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Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies combine comforting spice with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a standout choice for your holiday baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened for rich, buttery flavor
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for slight caramelization
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract aromatic backbone
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour for tender crumbs (see gluten-free substitution below)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt balances sweetness
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts toasty crunch
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) classic snowball coating
  • 1/2 cup superfine sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the cinnamon-sugar outer roll

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have two shallow bowls ready: one with powdered sugar, one with the cinnamon-sugar mix.
  2. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and pale (about 2–3 minutes with a mixer). Add vanilla and mix briefly.
  3. Slowly add flour and salt; mix until just combined. Fold in finely chopped nuts.
  4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them 1.5 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes—edges should be set but not browned.
  5. Immediately remove warm cookies and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture; let cool on a rack for 2–3 minutes and then roll again in powdered sugar.

Notes

For a citrus-bright twist, swap vanilla for 1/2 teaspoon lemon or orange zest. For a bolder spice, increase cinnamon in the outer mix. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.