Delightful Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Recipe to Sweeten Your Day

There’s a certain kind of joy I felt the very first time I dipped into the delicate, crumbly world of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. It was a chilly afternoon at a friend’s cozy kitchen, where the scent of cinnamon mingled warmly with the soft hum of holiday chatter. What surprised me most was how these cookies, with their simple ingredients, created layers of flavor that felt nostalgic and comforting all at once. The tiny hint of cinnamon dancing inside the powdered sugar coating was unforgettable—a small twist on the beloved pecan snowball cookies that made every bite cozy and special.

This recipe perfectly echoes my philosophy at Carmen Wausa’s kitchen: meals and treats should be approachable, comforting, and make your home feel like a haven. Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delightful enough to impress without demanding complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Over time, I kept playing with this classic cookie—the kind many of you might know as Mexican wedding cookies or polvorones—until I found just the right balance where the cinnamon sings, the butter melts perfectly, and the powdered sugar gives that iconic snowy finish.

What excites me most is sharing this recipe with fellow food lovers who crave simple joys that bring families and friends closer. If you love buttery, holiday butter cookies or powdered sugar cookies that melt in your mouth, this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies recipe will make your kitchen feel like the heart of the home. The best parts? It’s adaptable, forgiving, and invites connection. I’m thrilled to pass along everything I’ve learned so you can create your own memories with each batch.

If you’re curious about other comforting cookies, you might enjoy my take on the best sugar cookies recipe or the charming orange clove cookies I’ve shared before. Both pair wonderfully with this snowball style for holiday cookie trays or a simple snack. Also, check out how these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies share warmth and comfort like the classic Mexican wedding cookies, or polvorones, found in many traditions around the world in The ever popular crumbly, melt-in your mouth Mexican Wedding … and You Say Mexican Wedding Cookies, I Say Polvorones – Pati Jinich.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Here’s the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ingredient list that feels both familiar and special—a blend of pantry staples and a touch of magic. The secret to amazing Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is using good-quality butter instead of margarine, which gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans (you can toast them lightly for more flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (this makes all the difference!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies at your local grocery store or farmers’ market, especially the pecans, which bring that nutty snowball texture and flavor. If you want to splurge on one Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ingredient, make it the butter—it truly shapes the texture and richness.

For customization, you could swap pecans for walnuts if that’s your preference, or replace the cinnamon with a pinch of ground nutmeg to give it a holiday twist. Want a gluten-free version? Try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a little extra powdered sugar for that classic finish.

Don’t stress if you don’t have fresh nuts—some folks prefer these as powdered sugar cookies without nuts, much like the classic polvorones. Just increase the flour slightly, and you’re set!

When prepping, soften your butter ahead of time to room temperature so mixing becomes effortless. Store your ingredients in airtight containers if prepping in advance, especially the nuts, to keep them fresh and crunchy.

If you love the soft, buttery feel of holiday butter cookies, this simple ingredient set is the perfect foundation. It makes these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies incredibly satisfying and entirely doable for any kitchen. For more comforting cookie ideas like Mexican wedding cookies, be sure to peek into Pati Jinich’s take on polvorones or this classic powdered sugar coating technique—links I’ve included share those wonderful traditions.

Let’s Make This!

Ready to bring your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies to life? Follow these warm, easy steps, and soon your kitchen will smell like a holiday bakery.

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies bake evenly without sticking.
  • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step builds the creamy texture vital for these cookies.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. These two ingredients are your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies’ flavor heart. Don’t skip the cinnamon; it lifts these beyond typical pecan snowball cookies.
  • Fold in the chopped pecans, flour, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or mixer on low. Your dough will be crumbly but should come together when pressed. This is typical for these powdered sugar cookies, so don’t worry.
  • Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. This is where your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies transform into snowballs waiting to rise.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges will look set, and the bottoms light brown. Don’t overbake; you want these to stay tender and crumbly.
  • While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. This melting snow of sweetness creates that signature look and flavor. Let them cool on wire racks, then roll in powdered sugar again once fully cooled.

Here’s a helpful tip for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies success: don’t skip the second coating of powdered sugar—it seals in the cinnamon flavor and creates that dreamy snow-dusted appearance you’re aiming for.

Your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies should feel delicate but hold together when lifted. The aroma should remind you of cozy holidays and comforting gatherings.

If you’re multitasking, bake one sheet at a time but rotate halfway through for even cooking. This trick ensures your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies come out beautifully every time.

