The Ultimate Recipe for Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Welcome to the cozy side of baking! If you’re searching for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that embodies warmth, nostalgia, and festive cheer, look no further than the remarkable Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. These delightful treats, often recognized as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, have been given a spicy, aromatic upgrade by infusing them with the irresistible warmth of cinnamon.

Unlike standard sugar cookies, these shortbread gems are characterized by their deeply buttery, crumbly texture and their signature “snowball” appearance, achieved through a generous double roll in confectioners’ sugar. But here, we take that iconic coating one step further. By blending finely ground cinnamon into the powdered sugar, we transform a classic dessert into a truly unforgettable experience a tiny bite of buttery shortbread heaven wrapped in a sweet, spicy blanket.

This recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is designed to be straightforward, yielding approximately three dozen perfectly formed, highly addictive cookies. Whether you are prepping for a holiday cookie swap, looking for a comforting weekend bake, or simply need a simple recipe with maximum impact, these shortbread wonders are guaranteed to become a permanent fixture in your baking repertoire. Prepare your kitchen for the comforting aroma of butter and spice; let’s dive into making the best Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies you’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

There is a special category of cookie that goes beyond mere sweetness it speaks to comfort, tradition, and pure textural bliss. The Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies fit perfectly into this category, offering multiple layers of sensory satisfaction that make them an immediate favorite. The love affair begins with their incredible simplicity and culminates in the unique way they feel and taste when you take that first bite.

Texture That Truly Melts

The foundation of any great snowball cookie is the texture. We aren’t looking for chewiness or crunch; we are seeking true melt-in-your-mouth tender shortbread. These cookies are predominantly made with butter and powdered sugar in the dough itself (not granulated sugar), which inhibits gluten development and results in an extraordinarily delicate crumb. When baked, the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies have a slight crisp edge but the center remains tender and crumbly, requiring almost no effort to eat. This delicate texture is the key distinction from typical drop cookies, making them feel luxurious and light.

A Flavor Profile That Delights

While traditional snowball cookies rely solely on vanilla and nuttiness for flavor, this variation elevates the profile significantly. The addition of cinnamon to the outer coating provides a warm, slightly spicy contrast to the rich butter base. This combination is particularly evocative of autumn and winter holidays, making these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies a popular choice during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The sweet powdered sugar combined with the aromatic cinnamon creates a perfect balance that is utterly irresistible. If you are a fan of churros or snickerdoodles, the warm, spiced nature of these cookies will resonate deeply.

The Power of the Pecan (or Walnut)

Although the nuts are listed as optional, they are highly recommended for achieving the authentic flavor and crucial textural element of these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts are folded directly into the dough. As the cookies bake, these nuts toast slightly, releasing their essential oils and infusing the cookie dough with a deep, earthy flavor. They provide just enough resistance to the melt-away texture, adding complexity without being distracting. The combination of buttery shortbread, warm cinnamon, and toasted nuts is truly harmonious, setting these apart from plain shortbread varieties.

Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion

Perhaps the most endearing quality of these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is their ability to look sophisticated and beautiful with minimal effort. Their uniformly round shape and pristine, snowy coating make them perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or simply arranging on a platter. They require no frosting, piping, or intricate decorations just two simple rolls in the cinnamon sugar mixture, resulting in an elegant dessert every single time. Their simplicity belies their depth of flavor, ensuring that guests will always ask for the recipe.

Why You Should Make These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies Now

Baking is more than just following steps; it’s an opportunity to create memories and share joy. If you need compelling reasons to clear your schedule and get these ingredients ready, here’s why the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies should be your next baking project. These cookies offer unparalleled convenience, high reward, and incredible versatility that suits both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

A Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredient List

One of the biggest hurdles in baking is often procuring obscure or specialized ingredients. Fortunately, this is not the case with Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. The ingredient list is minimalist and features items typically found in any well-stocked pantry: flour, butter, salt, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Even if you opt for the nuts, pecans or walnuts are readily available year-round. This accessibility means you can decide to bake these on a whim without a last-minute trip to the store, making them an ideal comfort bake for unexpected cravings or gatherings. The simplicity of the core ingredients allows the quality of the butter and the intensity of the cinnamon to truly shine.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Baking and Freezing

Life is busy, and often the best baking projects are those that can be prepared in advance. Snowball cookies are uniquely suited for preparation ahead of time, which is a major time-saver, especially during busy holiday seasons. You have two excellent options for making these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies ahead:

• Chilled Dough: The dough can be prepared, shaped into logs, wrapped tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply slice and roll, or let it warm slightly and roll into balls.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Once the cookies are baked and rolled in the first layer of cinnamon sugar, they freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. When you are ready to serve, thaw them and give them their crucial second roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. They taste as fresh as the day they were baked.

