating is a must, you can also add a slight twist by sprinkling a pinch of extra cinnamon or even a dusting of nutmeg to bring new layers of warmth. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can create a sophisticated finish for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, a bold espresso, or even a creamy glass of cold milk. Serving Cinnamon Snowball Cookies alongside a fresh fruit compote or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can turn them into an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, arrange the Cinnamon Snowball Cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment, tied with a festive ribbon. Alternatively, stack them on a pretty plate and sprinkle powdered sugar tableside for a charming effect that will impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store the Cinnamon Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender for up to a week, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for those busy days when you want a sweet pick-me-up.

Freezing

If you want to keep these delights longer, freeze the uncoated dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. You can also freeze the baked cookies after cooling by wrapping them tightly. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhances the cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Absolutely! Just add a pinch of salt to your dough to keep that perfect balance of flavors that salted butter naturally provides.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough is key for Cinnamon Snowball Cookies. It firms up the butter so the cookies keep their round shape rather than spreading too thin during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure to check that it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the texture.

Why do my cookies sometimes come out crumbly?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause crumbliness. Keep an eye on the baking time and measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.

What’s the best way to get the powdered sugar to stick to the cookies?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar right after they come out of the oven, while they’re still warm and slightly tacky, helps the sugar adhere beautifully for that signature “snowball” finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that perfect little cookie that’s both comforting and impressive, Cinnamon Snowball Cookies are the answer. Their buttery crumb and cinnamon-kissed sugar coating make them a timeless favorite that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give this recipe a try, and I promise these cookies will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.

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