Pumpkin Spice Snowballs

There’s something truly magical about Pumpkin Spice Snowballs, especially as the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall. I remember the first time I tasted these delightful treats at a friend’s holiday gathering. The aroma of warm spices filled the room, creating an inviting atmosphere that instantly brought a smile to my face. With every bite, the soft, buttery texture melted in my mouth, followed by the sweet hint of pumpkin and spices. It felt like a warm hug on a chilly day.

These cookies remind me of my childhood, where baking was a cherished family tradition during the festive season. My mother would gather us all in the kitchen, and we would help mix the dough, roll the cookies, and, of course, sneak a few bites along the way. The joy it brought us was unparalleled. Now, as I prepare this recipe, I can’t help but reminisce about those cozy moments, and I find myself sharing this tradition with my loved ones.

Today, I am excited to bring you my version of Pumpkin Spice Snowballs. They’re not only simple to make but also perfect for any occasion, be it Christmas gatherings or just a cozy night in. The best part is that they look as festive as they taste, with a dusting of powdered sugar that resembles fresh fallen snow. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of baking these charming cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredient List for Pumpkin Spice Snowballs

When it comes to the ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Snowballs, you’ll find that they harmoniously combine to create these delightful treats. The key players here are the spices, which bring warmth and depth to the cookies, and the butter, which provides a rich, creamy base that melts in your mouth.

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), softened – The foundation of these cookies, butter adds richness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups (170g), divided – This sweet element gives the cookies their delightful sweetness and soft texture, making them irresistible.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding a layer of warmth to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups (279g) – The core ingredient that gives structure to the cookies, allowing them to hold their shape while remaining tender.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, divided – A key spice in these cookies, cinnamon infuses warmth and comfort into every bite.
• Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon – This aromatic spice adds a rich, warm flavor that perfectly complements the other spices.
• Ginger: ¼ teaspoon – A hint of ginger adds a lovely spiciness that elevates the overall taste.
• Allspice: ¼ teaspoon – This spice combines flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, enhancing the warm spice profile.
• Chopped Nuts: ¾ cup – Pecans or walnuts work best, adding crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies.

Making This Pumpkin Spice Snowballs

Creating Pumpkin Spice Snowballs is a wonderful way to connect with the flavors of the season. The process is straightforward and allows you to capture the essence of fall in every bite. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This small step makes a big difference in ensuring effortless removal of the cookies later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter (1 cup) with ½ cup of the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is pale and airy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Next, you’ll want to add the dry ingredients. Slowly incorporate 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, ¼ teaspoon of allspice, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg into the bowl. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If it appears crumbly, don’t worry; that’s normal at this stage.
4. Once the dough is combined, stir in the ¾ cup of chopped nuts. You can use pecans or walnuts, depending on your preference. The nuts add a delightful crunch to the soft cookies, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
5. If the dough seems too soft to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling step will help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape.
6. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread slightly while baking, so give them room to grow!
7. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the bottoms to be just lightly browned. They might look a bit soft when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool.
8. After removing the cookies from the oven, allow them to cool on the sheets for a few minutes. Once you can handle them, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important, as it helps them achieve the perfect texture.
9. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each cooled cookie in this mixture until they are fully coated. This final touch adds sweetness and gives them that snowy appearance, which is just perfect for the holidays!
10. Once rolled, store your Pumpkin Spice Snowballs in an airtight container. They can last up to 4 days on the counter or be frozen for up to one month. If you freeze them, remember to re-roll them in powdered sugar after defrosting for that fresh-out-of-the-oven look!

Change It Up

There’s always room for creativity in baking! Here are some ways to add your personal touch to Pumpkin Spice Snowballs.

• Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these cookies in an airtight container for up to one month. Just remember to re-roll them in powdered sugar after thawing!
• Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute the chopped nuts with mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Spice it Up: If you love more spice, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of cayenne for a kick!

Serve This Pumpkin Spice Snowballs With

When it comes to serving Pumpkin Spice Snowballs, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to make your cookie experience even more enjoyable:

• Holiday Gatherings: These cookies are a perfect fit for any festive occasion, whether it’s a Christmas party or Thanksgiving dinner.
• Cozy Evenings: Enjoy them by the fireplace with a warm drink; they are perfect for those chilly nights.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
• Afternoon Tea: Serve alongside your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that everyone will love.
• Brunches: These cookies make a lovely addition to any brunch spread, providing a sweet contrast to savory dishes.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pumpkin Spice Snowballs are a delightful treat that embody the flavors of the fall season. Their soft texture and warm spices make them irresistible and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create your own memories around these cookies. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your day.

Pumpkin Spice Snowballs

Indulge in the cozy charm of Pumpkin Spice Snowballs. These delightful cookies are soft, buttery, and infused with the warm flavors of fall spices. Perfect for any occasion, they’re rolled in powdered sugar, making them a festive treat. Whip up a batch tonight for the ultimate comfort!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 48 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
• 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar divided
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 2 teaspoons Cinnamon divided
• ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon Ginger
• ¼ teaspoon Allspice
• ¾ cup Chopped Nuts pecans or walnuts work best

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with ½ cup of the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat together until light and fluffy.
3. Slowly incorporate 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, ¼ teaspoon of allspice, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg into the bowl. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
4. Stir in the ¾ cup of chopped nuts. You can use pecans or walnuts, depending on your preference.
5. If the dough seems too soft to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
6. Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place these balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the bottoms to be just lightly browned.
8. Allow them to cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each cooled cookie in this mixture until they are fully coated.
10. Store your Pumpkin Spice Snowballs in an airtight container. They can last up to 4 days on the counter or be frozen for up to one month.

Notes

• Tip 1: Substitute 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead of all the spices.
• Tip 2: You may omit the nuts; mini chocolate chips can be a great substitute.
• Tip 3: You can freeze these in an airtight container for up to a month.
• Tip 4: Make these smaller or bigger in size as per your preference.
• Tip 5: Remember: just keep mixing until the dough comes together.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.