If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s full of flavor and sure to impress, look no further than these Cinnamon Snowballs! Imagine taking a bite into a soft, buttery cookie dusted in a sweet cinnamon coating that’ll instantly make you feel like you’re cozied up next to a winter fire. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re sharing them with family during the holidays or simply indulging in a sweet snack. Trust me, you’re going to want to make a batch (or two!) of these little snowball delights!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Snowballs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating cozy moments that feel like a warm hug. Here’s why these snowballs are a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat. You’ll be able to enjoy them any time the craving hits.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients—just pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour. It’s proof that simple ingredients can make the most delicious treats.
Quick and Easy: With just a few straightforward steps, these cinnamon snowballs come together in no time. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy enough for a beginner but delicious enough for everyone, this is it.
Customizable: You can switch things up by adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate to make them your own. Feel free to experiment and make them just the way you like!
Crowd-Pleasing: They’re always a hit, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply making a batch to enjoy with a cup of tea. These cookies are perfect for sharing and watching smiles bloom.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cinnamon snowballs:
Butter: The base of these cookies. It adds that melt-in-your-mouth texture and richness that makes each bite irresistible.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way! This sugar helps create that perfectly tender cookie texture.
Flour: The backbone of the dough, helping hold everything together while still keeping the cookie soft.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! This warm spice gives the cookies their cozy, comforting flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the cookies after baking, giving them that classic snowball look and adding just the right amount of sweetness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to bake these cinnamon snowballs? Here’s how to make them:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out golden and perfectly crisp.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the flour and cinnamon, and mix until the dough comes together. It’ll be soft but firm enough to roll into balls.
Form the Snowballs: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet. They’ll spread a little as they bake, so leave some space between each one.
Bake: Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just starting to turn golden around the edges. You want them to stay soft, so be careful not to overbake!
Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, roll them in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. This gives them that signature snowball look and adds a sweet finish.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the snowballs to cool completely before enjoying. The powdered sugar will set, leaving you with the perfect bite-sized treats!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150
(Note: The full nutritional details are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Serve Cinnamon Snowballs
These snowballs are great on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are a few ideas:
Hot Chocolate: Pair them with a cup of creamy hot cocoa. The sweet, spiced cookies are the perfect complement to a rich, warm drink.
Coffee or Tea: Serve them alongside your morning coffee or an afternoon tea. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them the perfect snack for any time of day.
Fruit: Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and buttery cookies.
On a Cookie Platter: These snowballs would look gorgeous on a festive holiday cookie platter alongside other treats like gingerbread or shortbread.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
Customize the Coating: If you want a twist on the classic snowball look, roll the cookies in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead of just powdered sugar for a spicier finish.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine.
Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
Make It a Family Affair: This is a great recipe for baking with kids. They’ll love rolling the dough into little balls and helping to coat them in powdered sugar!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the butter with something else?
A1: Yes, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free. The texture may change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and fresh!
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Let them thaw before serving.
Q5: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
Q6: How can I make these cookies more festive?
A6: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the dough, or top them with a sprinkle of colored sugar for a holiday touch.
Q7: Can I use a hand mixer instead of creaming by hand?
A7: Yes! A hand mixer or stand mixer will work perfectly to cream the butter and sugar together.
Q8: Can I make these cookies larger?
A8: Sure! Just adjust the baking time and watch them closely. Larger cookies may need an extra minute or two in the oven.
Q9: What’s the best way to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
A9: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, gently roll them in powdered sugar. If you want a heavier coating, roll them twice after they’ve cooled completely.
Q10: Can I make these cookies without cinnamon?
A10: Yes! You can substitute cinnamon with a combination of other spices like cardamom, ginger, or even cocoa powder for a unique twist.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Snowballs are the perfect treat to bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion. With their tender texture, cinnamon flavor, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’ll quickly become a holiday (or any day!) favorite. Give them a try, and enjoy the cozy, comforting vibes they bring!
Print
Cinnamon Snowballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a delicious, lightly spiced cookie. They’re easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Coat with Sugar: Let cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once fully cooled, roll them again for a snowy coating.
- Enjoy: Serve and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts or replace with mini chocolate chips.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Make-Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg