I remember the day my daughter came home from school asking if I could make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. She had heard about these cinnamon flavored treats from her friends and was curious to try them herself. I knew right away this was a chance to bring the family together around something warm and comforting. When I baked my first batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, the house smelled like a blend of holiday baking and cozy afternoons. The kids’ eyes lit up when they bit into the buttery shortbread cookies, generously rolled in cinnamon and sugar. It didn’t take long before this recipe stuck around in our regular meal rotation.
Making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies isn’t complicated, but it does have its little quirks. I learned the perfect balance between a tender texture and a crispy cinnamon sugar coating after a few attempts. Now, I make these cookies with confidence, knowing they’ll bring smiles and conversation to our dinner table. These powdered sugar cookies have become a quick fix for celebrations, weeknight treats, and any time we want to share something special.
If your family loves cinnamon flavored treats as much as mine, I invite you to give this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies recipe a try. It keeps things simple but is special enough to make any gathering feel festive. Plus, it’s one of those holiday cookies that everyone will ask for again and again. Whether your family enjoys them fresh out of the oven or wrapped up as gifts, this recipe is a kitchen winner you can count on. For more ideas, you might also like these Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Frosted Heart Sugar Cookies if your sweet tooth calls for variety during holiday baking.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the basic ingredient list for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. Trust me, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – For the best Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, use real butter, not margarine.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – This sweetens the dough just right.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds subtle flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base of those buttery shortbread cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon) – For coating the cookies.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting – These powdered sugar cookies finish with a dusting that’s truly irresistible.
You’ll find everything for this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies at your regular grocery store. If you want, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and the recipe will still work well. This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is forgiving if you need to swap vanilla for almond extract or use a cinnamon sugar mix from the spice aisle to save time.
A little prep always helps your baking go smoothly. I recommend softening the butter to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar, resulting in a better cookie texture. Also, pre-measure your cinnamon sugar mixture so you can roll the cookies as soon as they’re baked. My family prefers when I dust the hot cookies generously with powdered sugar right after baking. It gives these holiday cookies that classic look and melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make It
Making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is a breeze once you know the steps. Here’s my tried-and-true method that makes your kitchen smell amazing and ends with cookies everyone loves.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies usually take me about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven, so getting it ready ahead helps.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This is where I used to mess up my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies – forgetting to soften butter enough. When your butter is soft, the creamed mix looks pale and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well. It’s a small step but important for flavor.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix here, or your cookies might turn out tough.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). If the dough feels sticky, chill it for 30 minutes so it’s easier to handle.
- Place the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Don’t press them down; they’ll bake as perfect little spheres.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms just start to turn golden. You’ll know your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are ready when they hold their shape but have a slight golden tint underneath.
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies cooks, filling it with sweet cinnamon aroma.
- After they cool for a few minutes, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. Don’t worry if your powdered sugar looks messy at first; it will settle nicely.
A quick tip: If you want to speed things up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. When I want to make a batch faster, I cut the dough in halves and chill one portion while baking the other. While your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is cooking, you have time to tidy up and prepare the next batch. This helps keep the process stress-free and fun.
How these cookies turn out can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on the first batch to avoid overbaking. You want buttery shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth with just a hint of cinnamon. If your dough feels crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk to bring it together. If it’s too soft, a quick chill in the fridge makes shaping much easier.
Serving Ideas
Everyone in my family reaches for seconds when this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies comes out with its warm cinnamon sugar coating and powdered sugar dusting. It’s the perfect holiday cookie to bring out during celebrations or when you want a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cider or cocoa.
These cinnamon flavored treats are great as part of a cookie platter alongside favorites like gingerbread crinkle cookies and spiced polvorónes cookies you might find on cooking blogs like Cooking Is My Sport. For a fun twist, try serving Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or sandwich them with a little cream cheese frosting in the middle.
Presentation-wise, arrange your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies on a festive plate or tuck them into decorative tins for gift-giving. This makes them look special for holiday baking, and your family will appreciate the extra care you show.
If you have leftovers (and sometimes there aren’t any!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for several days but taste best within two. I’ve also done a double batch for parties because these powdered sugar cookies disappear fast!
For dessert or snack ideas, this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies pairs well with coffee or milk. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies as another warm-flavored treat to round out your holiday spread. Friends of mine have even shared great ideas in cookie groups like this Facebook cookie box ideas post which pairs nicely with Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.
Your Questions Answered
A few common questions come up when friends try this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies recipe for the first time. I’m happy to share what works for my family!
- Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the dough and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking. I usually bake the cookies the day I want to serve them for best results, but the dough keeps well in the fridge if you want to prep earlier. - What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar mixture ready?
No worries! Mix equal parts cinnamon and granulated sugar yourself, or use cinnamon flavored sugar from the spice aisle. This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is pretty flexible about the cinnamon sugar combo. - How do I store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies?
Put them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to five days. You can also freeze the baked cookies wrapped in foil to keep them longer. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture will be nearly the same and the cinnamon flavored treats still shine. - Are these cookies nut-free and allergy-friendly?
This particular Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies recipe is nut-free, making it a safe choice for most families. - What if my dough is too crumbly or sticky?
For crumbly dough, add a teaspoon of milk or water to bring it together. If it’s sticky, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before shaping. - How do I make these cookies look extra festive?
Finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar while warm, and add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar. This makes a simple batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies look like a holiday treat everyone will want.
If you want more inspiration on holiday cookies with warm flavors, check out this post by Pati Jinich on Facebook about holiday cookie favorites. There’s a whole world of goodies for your family’s baking adventures.
The Final Word
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies have earned a solid spot in my recipe box because they’re easy, delicious, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. These buttery shortbread cookies melt in your mouth with just the right touch of cinnamon sugar—something my family looks forward to every holiday season and beyond.
My Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Tips:
- Always soften butter to room temperature before mixing for the best dough texture.
- Roll cookies in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm for maximum flavor.
- Chill the dough if it feels too soft to shape easily.
I’ve tried variations like adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping vanilla extract for almond for a different twist. My kids love the classic version, while my husband prefers them dipped halfway in chocolate for a richer treat. No matter how your family likes them, this recipe is easy to make your own.
If you want to keep your holiday baking fresh and fun, this batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is a reliable choice that’ll bring your family together around the dinner table. I hope your family loves these warm cinnamon flavored treats as much as mine does.
For more cookie favorites that pair well, check out these Cinnamon Roll Cookies, Frosted Heart Sugar Cookies, and Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted with cinnamon sugar, perfect for holiday celebrations or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- While the cookies are baking, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for coating.
- Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, try drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or adding finely chopped pecans to the dough for additional texture.