Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat that combines the sweetness of a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-like cookie with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. These cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a festive favorite during the holiday season. Their light, crumbly texture and the perfect dusting of cinnamon sugar make them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy by the fireplace, these cookies will surely impress everyone with their simple yet delicious flavor.

What sets these snowball cookies apart is their versatility. While they are traditionally made with butter, flour, and powdered sugar, you can experiment with different flavorings or add-ins to make them your own. The combination of the rich, buttery base with the hint of cinnamon creates a cookie that’s both indulgent and comforting. With a light dusting of cinnamon sugar after baking, these cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them a holiday essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of making Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, from mixing the dough to achieving the perfect texture and finishing them off with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Let’s get started and make your holiday season a little sweeter!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies are incredibly light and crumbly, with a texture that practically melts on your tongue.
• Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making each bite even more delightful.
• Holiday Favorite: Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, parties, or gifting. They look festive and taste amazing!
• Quick and Easy: These cookies are simple to make with just a few ingredients, and they come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor profile of these cookies by adding your favorite nuts or flavorings. For example, chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the dough for added texture.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including preparation and cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
• Servings: 24-30 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 90-110 calories per cookie, depending on size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 90-110 kcal
• Fat: 6-8g
• Carbohydrates: 9-12g
• Protein: 1-2g

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g)
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (225g), softened
• Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (60g), plus extra for rolling
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: 1 cup (optional, for added texture)
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (for rolling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help ensure that the cookies don’t stick to the pans and bake evenly.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside. If you’re using nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans, add them to the flour mixture as well.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are well combined and light in texture.

Add Vanilla Extract

• Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, and beat until fully incorporated. Vanilla enhances the flavor of these cookies and complements the cinnamon sugar coating.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the dough comes together and is fully combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly, which is perfect for creating the melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.

Shape the Dough into Balls

• Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. You should aim for uniform-sized balls to ensure that the cookies bake evenly. If you’d like, you can gently press the dough balls down slightly, but this is optional.

Bake the Cookies

• Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be sure to check the cookies during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary. The cookies will firm up a little more as they cool, so don’t worry if they’re soft when they first come out of the oven.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• While the cookies are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir to combine evenly. This will be used to coat the cookies once they are baked and slightly cooled.

Cool the Cookies and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

• Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This resting period ensures the cookies will hold their shape when handled. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Gently toss each cookie in the sugar mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. This final touch adds a sweet, spiced finish to the cookies and gives them their signature snowball look.

Serve and Enjoy!

• Once the cookies have cooled and been rolled in cinnamon sugar, they’re ready to be served! These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

1. Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter can make the dough difficult to handle and affect the texture of the cookies.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want the dough to hold its shape better while baking, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before rolling it into balls. This step is optional but can help the cookies bake more evenly.
4. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm: It’s best to roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar while they are still slightly warm. The warmth will help the sugar adhere to the surface of the cookies and give them a nice, even coating.
5. Customize with Add-ins: If you’d like to customize these cookies, try adding different flavorings or mix-ins such as finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a few mini chocolate chips.
6. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If you bake them too long, they will lose their melt-in-your-mouth quality and become more firm. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If freezing, arrange the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Variations of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

While these snowball cookies are delicious in their classic form, there are several variations you can try to add a twist to the traditional recipe:

• Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey version of these cinnamon sugar cookies. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon is a match made in heaven.
• Nutty Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: Add 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery texture of the cookie.
• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: For a fall-inspired twist, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough in place of the cinnamon. These cookies will have a cozy, autumnal flavor perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.
• Maple Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: Swap the vanilla extract for 1 teaspoon of maple extract for a sweet, maple-flavored version of the cookies. The maple flavor pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Orange Zest Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy kick that complements the cinnamon. The bright, fresh flavor of orange adds a delightful contrast to the sweet, spiced cookie.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of holiday beverages and light side dishes. Here are some great options to complement the flavor of the cookies:

• Hot Cocoa: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The chocolatey richness of the cocoa pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: A hot cup of spiced chai tea or Earl Grey tea complements the warm cinnamon flavor of these cookies and adds an elegant touch to your holiday gathering.
• Coffee: For a cozy treat, serve these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the cookies for the perfect snack pairing.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, apples, or citrus fruits can provide a light contrast to the rich, buttery cookies.
• Cheese Plate: Serve these cookies with a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The rich, creamy texture of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the spiced cookies.

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Conclusion

The Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are a perfect combination of rich, buttery flavor and warm, comforting cinnamon. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance, they make a great addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just indulging in a sweet treat with your loved ones, these cookies will become a cherished favorite. Their simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and customizable nature make them an excellent choice for all your holiday baking needs.

By following the simple steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to create the perfect batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share these delicious cookies with family and friends this holiday season!