Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon snowball cookies are tender, buttery treats rolled in a fragrant cinnamon sugar coating. These delightful bites are perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a warm spice finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces very finely chopped pecans (about 1 cup)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until combined; the dough may feel slightly crumbly but hold together.
- Step 4: Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, shape them into balls and place on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Step 6: While the cookies bake, mix together ¾ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large container or zip-top bag for coating.
- Step 7: Let the baked cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently shake to coat each cookie completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with toasted shredded coconut or omit nuts altogether.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and make shaping easier.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth and flavor.
Storage
Store cinnamon snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to regain a freshly baked texture if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. Just be sure to chop them finely to maintain the cookie’s delicate texture.
Why are my cookies not forming balls easily?
If the dough is too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or chill the dough briefly. Softening the butter properly at room temperature helps the dough come together smoothly.
Print
Cinnamon Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty delights rolled in a sweet cinnamon powdered sugar coating. Soft and crumbly on the inside with a crisp sugary shell, these festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces very finely chopped pecans (about 1 cup)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Coating
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until everything is just combined; the dough may appear slightly crumbly, which is normal.
- Form Cookies: Using about 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll into balls and place them about 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Prepare Coating: While the cookies bake, combine ¾ cup powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl or zip-top bag for easy coating.
- Cool and Coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer the warm cookies to the powdered sugar and cinnamon mixture and gently shake or toss to coat them completely.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier mixing and better cookie texture.
- Finely chopping pecans ensures an even distribution throughout the cookie.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies to keep them tender inside.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon snowball cookies, holiday cookies, pecan cookies, powdered sugar cookies, cinnamon cookies
