SAVE RECIPE

The holiday season is all about warmth, cheer, and, of course, indulgent treats. If you’re looking for a festive cookie recipe that is both easy to make and packed with cozy winter flavors, look no further than Gingerbread Snowballs! These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are like a gingerbread version of classic snowball cookies—spiced, buttery, and dusted in powdered sugar for that winter wonderland touch.

The beauty of gingerbread snowballs lies in their perfect balance of warmth from the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with the sweetness and fluffiness of powdered sugar coating the outside. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, gift-giving, or simply to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa, these cookies will surely bring joy to your festivities.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will form the flavorful base for your cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed until everything is well combined. The molasses will give the dough a rich color and add depth to the gingerbread flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, a little at a time, until everything is just combined. You should have a soft, slightly sticky dough. If the dough seems too wet, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable but still soft.

Step 6: Roll the Dough into Balls

Using your hands, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The center should still be soft and slightly puffed up. Be careful not to over-bake, as these cookies are meant to be soft and chewy.

Step 8: Coat the Cookies in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until generously coated. This gives them the snowball effect and adds a perfect amount of sweetness.

Variation Ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Nutty Touch: Incorporate finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the dough for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
• Frosting Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream for added sweetness and decoration.
• Chocolate: Add small chunks of dark or white chocolate to the dough for a delightful twist on this classic recipe.

COOKING Note:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold butter may not cream properly with the sugar, which can affect the texture of the dough.
• Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to handle.
• Don’t Over-bake: These cookies should come out of the oven when they are just set around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, ensuring that they remain soft and chewy.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Hot Drinks: These gingerbread snowballs pair perfectly with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate, mulled wine, or a frothy latte.
• Holiday Cookie Platters: Serve them as part of a festive cookie platter alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and peppermint bark.
• Giftable Treats: Package them in a decorative tin or gift box with some ribbon to make the perfect homemade holiday gift.
• On Their Own: These cookies are sweet and flavorful enough to stand alone as a delightful treat for yourself or your guests.

Tips:

• Proper Measuring: Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Fluff the flour in the container, spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off. Too much flour can make the dough stiff and dry.
• Molasses Substitutes: If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with dark corn syrup, but it will slightly alter the flavor. Molasses gives these cookies their signature rich, deep flavor.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag or container once frozen. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10-12 minutes

Total Time:

25-30 minutes (excluding cooling time)

Nutritional Information (per serving – 1 cookie):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

FAQs:

Can I make these gingerbread snowballs in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time, roll it into balls, and freeze the dough balls. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes.

Can I make these without molasses?
While molasses gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can use dark corn syrup or honey as a substitute. However, the taste and texture may be slightly different.

Why are my gingerbread snowballs flat?
If the dough was too warm or too much flour was added, it may have caused the cookies to flatten. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and refrigerate the dough if it’s too sticky before rolling it.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can swap in whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the cookies. The texture may be slightly denser, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How do I get the powdered sugar to stick?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm but not too hot helps the sugar stick better. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, then roll them in the powdered sugar.

Conclusion:

Gingerbread Snowballs are an easy, delicious, and festive treat that captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. With their rich gingerbread flavor, soft texture, and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to add something sweet to your Christmas dessert table or gift them to friends and family, these cookies are simple to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Don’t be surprised if they become your new holiday tradition!