Introduction
Cinnamon Snowball Cookies are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats that bring a warm and inviting cinnamon flavor to your palate. Their tender texture and sweet coating make them an irresistible addition to any dessert table, especially during the holiday season. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of these delicious cookies that are bound to impress family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12-14 minutes
Total Time
32-34 minutes
Yield
About 24 cookies
Enjoy the process of making these delightful cookies and savor each bite of their warm, spiced goodness. Perfect for sharing, they will surely brighten up any gathering or serve as a cozy treat at home.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
– Mix in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing until a soft dough forms.
– If desired, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Shape the Cookies:
– Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
– Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them.
Bake:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
– Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
– In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
– While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Notes
Storage:
– Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Variations:
– You can substitute other nuts, such as almonds or pecans, based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
– These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Special Occasions:
– Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or festive celebrations.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming is the process of beating softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
When adding flour, salt, and spices to the butter mixture, do this gradually. This ensures even distribution and prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense cookies.
Shaping Cookies
Scoop and roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls to ensure even baking. Gently rolling them gives a smooth shape that helps the cookies bake evenly.
Baking Time
Bake the cookies until their bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are fully cooked but still soft. Allowing them to cool briefly on the baking sheet helps them set before transferring.
Coating in Cinnamon Sugar
Coating warm cookies in a mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon allows the sugar to stick effectively, creating a sweet, spiced exterior.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain the proper balance of flavors.
Can I substitute the nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the nuts altogether or replace them with another favorite mix-in, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer preservation.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it soften slightly before rolling and baking.
What can I use instead of cinnamon?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use pumpkin spice or a mix of nutmeg and allspice for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Snowball Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery flavor and warm spices, creating an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness, enhanced by the cinnamon coating, make them a favorite for holiday gatherings or simple afternoons with tea. With a straightforward preparation process, these cookies are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Snowballs
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for an indulgent twist on the classic recipe. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon adds depth and richness.
Almond Snowball Cookies
Substitute chopped almonds for pecans or walnuts to create a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, offering a new dimension to the traditional cookie.
Coconut Snowballs
Incorporate sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair. The coconut adds extra moisture and a chewy texture to the cookies.
Maple Pecan Snowballs
Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup and add finely chopped pecans to enhance the flavor profile, creating a uniquely rich and nutty cookie.
Spiced Orange Snowballs
Add orange zest and a pinch of nutmeg for a citrusy twist. This bright flavor contrasts well with the warmth of cinnamon, making these cookies perfect for springtime events.
Caramel Filled Snowball Cookies
Place a small piece of caramel candy in the center of each cookie before baking. The melted caramel center adds a delightful surprise when biting into these cookies.
