Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and cozy cinnamon flavor, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during a quiet evening at home. Their snowy powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch, making them an irresistible addition to your winter celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and warm cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as a sweet surprise for family gatherings.
• Perfect Texture: With a tender crumb and melt-away quality, these cookies offer a delightful experience in every bite.
• Festive Appearance: The snowy finish from the cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar makes these cookies visually appealing for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients effectively.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light, fluffy texture by properly creaming butter and sugar.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for even baking of your cookies.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Add Nuts (Optional)

Fold in finely chopped nuts if desired. This will add extra texture to your cookies.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough, spacing them about an inch apart on the sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

Step 6: Roll in Sugar Coating

While warm, roll each cookie in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Once they have cooled down, roll them again to add an extra festive snowy coating.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy these festive treats.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy pairing with these cookies.
• Tea: Try herbal or spiced teas to enhance the cinnamon notes in the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Nuts: Offer a bowl of mixed nuts for added crunch and contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh apple or pear slices can provide a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
• Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an unexpected savory twist.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Cookie Exchange: Bring these cookies to a cookie swap for a festive touch that everyone will love.
• Gift Baskets: Package them beautifully in gift baskets alongside other holiday goodies.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter integrates better with sugar, creating a light texture in cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies due to excess flour.
• Roll Warm Cookies Carefully: Roll each cookie in cinnamon sugar immediately after baking for better adherence.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with warm cookies.
2. Whipped Cream: Lighten things up by serving with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
3. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote adds both sweetness and acidity, balancing out the cookie’s richness.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce brings a decadent touch that pairs well with buttery cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce: Sweet caramel sauce provides an additional layer of flavor and richness when drizzled over cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast that complements sweet treats.

Enjoy your baking and serving experience with these delightful suggestions!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes for the best results.

• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened, as this helps create the right texture. Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you find your dough too sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour can make cookies too dry and heavy.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly golden on the bottoms but still soft in the middle when you take them out.
• Forgetting to roll in sugar while warm: Rolling cookies in cinnamon sugar while they’re warm allows for better coating adhesion. Don’t wait too long after baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

• Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be stored frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: For a quick refresh, place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making and enjoying Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Can I use different nuts in my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute with your favorite nuts like pecans or walnuts for a unique flavor.

How do I make my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies more festive?

Consider adding colored sprinkles or using flavored extracts like almond instead of vanilla.

What is the best way to store my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Are Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for holiday gift baskets or cookie exchanges.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their rich buttery flavor combined with warm cinnamon makes them ideal for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or flavored extracts to make them truly your own. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!