The holidays are the perfect time to bake something festive, and gingerbread-flavored treats always bring a bit of extra cheer!
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are just the thing.
With warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cookies capture the taste of classic gingerbread but with a unique, snowball-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Imagine the soft crumb and powdered sugar coating – perfect for sharing or savoring with a cozy drink by the fire!
Key Ingredients for Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need:
- Flour: The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and a delicate crumb.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the dough and for coating, giving these cookies their “snowball” appearance.
- Molasses: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, giving these cookies their gingerbread character and rich color.
- Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are essential for that classic gingerbread warmth.
- Vanilla Extract: Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
Optional Additions:
- Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a bit of crunch if you like texture in your cookies.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: A touch of white chocolate adds a lovely decorative element and extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Gingerbread Snowball Cookies:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Cream together butter, molasses, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well. Sift in flour, spices, and salt, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- For the best texture, cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are firm but the tops are still soft. The cookies should not brown on top.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar:
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This creates the first “snowy” coating.
- After they cool completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker, more festive coating.
Tips for Baking Success
- Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, chill it longer or add a small amount of flour until it’s easier to handle.
- Preventing Flat Cookies: Chilling the dough helps, but so does carefully measuring ingredients—especially the butter.
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their texture if kept in a cool place.
Creative Variations and Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ideas:
- Nutty Gingerbread Snowballs: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a hint of crunch.
- Festive Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the tops for extra sweetness and decoration.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use agave syrup in place of honey for a vegan-friendly option.
Experiment with these variations and create your own signature Gingerbread Snowball Cookies!
Serving and Storing
Presentation Ideas:
- Place cookies in a decorative holiday tin, layered with wax paper, for a perfect homemade gift.
- Wrap a small batch in cellophane bags with festive ribbons for party favors or stocking stuffers.
Storage Tips:
- Keep cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to three months.
- To freeze, place the cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor!
Why is the dough chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough helps firm it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also enhances the flavor.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of classic snowball cookies and warm gingerbread spices. These festive cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture, with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.With their powdered sugar coating, they look just like little snowballs – ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, molasses, and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up and enhances the flavors.
Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
- While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar for the first coating.
- After the cookies have completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look.