If you are looking for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, you have found it with this Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe. These little bites of joy bring together the perfect blend of pumpkin spice warmth and buttery cookie goodness, all rolled up in a delicate cinnamon-sugar dusting that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re making cookies for a festive gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a sweet, seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create the most comforting desserts, and this Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe is no exception. Each one plays a special role—from the creamy unsalted butter that provides richness to the cozy blend of pumpkin spices that bring those autumn flavors to life. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of your cookie dough, ensuring a tender and rich texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: It sweetens the dough and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that highlights the spices.
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone to give structure to your cookies.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers that iconic pumpkin pie warmth.
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet aroma and taste.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Brings a gentle spicy kick to the mix.
- ½ tsp allspice: Complements the other spices with a rich, holiday-inspired flavor.
- Optional: ½ cup finely chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips: For that extra texture and a nutty or chocolatey twist.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for coating): Combined with cinnamon to give the final signature snowball look.
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating): Adds color and that irresistible cinnamon kick to finish your cookies.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet effortlessly, so no cookies get left behind during your snacking sessions.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and cloud-like. This is where the magic begins as air is incorporated to give your cookies a tender crumb and smooth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse subtle sweetness and depth. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, stirring to combine everything into a soft cookie dough. If you’re opting for some added crunch or chocolatey bursts, gently fold in finely chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips now.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
With your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. Uniform sizes ensure that your pumpkin spice snowball cookies bake evenly, resulting in perfect consistency every time.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms turn just lightly golden. The lightly golden bottom is a sign that the cookies are done but still soft and delicate inside, ready for their enchanting coating.
Step 6: Coat the Warm Cookies
While the cookies are still warm (but cool enough to handle), carefully roll them in the prepared cinnamon-sugar coating. Let them cool completely, then roll them again in the coating for that thicker, snowy finish that makes these cookies stand out visually and with flavor.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but for a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or a tiny dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. You can even add a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your pumpkin spice snowball cookies with a warm mug of chai tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy experience. Fresh apple slices or candied nuts can also complement the spice blend wonderfully for an autumn-inspired dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift idea. For parties, arrange them on a wooden tray decorated with sprigs of cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices to highlight that cozy, seasonal vibe instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These pumpkin spice snowball cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture and fresh flavors. Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the dough balls before baking or the fully baked and coated cookies. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature or bake dough balls straight from the freezer with a couple of extra minutes added to baking time.
Reheating
Reheat your cookies gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to regain a freshly baked warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the powdered sugar coating melt excessively and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar in the dough?
Powdered sugar is key for achieving the delicate, tender texture of these cookies, so it’s best not to substitute it with regular granulated sugar. The neat, snowy coating also relies heavily on powdered sugar for that classic look and melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Do these cookies actually contain pumpkin?
While this recipe showcases pumpkin spice flavors, it doesn’t include pumpkin puree itself. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice captures the warm and festive pumpkin spice profile perfectly without added moisture from pumpkin.
Can I skip the nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The addition of pecans or chocolate chips is optional and just gives you a fun variation in texture and taste. The cookies are wonderful on their own, showcasing the spice blend and buttery richness beautifully.
How do I make the coating stick better to the cookies?
The best time to roll the cookies in the cinnamon-sugar coating is while they are still warm right out of the oven. This warmth helps the coating adhere perfectly. Rolling twice, once warm and once after cooling, builds that classic thick, snowy exterior.
Why do the cookies need to be baked at 350°F?
Baking at 350°F allows the cookies to cook evenly, developing a lightly golden bottom while keeping the centers tender. Lower temperatures help preserve the delicate crumb and prevent overheating the spices, which could make the flavor too intense.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe because it truly captures the heart of fall in a cookie. These tender, spice-kissed snowballs are perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own with a cozy drink in hand. Once you make them, I bet they’ll become a special part of your seasonal baking tradition, filling your kitchen with warmth and happiness every time.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 100 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie, infused with warm pumpkin-spice flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Soft, buttery, and perfectly coated in a cinnamon-sugar blend, these cookies are ideal for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp allspice
- Optional: ½ cup finely chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips
Coating
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: Add vanilla extract into the butter mixture, then gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and allspice. Mix everything together until just combined, then fold in the optional pecans or mini chocolate chips if using.
- Shape Dough Balls: Take portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing each ball spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the dough balls for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooked through but still soft.
- Apply Coating: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating mixture of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon. Allow the cookies to cool, then roll them a second time in the coating for a thicker, sweeter finish.
Notes
- For a nuttier texture, add finely chopped pecans to the dough.
- Mini chocolate chips can be used instead of pecans for a chocolate version.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to keep them tender and not dry.
- Rolling the cookies twice in the coating ensures a thick, flavorful crust.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
