Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery richness, nutty crunch (if you choose to add pecans or walnuts), and a warm, sugary cinnamon coating. From the moment they come out of the oven, their enticing aroma fills the room, evoking a sense of nostalgia and coziness. As a holiday favorite, they make an excellent gift for friends and family or a delightful treat for your own festivities. Personally, my family can’t get enough of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They’re the kind of sweet treat that disappears in minutes, and every bite is a little piece of holiday magic. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday cookie exchange or simply as a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to win over everyone who tries them.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
   • Add the vanilla extract and mix it into the dough.
   • Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing until the dough becomes soft and smooth.
   • If desired, fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful nutty flavor.
2. Shape the Cookies:
   • Scoop out dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for even baking.
3. Bake the Cookies:
   • Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, but you’ll know they’re done when they’ve slightly firmed up.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
   • While the cookies are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
   • Gently roll the warm cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated, making sure they’re generously dusted.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: 120 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes

How to Serve

• These cookies are versatile and can be served in various settings:
  • As a holiday treat: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cookie exchanges.
  • With coffee or tea: Their sweet, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
  • As a snack: Store them in an airtight container for a tasty snack any time of the day.

Additional Tips

1. Double Coating: For extra sweetness, roll the cookies in the cinnamon sugar mixture again once they’ve completely cooled. This will give them an extra layer of flavor.
2. Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free cookie, simply leave out the pecans or walnuts for a smooth, buttery texture.
3. Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough and to prevent spreading, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
4. Check for Doneness: The cookies should be golden on the bottom but still soft on the top. They’ll firm up as they cool.
5. Even Rolling: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for evenly baked cookies.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
• Almond Snowball Cookies: Swap the pecans for chopped almonds for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Spiced Snowball Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an additional layer of spice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with milk: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk for a classic treat.
• Top with a dusting of powdered sugar: After coating the cookies in cinnamon sugar, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful, festive touch.
• Gift in a jar: Layer the ingredients in a jar and tie a ribbon for a homemade gift.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated cookies for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw, then coat them in cinnamon sugar before serving for the best results.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter as the recipe already includes salt. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the salt in the dough.
2. Can I make these cookies without nuts?
   Absolutely! The nuts are optional. You can leave them out if you prefer a smoother, nut-free cookie.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. When ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
4. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
   Make sure the dough isn’t too soft. Chilling the dough before baking can help prevent excessive spreading.
5. How do I know when my cookies are done?
   The cookies should be golden on the bottom and firm to the touch. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the rack.
6. Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
   No, powdered sugar is needed for the proper texture in this recipe. Brown sugar would change the texture and flavor.
7. Can I substitute cinnamon with another spice?
   Yes, nutmeg or cardamom can be used in place of cinnamon for a unique flavor.
8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one that works well for baking.
9. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
   You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating to suit your preference.
10. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
    Yes, you can fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delicious variation.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that’s sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. With their buttery texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and optional nutty crunch, they’re perfect for cozy gatherings or as a special gift. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or a few days later, these cookies remain as delicious as ever. With a few variations and storage tips, you can customize them to your liking and keep the festive spirit going all season long!

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