Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Treat Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies feature a tender texture with warm cinnamon flavors, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar dusting that makes every bite special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the dough), plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the dough), plus 1 teaspoon for coating
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Step 6: After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops remain pale. Do not overbake.
- Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Combine powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl, then roll the warm cookies in the mixture for an even coating.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra touch, add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a bit of crunch.
- Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- Make mini snowball cookies by rolling dough into smaller balls and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
- If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon taste, increase the cinnamon in the coating mixture.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Warm them slightly in the oven for a few minutes before serving to refresh their soft texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking helps it firm up and maintain its shape, preventing excessive spreading in the oven.
PrintCinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Treat Recipe
These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat featuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With a delightful mix of buttery dough infused with cinnamon and coated generously in cinnamon-spiced powdered sugar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and warm spice, ideal for festive celebrations or cozy moments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (additional for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for tender cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Cinnamon: Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough for easier handling and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Remove dough from refrigerator and divide into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball between your palms for a smooth, uniform shape. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine additional powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated for a sweet, spicy finish.
Notes
- For best results, measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off to avoid dense cookies.
- Make sure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the proper dough consistency.
- Refrigerating the dough is essential to maintain the shape and texture of the cookies.
- Do not overbake, as these cookies are intended to be tender and slightly crumbly, not dry.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Keywords: snowball cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, buttery cookies, powdered sugar cookies
