Delightful Cinnamon Snowballs: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Unique Crumbly Butter Cookies
Step into the enchanting world of Snowball cookies, those delightful, powdery butter confections that grace holiday tables and cookie platters worldwide. Traditionally known for their simple yet exquisite blend of butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt, these round treats are often finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, creating their iconic “snowy” appearance. While pecans are a popular optional addition, particularly in the Southern USA where they might be called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, the basic formula remains universally beloved. However, this recipe introduces a truly unique and irresistible twist: Cinnamon Snowballs with a secret ingredient – Corn Flakes cereal!
Cinnamon Snowballs: A Modern Twist on a Classic Treat
While classic Snowball cookies follow a time-honored tradition, our Cinnamon Snowballs elevate the experience with a delightful departure. The most obvious enhancement is the warm, inviting addition of cinnamon, infusing each bite with a comforting spice. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. These exceptionally crumbly cookies also incorporate two distinctive ingredients: delicate cake flour and crunchy Corn Flakes cereal. The cake flour ensures an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the crushed Corn Flakes introduce an unexpected yet utterly addictive subtle crunch and a hint of malty flavor that makes these cookies truly unforgettable. Despite these creative additions, they retain the beloved essence and recognizable form of traditional Snowballs, making them a refreshing take on a beloved classic.
Cinnamon Snowballs are not just delicious; they are also an absolute sensation for cookie exchanges. Their unique flavor profile and textural contrast, thanks to the Corn Flakes, make them stand out from the crowd. Plus, who could possibly resist the charm of a perfectly powdered Snowball cookie, especially when it’s infused with aromatic cinnamon? They’re an instant crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed conversation starter at any gathering.
The Enduring Appeal of Snowball Cookies: A Global Phenomenon
Snowball cookies, known by countless names across cultures, share a common thread: their simple elegance and irresistible taste. From the “Mexican Wedding Cakes” in North America to “Russian Tea Cakes” in Eastern Europe, “Italian Butter Nut Cookies,” “Viennese Crescents,” or simply “Butter Balls,” these little spheres of delight transcend borders. Their popularity often peaks during the holiday season, where their delicate texture and sweet, powdered sugar coating evoke images of freshly fallen snow, adding a festive touch to any celebration. The beauty lies in their simplicity, allowing the pure flavors of butter and vanilla, complemented by nuts, to shine. Our Cinnamon Snowballs build on this beloved foundation, adding layers of flavor and texture that pay homage to tradition while forging a new path of deliciousness.
How To Make Cinnamon Snowballs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these delightful Cinnamon Snowballs is a straightforward and rewarding process. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the recipe steps, ensuring you achieve perfect, crumbly results every time:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ tender texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the sifted cake flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until no streaks of flour remain. Next, gently fold in the crushed Corn Flakes cereal and chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work beautifully). The Corn Flakes should be lightly crushed, not pulverized, to maintain their textural contribution.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop portions of the dough onto your parchment-lined pans. Roll the dough into small, approximately ¾-inch balls. Don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform; handmade charm is part of their appeal. These cookies don’t spread significantly, so you can place them relatively close together.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be pale in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry.
- The Snowy Finish: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets for about 5-10 minutes. While they are still warm (but not hot enough to melt all the sugar), gently roll them in a generous amount of powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar adhere. Once completely cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for that signature “snowball” look and an extra layer of sweetness. If desired, lightly sprinkle with a touch of extra cinnamon for an aromatic flourish.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Cinnamon Snowballs
To ensure your Cinnamon Snowballs are nothing short of spectacular, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Butter Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted. It should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape. This is crucial for proper creaming and a tender crumb.
- Sift Your Cake Flour: Cake flour is lighter than all-purpose flour, contributing to the delicate texture. Sifting it ensures there are no lumps and it incorporates smoothly into the dough.
- Crush Corn Flakes Correctly: For the best texture, crush the Corn Flakes by hand or in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. You want varied sizes, from fine crumbs to small flakes, not a uniform powder. This provides that delightful subtle crunch.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
- Roll While Warm, Then Again When Cool: The first roll in powdered sugar while the cookies are warm allows the sugar to adhere nicely. The second roll after they’ve cooled completely creates a thick, beautiful “snowy” coating that won’t absorb into the cookie.
- Adjust Salt for Butter Type: If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
Freezing Snowballs: Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions
While freshly baked and powdered Snowballs are undoubtedly best, there are smart strategies for make-ahead convenience. Interestingly, fully baked and powdered Snowballs are not ideal for freezing. The powdered sugar tends to get absorbed or become sticky upon thawing, losing its iconic “snowy” appeal. However, you can absolutely prepare and shape the dough in advance! Simply form the dough into balls, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For baked Cinnamon Snowballs, proper storage is key to maintaining their delicate texture and flavor. Once completely cooled and rolled in powdered sugar, store them in an airtight container or cookie tin at room temperature. They will retain their freshness and delightful crumbly texture for about a week. Keep them away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. A layer of parchment paper between layers of cookies can help prevent sticking and keep the powdered sugar intact.
Variations to Explore
The beauty of Snowball cookies is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Nut Varieties: While pecans and walnuts are traditional, try finely chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist. For a truly aromatic experience, infuse the butter with chai spices.
- Citrus Zest: Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing note that beautifully complements the cinnamon.
- Chocolatey Delight: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a rich, melty surprise within the crumbly cookie.
- Espresso Kick: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder can enhance the chocolate notes (if added) and deepen the flavor of the cookie without making it taste like coffee.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Snowballs
These Cinnamon Snowballs aren’t just another cookie; they’re an experience. The combination of tender cake flour with the surprising crunch of Corn Flakes creates a texture that’s genuinely unique and utterly addictive. The warm embrace of cinnamon transforms the classic butter cookie into something cozy and inviting, perfect for any occasion, from a festive holiday gathering to a simple afternoon tea. They are simple to make, yet elegant in their presentation, making them a fantastic choice for gifting or for impressing guests. With their delicate flavor and charming appearance, these Cinnamon Snowballs are destined to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire.
- Chai Spiced Almond Cookies (Snowballs)
- Peppermint Pig & Snowballs
- Mexican Wedding Cakes
- Chicago Magazine Maple-Pecan Cookies
- Thick & Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Corn Flakes
Recipe: Cinnamon Snowballs with a Crunch
Cinnamon Snowballs
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz unsalted or salted butter, softened (228 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (Omit if you used salted butter)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (64 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups sifted cake flour (210 grams)
- 2 cups Corn Flakes cereal (crushed after measuring)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- Powdered sugar and extra cinnamon (for rolling and sprinkling)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy non-stick baking.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once fully creamed, gradually stir in the sifted cake flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in the crushed Corn Flakes cereal and chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts).
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Shape the dough into small, approximately ¾-inch balls. Arrange these balls on your prepared cookie sheets, leaving a small space between each (they won’t spread much). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the centers are set but still pale. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5-10 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar. Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a thick, snowy coating. If you wish, sprinkle with some extra cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
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The yield will vary depending on the size of your cookies, but you should expect to get between 32 and 40 delicious Cinnamon Snowballs from this recipe.