Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe

These cookies offer the perfect balance of buttery richness and sweet, spiced flavor. Unlike traditional snowball cookies rolled in powdered sugar, these are coated in cinnamon sugar for a satisfying crunch and a warm, toasty aroma. They’re easy to make, keep well, and deliver big flavor in a small, festive package.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Ground cinnamon

• Salt

• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

• Granulated sugar (for coating)

• Additional ground cinnamon (for coating)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

6. Fold in chopped nuts if using.

7. Scoop the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.

9. While the cookies are baking, mix granulated sugar and additional cinnamon in a small bowl for coating.

10. Let cookies cool for 2–3 minutes, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.

11. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Makes: About 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit the nuts for a smooth, buttery cookie.

• Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for deeper warmth.

• Maple twist: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a subtle, earthy flavor.

• Crispier coating: Double-roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar once warm, then again after cooling.

• Chocolate chip version: Fold in mini chocolate chips instead of nuts.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Freeze: Freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Not necessary, but you can warm baked cookies for a few seconds in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Yes, they turn out just as delicious without nuts. The texture will be slightly more delicate and smooth.

What’s the difference between snowball cookies and regular sugar cookies?

Snowball cookies are typically richer and more crumbly, made with butter and powdered sugar, and shaped into balls instead of rolled-out shapes.

Why roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while warm?

The warmth helps the sugar stick better and slightly melts it into a crisp coating.

Can I use brown sugar for the coating?

You can, but brown sugar may not stick as well and could result in a softer coating rather than a crisp finish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I use a cookie scoop?

Yes, a small cookie scoop helps make uniform balls for even baking.

What type of cinnamon works best?

Use a good-quality ground cinnamon—Ceylon cinnamon has a milder flavor, while Cassia cinnamon is bolder and spicier.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is necessary for this recipe, but you can chill if you want slightly firmer dough for easier shaping.

How do I know when they’re done?

The bottoms should be lightly golden, and the tops should be set but not browned. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a delightful update to a classic favorite, perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a bite-sized, buttery treat with a warm cinnamon finish. Simple to make and hard to resist, these cookies are sure to become a cozy staple in your cookie jar.