Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

📝 Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for coating

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. 🥣
3. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms, then fold in the chopped nuts.
4. Roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the cookies feel set.
6. While the cookies are still warm, gently toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. ✨

💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Substitutions: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply replace the pecans with an equal amount of finely crushed rolled oats.
• Coating Tip: Rolling the cookies while they are still slightly warm ensures the cinnamon sugar adheres perfectly to the surface.

Variations

For an extra indulgent twist, try dipping half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper, more aromatic spiced flavor profile.

FAQ

Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! You can freeze the baked, uncoated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture just before serving.

Do I need to chill the dough? Not necessarily! Because these cookies are meant to be simple, they hold their shape well without chilling, but if your kitchen is very warm, chilling for 10 minutes can help keep them perfectly round.