If you love pecan snowball cookies’ texture but crave a flavor twist, these are a must-try! The subtle cinnamon elevates winter’s favorite powdered sugar cookies into new comforting territory.

Serving & Presentation

Freshly baked Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies arranged on a plate

Nothing beats the warm welcome these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies offer when you serve them fresh out of the oven (or soon after). I love arranging them on a simple white ceramic plate dusted lightly with extra powdered sugar—it highlights their snowy look beautifully.

For pairing, these cookies shine alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream when you want a cozy treat that’s a bit indulgent.

These cookies bring unforgettable memories, especially around the holidays. I’ve watched family and friends light up, enjoying these little gems at winter gatherings where stories and laughter flow effortlessly.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with leftover Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. Crumble them over whipped cream-topped desserts or break into smaller pieces for a festive cookie mix. I’ve even added a sprinkle on top of warm apple cider for an unexpected treat!

If you’re craving a seasonal twist, try adding orange zest to the dough or dust the finished cookies with a cinnamon-sugar blend instead of powdered sugar. For a more traditional approach, check out my favorite warm holiday butter cookies that offer a subtle spice as another comforting option.

These cookies are also a beautiful gift idea. Wrap a batch in parchment and tie with a ribbon anytime you want to spread warmth and joy.

If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love learning about the classic Mexican wedding cookies or polvorones. They share that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth magic, and you can find different takes here The ever popular crumbly, melt-in your mouth Mexican Wedding … and You Say Mexican Wedding Cookies, I Say Polvorones – Pati Jinich.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies actually mellow and taste even better a day after baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer. When ready, just roll in fresh powdered sugar if you like.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes. You can also omit nuts altogether to keep it simpler, which still results in a tender, buttery cookie—similar to classic powdered sugar cookies.
How do I know when my Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are perfectly done?
Look for lightly golden edges and a firm bottom. The tops won’t brown much, but they should feel set when you gently touch them. Underbaking keeps them too soft and crumbly to handle.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt to 1/8 teaspoon to keep balance. I prefer unsalted to control the flavor better.
Why does my powdered sugar coating sometimes fade?
Rolling your warm cookies twice in powdered sugar helps it stick beautifully. Also, store cookies in a dry environment—not in the fridge where condensation can melt the coating.
Can I add flavor variations?
Definitely! Orange zest, a pinch of cardamom, or even anise are lovely additions. For a chocolaty take, try dipping half the baked cookies in melted chocolate after the powdered sugar step.
Do Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies have to be round?
Traditionally, yes—the round shape holds the iconic snowball look. But feel free to experiment! Small crescents or flat rounds give them a unique twist.

Many fellow food lovers in my community have thrilled me with their Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies success and creative spins—so you’re in good company. Remember, no baking needs to be perfect to be wonderful. Your kitchen moments count.

For extra inspiration about cookies with powdered sugar coating and anise flavor, these community favorites are delightful reads Cookies with powdered sugar coating and anise flavor.

Why This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Will Become Your New Favorite

This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies recipe reflects everything I stand for at Carmen Wausa’s table: simple ingredients, warm flavor, and creating snacks that bring people together. These cookies are more than sugary treats—they’re soft invitations to savor quiet moments with those you love.

My Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Success Tips:

  • Use softened unsalted butter for tender, rich dough.
  • Toast your pecans lightly to deepen flavor without bitterness.
  • Coat cookies twice in powdered sugar while warm to get that perfect snowy finish.

I’ve loved trying variations, like swapping pecans for walnuts or adding orange zest for a citrus note. My personal favorite—the pecan cinnamon snowball cookie version—gets the most smiles around my family table.

I encourage you to make Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies part of your home’s joyful rhythm—whether for holidays, a cozy afternoon treat, or sharing with friends. I’m confident you’ll find the same happy moments and comforting tastes that keep me coming back for more.

After you’ve made your batch, please share your delicious results! I love hearing how you bring this recipe to life in your kitchen. Together, we create not only delightful cookies but memories that linger sweetly.

For more delicious creations that feel like home, check out my best sugar cookies recipe, orange clove cookies, or my chocolate cut out heart cookies. Each recipe holds that special warmth and ease every fellow food lover deserves.

Print

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Delight in these buttery Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, perfectly coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend for a festive treat that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.

  • Author: Carmen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined and dough forms.
  6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. While cookies are still warm, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  9. Roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
  10. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For a festive twist, try adding finely chopped nuts or a hint of nutmeg to the dough before baking.

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