Decadent Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine the joy of pulling warm, soft cookies from the oven on a chilly winter day—these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe are the ultimate holiday delight that combines buttery indulgence with a irresistible cinnamon-sugar twist. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe solves the common problem of bland, ordinary snowball cookies by adding a spicy-sweet coating that elevates every bite. As the go-to guide for home bakers, our version ensures perfectly textured treats that are easy to make yet impressively delicious, making it the best Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe you’ll find online.

Picture the sensory bliss of these cookies: the rich, buttery dough melts in your mouth, revealing layers of fluffy softness contrasted by the crunchy cinnamon-sugar exterior. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of warm cinnamon spice, subtle sweetness from powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Snowball Cookies have never tasted so decadent, with their tender crumb and that signature roll in cinnamon-sugar, creating a treat that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful—ideal for Cinnamon Sugar Cookies enthusiasts seeking that perfect balance of textures.

What sets this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe apart on delicetreats.com is our commitment to reliability and innovation, crafted by renowned Chef Lalybeth with years of baking expertise. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a foolproof guide packed with tips, from the Chef’s Secret on achieving an unbeatable cinnamon-sugar coating to avoiding common pitfalls. You’ll learn how to create Christmas Snowball Cookies that are consistently perfect, with detailed instructions, ingredient insights, and answers to your burning questions, ensuring you feel confident and successful in your kitchen every time.

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in the precise cinnamon-sugar rolling technique, which creates an extra layer of spicy sweetness that transforms ordinary Snowball Cookies into a standout treat. By mixing granulated sugar with just the right amount of cinnamon and applying it twice—once before baking and again with powdered sugar after—you lock in moisture and enhance flavor, making these cookies irresistibly crunchy on the outside while staying soft inside. This unique angle sets our recipe apart, drawing from Chef Lalybeth’s expertise to deliver a Cinnamon Sugar Cookies experience that’s far superior to basic versions.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind these cookies comes from the high-fat content in unsalted butter, which creates air pockets during creaming, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. When combined with the precise baking time at 350°F, the edges achieve a light golden crispness without over-baking the center, ensuring that classic snowball fluffiness with a cinnamon twist for Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe perfection.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been rigorously tested multiple times in our kitchens to guarantee success, even for novice bakers. With clear steps and pro tips, you’ll avoid common errors like uneven baking, making it the most reliable Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe available. Trust us—your cookies will turn out picture-perfect every single time.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Unsalted butter, softened, is the heart of these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, providing the rich, creamy base that gives the dough its signature buttery flavor and tender texture. Using high-quality, European-style butter ensures a higher fat content, which leads to better aeration and a melt-in-your-mouth result—avoid generic brands for superior taste. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can substitute with salted butter but reduce the added salt by half to prevent overseasoning.

Powdered sugar, divided, plays a dual role in both the dough and the final coating, offering a smooth sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon spice. Opt for finely sifted powdered sugar to avoid any grittiness; its fine texture helps create that fluffy consistency. For a lower-sugar alternative, try substituting with a powdered sweetener like erythritol, but note that it may slightly alter the cookies’ traditional softness.

Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of these Snowball Cookies. Always choose pure vanilla extract over imitation for its authentic taste, which complements the cinnamon without overpowering it. If needed, substitute with almond extract for a nutty twist, using the same measurement, but test a small batch first to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the dough, providing just the right amount of gluten for a soft, yet hold-together cookie. Using a reputable brand ensures consistency; for the best results, measure by weight rather than volume. If you’re gluten-sensitive, swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the chewy texture.

Cinnamon is the star spice in this recipe, infusing the cookies with a warm, festive essence that makes them ideal for Christmas Snowball Cookies. Freshly ground cinnamon delivers the most potent flavor, so avoid pre-ground varieties that may have lost their zing. For a variation, you could use a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, but keep the quantity the same to preserve the balance of Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe.

A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in these Cinnamon Sugar Cookies, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the cinnamon’s warmth without making the cookies taste salty. High-quality sea salt is best for its mineral notes; if substituting, use the same amount of kosher salt, but be precise to avoid any imbalance in the dough’s taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect bake on your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Pro Tip: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature accuracy, as slight variations can affect baking time and result in unevenly cooked cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air for a tender texture in your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overbeat the mixture once it’s fluffy, as this can make the cookies spread too much; stop mixing as soon as it’s combined.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla Extract

Beat in the teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, which will enhance the aroma and flavor of your dough for these Snowball Cookies.

Pro Tip: For a more intense vanilla flavor, use high-quality extract and add it slowly while mixing to evenly distribute it without curdling the butter.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavors in your Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Always sift the flour if it’s clumpy to prevent dense spots in the dough; unsifted flour can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.

Pro Tip: Use a rubber spatula to fold in the last bits by hand for the perfect consistency in your Cinnamon Sugar Cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Dough Balls

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands, ensuring they are uniform for even baking.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t make the balls too large, as they may not cook through properly; stick to the specified size for optimal results in Christmas Snowball Cookies.

Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

Roll each dough ball in the prepared mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until fully coated, which adds that signature crunchy exterior to your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe.

Pro Tip: Lightly press the coating onto the balls for better adhesion, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Crowding the sheet can cause the cookies to bake unevenly, so use multiple sheets if needed.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, rotating the sheet halfway through for even cooking in your Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe.

Pro Tip: Start checking at 10 minutes to prevent over-baking, as these cookies are best when slightly underdone in the center.

Step 10: Cool and Coat Again

After baking, cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar while still warm to create that classic snowy finish.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Wait exactly 5 minutes before rolling; if they’re too hot, the sugar will melt, and if too cool, it won’t stick properly.

Step 11: Final Cooling

Let the coated cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess in your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Pro Tip: Cooling on a rack allows air circulation, keeping the bottoms crisp.

Serving & Presentation

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies on a festive platter with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect, making them perfect for holiday parties. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa to complement their cinnamon warmth, enhancing the cozy vibe. Beyond holidays, serve as an afternoon snack with fresh fruit like apples or pears to balance the sweetness, or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the dough balls up to 3 days in advance by shaping them, rolling in cinnamon-sugar, and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; simply bake from cold, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time for fresh Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

Storing Leftovers: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days; for longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months to preserve their texture.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original crispness and flavor, reheat frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds, avoiding the oven if they’re in a hurry to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These soft, buttery cookies are rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating for a festive treat that’s perfect for holidays or any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
7. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in the remaining powdered sugar.
11. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra crunch, roll in more cinnamon-sugar after cooling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 1g