The first time I made Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, my kitchen was filled with such a warm, inviting scent—it was like wrapping my family in a cozy, edible hug. I still remember my youngest’s surprised smile before she exclaimed, “These taste like happy memories!” That moment marked the start of a new family tradition. Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies quickly became our go-to treat for bringing everyone around the table with genuine flavors that felt both simple and special.
My own journey with these cookies began on a chilly evening when I wanted to create something sweet and comforting without complicated steps. Balancing cinnamon’s warmth with the right sugar crunch seemed tricky at first, but with each kitchen adventure, I learned how these flavors could connect generations in a bite. These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies captured both the ease I sought and the authentic flavor punch my family loves.
What’s truly beautiful about Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is how they create moments of togetherness through a shared love of honest, tasty baking. Whether it’s a spontaneous snack or an intentional holiday treat, these cookies hold space for connection. For fellow flavor seekers, this recipe is a practical, heartfelt way to bring authentic family meals full circle—because joyful memories don’t need complexity, just real ingredients and a little kitchen love.
If you want to deepen your home cook experience with Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, you might also enjoy trying this delicious Cinnamon snowball cookie recipe shared by fellow enthusiasts here. It’s always inspiring to see how flavor journeys unfold through others’ kitchens.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

For truly authentic Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, quality is everything. Here’s a list that focuses on fresh, flavorful ingredients for that perfect balance of buttery richness and cinnamon warmth:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting (look for finely ground, fresh powdered sugar for best results)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (choose a vanilla with a smooth, natural aroma)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (freshly sifted to keep it light)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (opt for fresh cinnamon sticks ground just before baking, trust me, it makes a difference)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
For the best flavor, I recommend sourcing your butter from local dairies or trusted brands that avoid additives. The cinnamon should be warm and aromatic without bitterness—you’ll find wonderful fresh selections for this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies at spice markets or specialty food stores.
This recipe proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices, not extra steps. My family loves when I add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the dough for warmth, but that’s entirely optional if you want to stick to the classic butter cookies with cinnamon style.
Powdered sugar cookies sometimes feel plain, but these snowball cookies get their magic from the buttery softness combined with that cinnamon sugar crunch coating. You might also want to check out this Walnut Snowball Cookies Recipe for a nutty twist that’s been a hit on our holiday tables.
Trust me, this ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors that bring joy to your family’s table.
Let’s Create This Together!
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While your oven gently warms, take a moment to soften your butter if you haven’t already. Softened butter is the secret for that tender texture in Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with ½ cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I learned early on that properly creaming these two ingredients sets the tone for buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies. Your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies will have the best texture with patient creaming here.
3. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. This adds a subtle but essential layer of warmth to the cookies’ flavor. Vanilla rounds out the cinnamon sugar notes beautifully.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and freshly ground cinnamon. Freshly grinding your cinnamon just before mixing unlocks a fragrant burst in your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, a step I don’t skip now.
5. Gradually add your dry ingredients into the butter mixture, blending gently. You want your cookie dough just combined—overmixing can make them tough, and that’s not the cozy feel we want for these butter cookies with cinnamon.
6. Shape your dough into small balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. In my kitchen, this part is where laughter often happens; cookie shaping can easily become a family contest! These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies should be uniform in size so they bake evenly.
7. Place the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will start filling with that beautiful cinnamon sugar aroma—perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
8. Once out of the oven, allow your cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in the granulated sugar mixed with a bit of cinnamon. This final coating brings the signature look and texture. If you roll them while still warm, the sugar coats more thoroughly but handle gently!
9. After that initial sugar roll, let the cookies cool completely, then dust with additional powdered sugar. This double layer of sugar is what makes these powdered sugar cookies so irresistible. Your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies will have that delicate snowy look everyone asks about.
This flavorful treat usually takes me around 40 minutes from start to finish, including cooling. You’ll find little flavor victories in every step—especially that final sugar dust!
If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate these classic ideas like the Frosted Heart Sugar Cookies or the Chocolate Cut Out Heart Cookies that keep our festive baking full of genuine taste.
How We Love to Enjoy This!

Our family gathers quickly when this aromatic Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies appears alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or a creamy hot chocolate. The buttery texture with cinnamon crunch complements these drinks perfectly, making every bite memorable.