The Essential Chilling Step for Structure

While some recipes allow for skipping the chilling process, we advocate strongly for chilling the dough for these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies. The required 30 minutes of chill time is a necessary investment. Because the dough has a high butter content (it is essentially a rich shortbread), chilling solidifies the fat. This stabilization ensures that the cookies maintain their tight, round shape when exposed to the oven’s heat, preventing them from spreading out and becoming flat. This crucial step guarantees the signature “snowball” puffiness and density that defines this classic treat, separating a perfect result from a subpar one.

Crowd-Pleasing and Gifting Potential

These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are universally loved. They appeal to almost every palate the non-chocolate lover, the shortbread enthusiast, and those who adore warm spices. Due to their durable nature (they don’t require refrigeration and travel well), and their charming appearance, they are the perfect item to include in a gift box or cookie tray. They keep well at room temperature for up to a week, meaning they can be baked far in advance of any event without compromising quality. This reliability makes them an exceptional choice for hosting and gifting throughout the year.

If you enjoy simple, deeply satisfying recipes, you might also enjoy making a classic Spanish dessert like Churros con Chocolate another delightful spiced treat that brings immediate joy!

Ingredients, Measurements, and Essential Utensils for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Achieving perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies requires attention to ingredient quality and having the right tools on hand. Since this recipe relies on a very short list of ingredients, the quality of each element is amplified. We will delve into the precise measurements and the specific role each component plays in creating that signature melt-away texture.

The Essential Ingredients

This recipe yields approximately 3 dozen cookies.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter: Must be softened to room temperature. This is crucial. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar; if it’s melted, the dough will be greasy and hard to handle. Unsalted butter allows you to control the total salt content.
• ½ cup Granulated Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Powdered sugar, not granulated sugar, is used in the dough. The cornstarch content in powdered sugar aids in tenderness and structure, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and contributing to the delicate crumb.
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: Use pure extract for the best flavor. Vanilla is essential for rounding out the rich butter flavor.
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component. Ensure it is accurately measured too much flour can lead to dense, dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method.
• ¼ teaspoon Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavors of the butter and vanilla.
• 1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional, but highly recommended): These should be very finely chopped, almost like coarse sand, but not ground into a powder. This fine consistency ensures they blend seamlessly into the dough without causing structural issues. Toasting the nuts slightly before chopping them is a trick that maximizes their flavor.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

The coating is generous because these cookies are rolled twice, giving them that beautiful, thick snowy appearance.

• 2 cups Granulated Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This volume is needed for the double-rolling process. Do not skimp on this!
• 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon: Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor and aroma. The 1:1 ratio of cinnamon to tablespoons of powdered sugar creates a distinctly spiced coating.

The Role of Specific Ingredients

Understanding the Power of Powdered Sugar

Many cookie recipes call for granulated sugar, but the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies dough utilizes powdered sugar exclusively. Granulated sugar creates a crisp snap and requires more creaming time to dissolve. Powdered sugar, however, is finer and contains a small amount of cornstarch. This fineness immediately integrates with the butter, creating a much smoother, tender dough. The cornstarch also acts as a dough stabilizer, reducing spread during baking and helping the cookies maintain their tight, round shape.

Why Chilled Dough is Non-Negotiable

While chilling is a procedural step, it is driven by the ingredients. Butter, being a solid fat at room temperature, needs to be firm before entering the oven. The high butter-to-flour ratio in these shortbread cookies means the dough is inherently soft and prone to spreading. The 30 minutes of chill time allows the fat to re-solidify, ensuring that the cookies hold their “snowball” shape perfectly. For a rich, creamy Spanish classic that also benefits from high-quality ingredients, check out Tarta de Queso Vasca (Basque Cheesecake) a testament to simple ingredients yielding profound flavor.

Necessary Utensils and Tools

While these cookies are simple, having the right equipment ensures optimal efficiency and results:

• Electric Mixer (Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer): Essential for properly creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment is the easiest way to handle the thick, heavy dough.
• Rubber Spatula: Necessary for scraping down the bowl during mixing and for gently folding in the nuts.
• Medium Mixing Bowl and Large Mixing Bowl: One for the dry ingredients (flour and salt) and one for the wet/dough mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, particularly for the flour and butter measurements.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Crucial for lining the baking sheets. This prevents sticking and ensures even heat distribution, guaranteeing the pale, snowy appearance of the cookies.
• Two Large Baking Sheets: Needed to bake the large yield efficiently without crowding the cookies.
• Small Cookie Scoop (1 tablespoon size): Using a scoop ensures uniformity in cookie size, which promotes even baking.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling the cookies after their first roll.
• Shallow Dish or Bowl: Ideal for holding the cinnamon sugar mixture, making the rolling process efficient and less messy.

