Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (60 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
For the cinnamon sugar coating:
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
- Prepare the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
If using nuts, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Shape the cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake them because snowball cookies should remain tender and delicate.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar
While the cookies are baking, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat the cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
For an extra sweet cinnamon coating, roll the completely cooled cookies in the cinnamon sugar a second time.
History
Snowball cookies are a classic type of small, buttery holiday cookie traditionally made with flour, butter, sugar, and nuts. They are known by several names around the world, including Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, and butterballs.
The characteristic round shape and powdered or granulated sugar coating give them their snowball-like appearance. Cinnamon sugar adds a warm, fragrant twist to the traditional version and makes these cookies especially popular during the fall and Christmas seasons.
Benefits
Cinnamon contains naturally occurring plant compounds and antioxidants. However, these cookies are primarily a dessert, so they should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than considered a health food.
Nuts, when included, provide protein, healthy fats, fiber, and minerals.
Cinnamon adds wonderful flavor and allows you to create a strongly spiced cookie without needing a large amount of additional ingredients.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per cookie, assuming 24 cookies and including nuts:
Calories: 145
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 9 g
Saturated fat: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 25 mg
Nutrition values will vary depending on the exact ingredients, cookie size, and whether nuts are used.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
Use softened butter rather than melted butter to achieve the proper texture.
Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour.
Keep the cookies small and evenly sized so they bake consistently.
Roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm so the coating sticks well.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the dough to 3/4 teaspoon.
Pecans give the cookies a rich, buttery flavor, while walnuts provide a slightly more pronounced nutty taste.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery, lightly spiced cookies with a sweet cinnamon coating. They are simple to prepare, require basic pantry ingredients, and are perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gatherings, afternoon coffee, or homemade gifts.