Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly captures the cozy warmth of the holiday season, look no further than these Gingerbread Snowball Cookies. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of fragrant spices, molasses sweetness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. The subtle dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful snowy effect, making these cookies as charming to look at as they are delicious to eat. Trust me, Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are a wonderful treat to bake with loved ones or to gift wrapped up with care during the festive months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting the perfect batch of Gingerbread Snowball Cookies. Each contributes a unique aspect: from the rich, creamy base provided by the unsalted butter to the aromatic spices that bring those classic gingerbread flavors to life.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): This is the creamy foundation that ensures your cookies are tender and rich without being greasy.
• Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to the delicate texture of the dough.
• Vanilla (1 teaspoon): A hint of warmth that enhances the other flavors beautifully.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens the spice notes.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Essential for that comforting, spicy-sweet flavor that defines gingerbread.
• Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and the signature zing of gingerbread.
• Ground Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): A warm, nutty spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
• Ground Allspice (¼ teaspoon): Introduces subtle hints of clove and cinnamon in one.
• Ground Cloves (¼ teaspoon): A potent spice that adds depth and complexity.
• Molasses (1 tablespoon): Provides that deep, rich, caramel-like sweetness essential for authentic gingerbread flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): The structure of the cookies, giving them their delightful crumb.
• Powdered Sugar for Rolling: Creates the signature snow-like coating that makes these cookies so festive and charming.

How to Make Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Mix in Spices

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter for about 20 seconds until it becomes light and fluffy. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and all your warming spices along with the molasses. Mixing these until smooth lets the luscious flavor meld together beautifully, setting the stage for those unforgettable Gingerbread Snowball Cookies.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Form the Dough

Next up is the flour. When you add it, the mixture might look crumbly and a bit loose at first—don’t worry, this is completely normal! Keep mixing patiently and you’ll see it transform into a soft, cohesive dough. This step is all about patience, but it’s what creates that buttery, tender bite we all love.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll these gently and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. Keeping the size consistent helps them bake uniformly, ensuring that perfect soft center and gently crisp edge.

Step 5: Bake and Add Snowy Sugar Coating

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the bottoms start to turn a light golden brown. Remove them from the oven and give them a moment to cool until they’re just warm enough to handle. Then, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. This first roll imparts that snowy exterior. Let them cool completely on a rack, then roll them once more for an enchanting double layer of sweet, snowy goodness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

While the powdered sugar coating is the star garnish here, you can add a little extra flare by dusting a pinch of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top right before serving. For a festive touch, try decorating with tiny edible silver stars or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for sparkle and a little richness.

Side Dishes

Gingerbread Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of spiced tea, chai latte, or creamy hot chocolate. If you’re serving a holiday brunch or dessert table, include a platter of fresh fruit slices or a bowl of vanilla whipped cream on the side—it complements the spicy sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, stack the cookies in a little pyramid tied with a ribbon. They also look delightful nestled in festive tins lined with parchment or nestled among pine branches on a holiday platter. Sharing these cookies wrapped in clear cellophane with a sprig of cinnamon sticks makes for an irresistible gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Gingerbread Snowball Cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve that delightful powdered sugar coating.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with layers separated by parchment. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours and roll in powdered sugar again if needed to refresh that snowy look.

Reheating

Though these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, gently heat a few for about 10 seconds in the microwave. Avoid overheating as it can melt the powdered sugar coating and soften the cookie too much.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is key to the ideal flavor and texture in Gingerbread Snowball Cookies. While margarine can be substituted in a pinch, the cookies may lack the rich buttery taste and tender crumb that butter provides.

What if I don’t have molasses?

Molasses gives these cookies their signature depth and slight caramel note. You can try substituting with dark corn syrup or honey, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. For an authentic gingerbread experience, molasses is worth the extra trip to the store.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be a little different, but you’ll still enjoy delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft. This helps maintain the round snowball shape during baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

While traditional Gingerbread Snowball Cookies shine on their own, feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or white chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just fold them gently into the dough before shaping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Gingerbread Snowball Cookies that makes you feel cozy and festive from the very first bite. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make them year after year, sharing their warm spice and snowy charm with friends and family. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and fill your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of holiday joy!

Print