Detailed Instructions for Baking Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

Making these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is a rewarding process, divided into three distinct phases: dough preparation, the crucial bake, and the signature double roll. Pay special attention to the timing of the rolling steps it’s what guarantees that beautiful, thick coating.

Phase 1: Preparing and Chilling the Dough

1. Preheat and Prepare (The Foundation): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step is important; the cookies should not stick, and the parchment promotes easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Fats and Sugar (Achieving Fluffiness): In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and the ½ cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer (stand or hand), beat them together on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture must become visibly lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This creaming incorporates air, which is vital for the eventual tenderness of the shortbread.
3. Add Flavoring and Scrape: Beat in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until just incorporated. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure uniform mixing.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dough (Avoid Overmixing): Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on the lowest speed possible. Stop mixing the moment the dough just comes together and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which will result in tough, dense Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies rather than tender ones.
6. Fold in Nuts (Optional, but Recommended): If using, gently fold the 1 cup of finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the dough using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed.
7. Chill the Dough (Essential Step): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This minimum chilling time is critical it solidifies the butter, making the dough easy to handle and ensuring the cookies hold their round, compact shape during baking.

Phase 2: Baking and the Signature Double Roll

8. Shape the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (a 1-inch scoop works perfectly). Roll the dough firmly between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. The balls must be tightly rolled to ensure they maintain their spherical shape. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for visual cues: the edges and bottoms should be very lightly golden brown, but the top of the cookie should remain pale white. Do not overbake! These Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies should never be deeply browned.
10. Prepare Coating: While the cookies are baking, prepare the iconic cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish or wide bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar and the 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon until the color is uniform. You want every crystal of sugar coated with spice.
11. First Roll (The Warm Adhesion): Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for only 2 to 3 minutes. This timing is crucial. While they are still very warm (but not too hot to handle), gently roll each cookie entirely in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The residual heat on the surface of the cookie melts the outer layer of butter slightly, allowing the sugar mixture to adhere and stick beautifully. Return the coated cookies to the baking sheet or a wire rack. For visual guidance on achieving the perfect coating, check out my tips on Pinterest.
12. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely, about 30 to 45 minutes, on a wire rack. They must be completely cool before the final step.
13. Second Roll (The Snowy Finish): Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them a second time in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. This crucial second roll ensures a thick, opaque, snowy coating, giving the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies their iconic, elegant appearance and maximum flavor impact.

Phase 3: Serving and Storage

Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They are excellent alongside coffee or tea and make a superb addition to any dessert table.

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations for Your Snowball Cookies

The beauty of the snowball cookie base is its versatility. Once you master the primary recipe for Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, you can easily adapt the flavors and ingredients to suit specific dietary needs or seasonal preferences. Here are essential tips for success and creative ways to mix things up.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Cookies are Flat and Oily:

This is usually due to one of two issues: butter consistency or lack of chilling. Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. If the dough feels greasy when you roll it, add a tablespoon of flour and chill for an extra 15 minutes. Always adhere to the minimum 30-minute chilling time, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Sugar Coating is Barely Sticking:

The timing of the first roll is everything. If you wait too long after the cookies come out of the oven, they will cool and dry, and the sugar won’t adhere properly. The first roll must happen when the cookies are still very warm. The second roll should occur only after they are completely cool to ensure the thick, snowy layer.

Dough is Too Crumbly to Roll:

This usually indicates too much flour. Ensure you measure the flour correctly (spoon into the measuring cup and level off, do not scoop directly from the bag). If your dough is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together and holds a ball shape.

Creative Flavor Variations

While the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are delightful as is, these substitutions open up new possibilities:

• Lemon Zest Snowballs: Add 2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy lift. Use regular powdered sugar for the coating.
• Chocolate Espresso Snowballs: Replace ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in the vanilla extract before mixing. This creates a deep, dark, and complex snowball cookie.
• Pistachio and Cardamom: Substitute the pecans with finely chopped pistachios. Add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dough, and sprinkle a pinch of cardamom into the cinnamon sugar coating mix.
• Pumpkin Spice Coating: Instead of plain cinnamon, use 2 tablespoons of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice in the powdered sugar coating for a seasonal autumn flavor twist.

Dietary Alternatives

Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies translate beautifully into gluten-free versions. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The rest of the recipe can remain the same. Since the cookies rely on fat and starch for tenderness rather than gluten structure, this substitution is highly successful.

Vegan Snowball Cookies

To make these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies vegan, simply replace the dairy butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick (such as Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance sticks). Ensure the vegan butter is softened to room temperature just like dairy butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

For more baking inspiration and savory recipes to balance out the sweetness, don’t forget to check out our Spanish recipes, such as the classic Tortilla de Patatas.

