If you’re looking for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat to celebrate the flavors of fall, this Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delicate little pillows of buttery dough are infused with warm pumpkin spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then rolled in a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that gives each bite a perfect snap and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving something special with your afternoon tea, these snowball cookies capture all the cozy comfort of pumpkin spice in a delightful, easy-to-make cookie that anyone can whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender crumb, to the blend of spices that fills your kitchen with irresistible autumn aromas. Let’s break down what you need to create these lovely treats.
- Unsalted butter: Use softened butter for a smooth dough and rich flavor without added salt.
- Powdered sugar: Provides that delicate sweetness and helps achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, ensuring perfect structure without heaviness.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the spice blend.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, delivering that familiar pumpkin spice warmth.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Ground ginger: Offers a gentle bite to keep the flavor interesting.
- Allspice: Brings a hint of clove-like fragrance for a cozy finish.
- Optional pecans or mini chocolate chips: Adds texture and extra flavor if you want a little crunch or chocolatey surprise.
- Extra powdered sugar and cinnamon: For that irresistible snowball cookie coating that makes these cookies so special.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake your cookies gently so they stay tender and don’t brown too much on top. Be sure to line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is key for a soft, delicate cookie texture. Take your time here; the fluffier the butter mixture, the better the cookie crumb will be.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse sweetness with its signature warm aroma. Then gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and your blend of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This combination brings the true pumpkin spice magic to life. If you want an extra special touch, fold in finely chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips here for texture and added bursts of flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—this size helps the cookies bake evenly and gives you those charming snowball bites. Place the dough balls evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little room for gentle spreading.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies turn a light, golden brown. The key is to watch closely so they don’t overbake; these cookies should remain soft with just a tender crisp along the edges.
Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
When your cookies come fresh out of the oven, while they’re still warm, gently roll each one in a mixture of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon. Let the cookies cool a bit, then roll them again for an extra thick and snowy coating. This double-layered coating creates that irresistible snowy look and adds a sweet, spice-kissed crunch.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look fabulous dusted with a final sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh ground cinnamon, or even a tiny drizzle of white chocolate to elevate their festive appeal. Adding a few whole pecans on the side can also hint at the flavors inside, making these cookies feel even more special when served.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or hot apple cider. The spicy warmth of the beverages complements the hints of ginger and cinnamon in the cookies perfectly. For a cozy brunch spread, these cookies can also be served alongside soft cheeses or fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a seasonal touch, arrange the cookies on a festive platter garnished with miniature pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or autumn leaves. You could even stack them in a rustic mason jar or wrap small batches in cellophane tied with cinnamon twine for delicious homemade gifts. Presentation can turn these humble cookies into a stunning fall centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them wonderfully soft with that signature crumbly texture. Avoid refrigeration to maintain their tender texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. For best results, place baked cookies in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze dough, shape into balls, flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
If you want to freshen up a day-old cookie, warm it briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This restores that just-baked softness and revives the spices’ fragrance beautifully. Avoid microwaving as it can make cookies chewy or dry.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough from crumbling. Results may be slightly different, but just as delicious!
Do I have to use pecans or chocolate chips?
Not at all! The nuts and chocolate chips are totally optional and just add a bit of crunch or extra flavor. The cookies are wonderful even without any mix-ins.
Why roll the cookies twice in the coating?
Rolling twice in the cinnamon-sugar coating ensures an extra thick, snowy layer that creates a beautiful look and adds a delightful outer crunch. It’s one of those steps that really elevates the cookie experience.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil and use a powdered sugar that is vegan-friendly as some may be processed with bone char. The texture might vary a bit but the pumpkin spice flavor will still shine through.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden bottoms while the tops remain pale and soft. The cookies should feel set but still tender when touched gently. Overbaking will create a firmer cookie that loses the signature crumbly tenderness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about biting into a cookie that perfectly captures the essence of fall with just a hint of sweetness and the warm embrace of pumpkin spices. The Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe is not just easy to make but brings such joy and comfort with each bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your new seasonal favorite – it’s the kind of sweet that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 100 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Pumpkin Spice Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats infused with warm pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Perfectly coated with a cinnamon-sugar blend, these cookies offer a delightful fall-inspired twist on traditional snowball cookies, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons.
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 2 cups powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, stirring continuously until the dough comes together. Fold in the optional finely chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips if using.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Coat Cookies: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating made from 2 cups powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Let them cool completely, then roll again to apply a thicker coating for an extra flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional chocolate chips add a delightful twist and extra sweetness.
