Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies – Sweet Holiday Treat Guide
Introduction
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. These little morsels of joy are not just cookies; they’re a festive experience that will transport you straight into the heart of the holiday season. As a chef who’s traveled the globe, I can assure you that these treats hold a special place in kitchens worldwide. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together and create some holiday magic!
Why is it Perfect for You?
holiday baking cinnamon snowball cookies easy cookie recipes festive cookies vegetarian cookies Christmas cookie are the epitome of holiday cheer. They’re perfect for you because:
◾ They’re incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers.
◾ The aroma of cinnamon will fill your home with warmth.
◾ They’re vegetarian-friendly, making them inclusive for all guests.
◾ These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gift-giving or holiday parties.
◾ They require minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.
Ingredients List
For this heavenly batch of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, you’ll need:
◾ 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
◾ 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
◾ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
◾ 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
◾ 1/4 teaspoon salt
◾ 3/4 cup (90g) finely chopped pecans
◾ 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
◾ 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Once achieved, add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans by hand, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Chill and Preheat
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the butter to firm up, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better during baking. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, which is perfect for achieving that snowy look.
Step 4: The Cinnamon Sugar Magic
While the cookies are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, let them cool for just 2-3 minutes – they should still be quite warm. Gently roll each cookie in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it completely. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: The Second Roll
Once the cookies have cooled completely, give them a second roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This double coating ensures maximum flavor and that beautiful, snowy appearance that gives Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies their name.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie (approximate values):
◾ Calories: 110
◾ Total Fat: 7g
◾ Saturated Fat: 3g
◾ Cholesterol: 12mg
◾ Sodium: 15mg
◾ Total Carbohydrates: 11g
◾ Dietary Fiber: 1g
◾ Sugars: 5g
◾ Protein: 1g
Calories per Person
Assuming a serving size of 2 cookies, the calorie intake per person would be approximately 220 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make these cookies a bit healthier, consider:
◾ Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
◾ Substituting half of the butter with mashed avocado or applesauce.
◾ Reducing the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like stevia.
◾ Adding ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your experience:
◾ Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or spiced chai for the ultimate cozy treat.
◾ Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
◾ Package in decorative tins or boxes for a heartwarming homemade gift.
◾ Create a cookie platter with other holiday favorites for parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
◾ Overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies.
◾ Skipping the chilling step, resulting in cookies that spread too much.
◾ Overbaking – remember, the tops should remain pale.
◾ Rolling in cinnamon sugar when the cookies are too hot or completely cool.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies fresh:
◾ Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
◾ Freeze uncoated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and roll in cinnamon sugar before serving.
◾ Keep away from heat sources to prevent the sugar coating from melting.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or replace them with chocolate chips for a different twist.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The bottoms should be lightly golden, while the tops remain pale. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe if you do.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled enough or if the butter was too soft to begin with.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month before baking.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a holiday tradition in the making. With their delicate texture, warm cinnamon aroma, and festive appearance, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking cinnamon snowball cookies easy cookie recipes festive cookies vegetarian cookies Christmas cookie repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create some sweet memories together. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as delightful as these snowball cookies!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