Nutritional Information and Ingredient Benefits of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

While these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are undeniably a delicious indulgence, it is still useful to understand the nutritional contribution of the key components, particularly the nuts and the featured spice, cinnamon. Please note that exact nutritional values will vary based on serving size, exact measurements, and the type of nuts used, but the estimates below provide a general profile for one cookie (assuming 3 dozen yield).

Estimated Nutritional Profile (Per Cookie)

As expected from a buttery shortbread cookie, the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies are high in fat and simple carbohydrates, making them an energy-dense treat best enjoyed in moderation. They are particularly rich due to the high content of saturated fats from the butter.

The Benefits of Key Ingredients

Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts)

The inclusion of finely chopped pecans or walnuts not only adds crucial texture and depth of flavor but also boosts the nutritional value beyond simple refined carbohydrates. Nuts are packed with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to be beneficial for heart health.

• Healthy Fats: Walnuts are famous for their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health. Pecans provide oleic acid, a beneficial monounsaturated fat.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Both nuts are good sources of essential minerals like manganese, copper, and zinc. They also offer Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
• Fiber and Protein: While small in amount per cookie, the nuts contribute necessary fiber and protein, which helps slow down the digestion of the sugars and adds satiety.

Cinnamon (The Star Spice)

Cinnamon is much more than just a fragrant spice; it is loaded with health properties, especially when used generously, as it is in the coating of these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies.

• Antioxidant Power: Cinnamon is exceptionally high in potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols. These compounds help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some studies suggest that the compounds in cinnamon may help reduce inflammation, which is vital for long-term health.
• Blood Sugar Management: Cinnamon has been linked to improving sensitivity to insulin and potentially lowering blood sugar levels, although this effect is mild in the context of a high-sugar cookie. Nevertheless, it adds a wholesome dimension to the flavoring.

When you enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, you are treating yourself to a blend of comforting sweetness, rich fats, and beneficial spices and nuts. Enjoy them mindfully as a delightful treat, appreciating both their flavor and the high-quality ingredients used.

Conclusion: The Timeless Delight of Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies

The journey of creating the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies is a simple yet deeply gratifying one. From the moment the rich, buttery dough comes together to the final, transformative double roll in spiced powdered sugar, this recipe offers a baking experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding. We have taken a beloved classic the simple Russian Tea Cake and elevated it with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, creating a cookie that is perfect for any season, but especially wonderful when shared during the holidays.

What sets these Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies apart is their unique textural balance. The combination of the crumbly, delicate shortbread interior, achieved through careful ingredient mixing and mandatory chilling, contrasts beautifully with the thick, intensely flavored coating. The second roll in the cinnamon sugar is the magic trick that gives these treats their stunning visual appeal and ensures maximum flavor in every bite.

We encourage you to use the practical tips provided especially concerning the quality of your butter and the crucial timing of the rolling phases to ensure your cookies come out perfectly round, pale, and utterly delicious. Whether you decide to incorporate toasted walnuts for an earthy depth or keep them nut-free for simplicity, these cookies are destined to be a new favorite.

Now that you have the definitive guide to baking the ultimate Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies, it’s time to preheat that oven and fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of butter and spice. Bake a batch today, share them with friends and family, and let us know your favorite variations! We love hearing about your baking successes. If you are looking for another hearty dish to complement your dessert spread, consider checking out this recipe for Fabada Asturiana (Asturian Bean Stew) to complete your meal. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies)

These classic, buttery shortbread cookies melt in your mouth and are coated twice in a snowy mixture of powdered sugar and warming cinnamon, perfect for holidays or everyday snacking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 36 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 100

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup granulated powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts optional, but recommended

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 2 cups granulated powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Electric Mixer (handheld or stand)
• Large Baking Sheets
• Wire Cooling Rack
• Rubber Spatula

Method

 

Phase 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
2. Cream the Fats and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and the ½ cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add Flavoring: Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in Nuts (if using): Gently fold the finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the dough using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape.

Phase 2: Baking and Rolling

1. Shape the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them firmly between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are very lightly golden brown. The cookies should still appear pale white on top.
3. Prepare Coating: While the cookies are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar and the 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon until fully combined.
4. First Roll (Warm): Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. While they are still very warm, gently roll each cookie entirely in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. Return the coated cookies to a wire rack.
5. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely, about 30 to 45 minutes.
6. Second Roll (Cool): Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them a second time in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures a thick, snowy, and sweet coating.

Phase 3: Serving and Storage

1. Serve the Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

For best results and maximum flavor, ensure your butter is truly softened (leaving a slight indent when pressed). If you are in a rush and cannot chill the dough, the cookies may spread slightly more, but they will still be delicious. To vary the flavor, substitute the nuts with mini chocolate chips or finely shredded coconut.