Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe Delightful Easy

There’s something magical about cinnamon sugar snowball cookies. They’re delicate, buttery, and coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar that makes them utterly irresistible. I’ve been baking these cookies for over 20 years, ever since my grandmother shared her secret recipe with me. She always said the key was using the best quality butter and not overmixing the dough. And you know what? She was right! This updated recipe incorporates a few of my own tweaks, learned through many batches (and a few delightful failures!), resulting in the most tender, flavorful snowball cookies you’ll ever taste. Especially with the holidays around the corner, these cookies make the perfect gift, party treat, or simply a cozy indulgence on a cold winter night. Trust me, these cookies are about to become your new holiday baking tradition!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Perfect Snowballs

The Butter: Foundation of Flavor

The quality of your butter truly makes a difference. I always opt for unsalted European-style butter because of its higher fat content, which contributes to a more tender crumb. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature – but not melted! – before you start. I’ve found that slightly softened butter incorporates into the dry ingredients much more evenly, resulting in a smoother dough.

Flour Power: Choosing the Right Type

All-purpose flour works perfectly well for these cookies. However, for an even more delicate texture, you can use cake flour. If you do use cake flour, be sure to spoon and level it into your measuring cup, as it tends to pack more tightly than all-purpose flour.

Sweetness and Spice: The Perfect Blend

Powdered sugar is essential for these cookies, both in the dough and for coating them. It provides a delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t skip the vanilla extract either! A high-quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds a lovely warmth. And of course, we can’t forget the cinnamon, it’s what makes these snowballs taste like winter holidays!

Making the Dough: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The goal here is to incorporate air into the mixture, which will help create a light and tender cookie.

Adding the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. That’s a mistake I made the first time I tried baking these. They came out flat and hard as a rock.

Chilling the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the butter to firm up, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Chilling also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 15 minutes, but I find that 30 minutes yields the best results.

Baking Your Snowball Cookies to Perfection

Preheating and Preparing

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Shaping the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This will allow them to spread slightly without running into each other.

Baking Time

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will become dry and crumbly. They should still be slightly soft to the touch when you remove them from the oven.

The Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The Finishing Touch

Preparing the Coating

While the cookies are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine powdered sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.

Coating the Cookies

While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are completely coated. The warmth of the cookies will help the sugar adhere.

Double Coating (Optional)

For an extra-generous coating, let the cookies cool slightly and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture again. This will give them a beautiful, snowy appearance.

Storing and Serving Your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re also wonderful served with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. They make a perfect addition to holiday cookie plates and are always a hit at parties. I also love to give them as gifts – a small jar filled with these cookies is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Here are a few extra tips I’ve learned over the years to ensure your snowball cookies are a smashing success:

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up, which will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter incorporates into the dry ingredients more evenly, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Coat the cookies while they’re warm: The warmth of the cookies will help the sugar adhere.
• Double coat for extra sweetness: For an extra-generous coating, let the cookies cool slightly and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture again.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices to the dough, such as nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom. You can also add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Why are my snowball cookies flat?

There are a few reasons why your snowball cookies might be flat. One common cause is using butter that is too soft or melted. The butter should be softened to room temperature but not melted. Another reason could be overmixing the dough, which develops the gluten in the flour and causes the cookies to spread. Be sure to mix until just combined. Finally, make sure your oven is properly preheated and that you’re not baking the cookies on a hot baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make these cookies ahead of time. The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine instead of butter, I don’t recommend it. Butter provides a richer flavor and a more tender texture. Margarine often contains more water than butter, which can result in cookies that spread too much and are less flavorful.

How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?

To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, line the baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also use a silicone baking mat. These mats provide a non-stick surface that is easy to clean.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Yes, you can definitely add nuts to these cookies. I recommend using finely chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the dough along with the dry ingredients.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is really the best option for these cookies, as it dissolves easily into the dough and creates a smooth, delicate texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can try using granulated sugar. Just be sure to process the granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s very fine. You’ll also want to use slightly less granulated sugar than powdered sugar, as it’s more concentrated.

Why are my cookies so crumbly?

Crumbly cookies can result from a few issues. The most common cause is overbaking, which dries out the cookies. Be sure to keep a close eye on them while they’re baking and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden brown. Another potential culprit is using too much flour. Ensure you’re measuring the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. And finally, not enough fat (butter) in the recipe can also lead to crumbly cookies. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of butter and that it’s softened to room temperature.

Share the Joy of Snowball Cookies

These cinnamon sugar snowball cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a memory in the making. Every bite is a reminder of cozy winter nights, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing something delicious. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. And if you do, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy baking, and happy holidays!

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