These easy holiday cookies work beautifully as part of a dessert platter for celebrations, casual tea time, or even as a sweet after-school treat. They’re uncomplicated but leave lasting smiles with their cozy flavors.
Presentation-wise, stacking these snowy treats in a clear jar on the countertop invites sharing and conversation. I also like arranging them alongside some fresh fruit or cheese during family gatherings—the contrast between sweet and savory feels just right.
Leftover Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies? No worries! We crush some up and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream or fold them into homemade yogurt parfaits. It’s a creative way to keep enjoying their tender cinnamon sugar magic.
In colder months, I sometimes add a pinch of holiday spices like clove or allspice to the coating sugar, giving our cookies seasonal warmth without changing the classic appeal.
Guests often comment on how these treats feel like a comforting kitchen hug—simple, wholesome, and utterly satisfying. For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore the Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies that bring that same spirit to our cookie jar.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Does this Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies really satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! The buttery richness and cinnamon sugar crunch combine for a cookie that feels indulgent yet light. My family’s big eaters often sneak second (or third) cookies because the flavor hits just right without overwhelming.
Q2: What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors?
No problem at all. You can reduce the cinnamon quantity by half or even omit it from the coating sugar for a gentler profile. The buttery base still shines through, making it a versatile butter cookie with cinnamon that suits many tastes.
Q3: Can I prepare this ahead for busy weeks?
Definitely! The dough can be made in advance and chilled for up to 48 hours before baking. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container for several days. I sometimes freeze shaped dough balls and bake fresh cookies on demand—a real kitchen time saver.
Q4: How does this differ from powdered sugar cookies?
Great question! Powdered sugar cookies rely heavily on powdered sugar in and on the cookie for sweetness and tender texture. Our Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies layer powdered sugar with a cinnamon-sugar coating, creating a more complex flavor and satisfying crunch.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other flavors?
You can! Many enjoy adding finely chopped walnuts or pecans, like in this Walnut Snowball Cookies Recipe. It adds lovely texture and depth without losing the classic cinnamon sugar spirit.
Q6: What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for about a week if enjoyed steadily, but in my house, they rarely last that long!
Q7: Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free blend works well. You may want to add a small binder like xanthan gum to keep the dough tender. The flavor stays true to its warm cinnamon sugar roots.
If you want more versions and authentic flavor ideas for snowball cookies, take a look at this Recipe for Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies/Russian style) shared in a passionate cook’s group — they brighten up many family traditions.
Any kitchen wonders about Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies feel free to ask; sharing these flavor-building moments keeps our community connected and cooking with joy!
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies recipe supports my family’s goals of simple, authentic meals that bring us together around the warmth of home baking. It’s the kind of cookie that honors real ingredients, honest flavors, and that satisfying buttery crunch paired with cinnamon’s comforting warmth.
Flavor Secrets:
- Using freshly ground cinnamon unlocks amazing aroma and depth.
- Double rolling in sugar first as granulated cinnamon sugar, then powdered sugar creates layered texture magic.
- Letting the dough chill enhances flavor and helps keep the delicate shape—don’t skip this step.
Our family loves these variations: adding chopped nuts for crunch, a touch of orange zest for bright notes, or swapping classic vanilla for almond extract for a subtle twist. Younger ones prefer the milder version without extra spices, while adults often favor the rich cinnamon sugar layer.
I invite you to make this recipe your own signature Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies by adjusting spice levels or presentation to match your family’s flavor preferences and kitchen routines. Your own flavor victories in this simple recipe will keep family memories sweet and ongoing.
If you want to complement this cookie adventure, check out these other adored treats: Frosted Heart Sugar Cookies for a sweet showstopper or Chocolate Cut Out Heart Cookies for that timeless chocolatey touch. Together, they make for a family table full of authentic, homemade love.
Creating Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is about so much more than baking; it’s about sharing moments, stories, and flavors your family will remember fondly. Here’s to your next kitchen adventure filled with warmth and connection!
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
Delightfully crumbly and buttery, these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are rolled in a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend for a festive and irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just golden.
- Meanwhile, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
- While still warm, roll each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar coating.