Buttery Cinnamon Snowballs: A Sweet Holiday Cookie Recipe

Sweet memories of winter gatherings dance around these delightful cinnamon snowballs that melt softly on your tongue.

Powdery sugar coats each tender morsel with a delicate embrace.

Childhood nostalgia whispers through every crumbly bite of these classic treats.

Home kitchens come alive with the warm, comforting aroma of spiced goodness.

Grandmothers and bakers alike treasure this simple yet magical recipe passed down through generations.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise a moment of pure bliss that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Bake these little wonders and watch faces light up with joy.

Sweet Dusting in Cinnamon Snowballs

• Butter: Creamy base that gives rich flavor and helps cookies hold together, best when softened at room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate texture, choose a fine-quality brand.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor, pure vanilla works best.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough, sifted flour ensures smooth texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, spicy flavor that defines these snowball cookies, fresh and fragrant cinnamon recommended.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.

• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and nutty depth, pecans or walnuts work wonderfully, optional but recommended for texture variation.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a classic snowy appearance, sifted sugar gives a more even and delicate coating.

Cinnamon Snowballs Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Prepare your baking space by heating the oven to 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine softened butter with powdered sugar.

Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Build the Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Stir everything together until a soft dough forms.

If you love extra crunch, fold in some chopped nuts for texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small, adorable round balls about 1-inch in diameter.

Place each cookie ball gently on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.

The cookies should look delicate and slightly set.

Step 6: Create the Snowy Coating

Let the cookies cool for just a few minutes – they should still be warm.

Carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar, creating a beautiful white coating.

Once completely cooled, give them another gentle roll in powdered sugar for an extra snowy effect.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Arrange your beautiful cinnamon snowball cookies on a serving plate.

They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week – if they last that long!

Snowball Cookie Tips For Texture

• Swap pecans or walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a unique flavor twist and added crunch.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to help cookies maintain shape and prevent falling apart during baking.
• Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Use a sifter or fine-mesh strainer for even, light powdered sugar dusting that looks professionally finished.
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a more complex, warming flavor dimension.

Snowball Cookies That Keep Their Shape and Sweetness

• Store cinnamon snowballs in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing their delicate texture.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Gently warm cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or dust with fresh powdered sugar to revive their original delightful appearance and taste.

Light Add-Ons For Cinnamon Snowballs

• Pair Warm Chai Tea: Complement the cinnamon cookies with a spicy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the warm cinnamon notes and provides a cozy drinking experience.
• Create Sweet Wine Delight: Match these delicate snowball cookies with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late harvest Riesling to enhance the cookie's subtle sweetness.
• Brew Creamy Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a smooth vanilla latte or cappuccino, whose creamy texture and mild flavor balance the cookie's rich, nutty profile perfectly.
• Explore Spiced Hot Chocolate: Combine the cookies with a rich, thick hot chocolate sprinkled with extra cinnamon for a decadent winter treat that amplifies the cookie's warmth.

Snowball Cookie Spice Twists

• Gluten-Free Snowballs: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit chopped nuts and substitute with sunflower seeds or additional flour to maintain texture.
• Vegan Cinnamon Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace powdered sugar with organic coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes the texture of these cookies unique?

The combination of butter, powdered sugar, and flour creates a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, while the cinnamon adds a warm, subtle spice.

• Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can easily skip them if you have allergies or simply prefer a nut-free version of the snowball cookies.

• Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll while the cookies are still warm helps the sugar stick better, and the second roll after cooling creates a beautiful, snowy white coating that looks festive and adds extra sweetness.

• Is cinnamon the only spice I can use in this recipe?

While cinnamon is traditional, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create your own unique flavor profile.

Cinnamon Snowballs That Melt In Your Mouth

• Effortless Preparation: These cinnamon snowballs require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers who want to create delightful treats without stress.
• Quick Weekend Treat: With just 30 minutes total time, these cookies are ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert needs.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Kids will love rolling dough balls and coating cookies in powdered sugar, turning this recipe into a fun family activity that creates sweet memories.
• Winter Holiday Charm: Resembling miniature snowballs with their powdery white coating, these cookies capture the cozy winter spirit and make excellent gifts or party treats.

Cinnamon Snowballs Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful cinnamon snowballs bring winter’s magic to your dessert table with their powdery charm. Melt-in-your-mouth Mexican wedding cookies dusted with warm spices promise sweet comfort that transports you to cozy kitchen memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Combine softened butter and powdered sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping until the mixture achieves a pillowy, aerated texture. Infuse with fragrant vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
2. Carefully incorporate flour, ground cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of salt into the creamy base. If desired, gently fold in finely chopped nuts for added complexity and crunch.
3. Using gentle hands, craft uniform spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter. Carefully position these delicate orbs onto a parchment-lined baking surface, ensuring consistent spacing.
4. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven calibrated to 350°F, allowing the delicate cookies to transform for 12-15 minutes. Watch for subtle golden edges signaling perfect doneness.
5. Remove from oven and permit cookies to rest momentarily, maintaining their delicate structure. While still radiating gentle warmth, tenderly enrobe each morsel in a cloud of powdered sugar.
6. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once temperature normalizes, perform a second dusting of powdered sugar, creating a pristine, snow-like exterior that resembles delicate winter landscapes.
7. Transfer the finished confections to an airtight container, where they will maintain their exquisite texture for approximately seven days.

Notes

• Elevate the texture by chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping, which helps prevent spreading and maintains a perfect round shape.
• Create gluten-free versions by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring the same delicate crumbly texture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting nuts before adding them to the dough, which brings out a deeper, richer nutty taste and adds a delightful crunch.
• Keep cookies consistently sized by using a small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon for uniform balls that bake evenly and look professionally made.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg