Soft & Buttery Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe: Holiday Magic

Delicate powdered sugar coats these magical gingerbread snowballs, creating a winter wonderland on your plate.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, promising comfort and joy.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger weave their aromatic spell, transporting you to cozy holiday memories.

Festive treats like these spark pure happiness at first glance.

Soft, crumbly textures melt in your mouth with each delightful nibble.

Small moments of sweetness can transform an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Snowballs

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a smooth texture and delightful flavor to the gingerbread snowballs.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their delicate shape and tender crumb.
• Confectioners' Sugar: A key ingredient that adds sweetness and creates the signature snowy coating for the cookies.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves: A warm and aromatic spice mixture that delivers the classic gingerbread flavor profile and adds depth to the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract, Molasses, Salt: Essential ingredients that round out the cookie's flavor, adding complexity and balancing the sweetness of the spices.

How to Bake Gingerbread Snowballs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create the Magical Dough Base

• Confectioners' sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Molasses

Mix everything until the mixture becomes smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Blend in the Flour

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture. Keep mixing until the dough comes together.

Don’t worry if it looks crumbly at first – keep stirring and it will transform into a perfect cookie dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Use a tablespoon to scoop out uniform cookie portions.

Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some breathing room between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheets into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie bottoms turn a light golden brown. Watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Sugar Coating Extravaganza

Let the cookies cool just enough to handle. Prepare a bowl of confectioners’ sugar.

Gently roll each warm cookie in the sugar until completely covered. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Double the Sweetness

Once the cookies cool completely, give them another roll in confectioners’ sugar for an extra magical snow-like finish.

Pro Tips for Tender and Flavorful Gingerbread Snowballs

• Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier mixing and better cookie texture.
• Gently press dough together if it seems crumbly, avoiding overmixing which can make cookies tough.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm for better sugar adherence and a beautiful snowy appearance.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Variations to Try with Gingerbread Snowballs

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Snowballs: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these festive treats without compromising taste or texture.
• Vegan Gingerbread Snowballs: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based confectioners' sugar to create a dairy-free version that maintains the classic spicy warmth.
• Low-Sugar Gingerbread Snowballs: Swap traditional confectioners' sugar with a sugar-free alternative like powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's signature flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Gingerbread Snowballs

• The warm, aromatic spices in the chai perfectly complement the gingerbread's rich, festive flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that enhances both the drink and cookie.
• The creamy, smooth vanilla provides a cool contrast to the spicy warmth of the gingerbread snowballs, balancing the cookie's intense flavor profile with a refreshing touch.
• The deep, robust red wine infused with holiday spices echoes the warm spices in the gingerbread, creating a sophisticated and cozy pairing that embodies winter comfort.

Storage Advice for Gingerbread Snowballs

• Store gingerbread snowballs in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep cookies fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, preserving their delicate texture and flavor profile.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats can remain frozen for 2-3 months without losing their characteristic taste and soft consistency.
• Place cooled cookies in a sealed container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture. Keep at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring they stay soft and delectable.

FAQs

• What makes gingerbread snowballs different from regular cookies?

These cookies are uniquely spiced with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, giving them a rich, holiday-inspired flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional sugar cookies.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, gingerbread snowballs can be prepared in advance. You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for holiday preparation.

• Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! These cookies are relatively simple to prepare. The recipe requires basic mixing techniques and minimal ingredients, making them an excellent option for home bakers of all skill levels.

Why Gingerbread Snowballs Are a Holiday Must-Have

• Spice Up Your Baking: Gingerbread Snowballs bring a delightful blend of warm holiday spices that dance on your taste buds, creating a festive flavor explosion in every bite.
• Master Simple Baking: This recipe offers beginner-friendly steps that make cookie-making accessible, even for those with minimal baking experience, ensuring success with straightforward instructions.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, these cookies deliver a nostalgic touch that brings everyone together with their irresistible charm and comforting warmth.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe allows flexible modifications, letting you adjust spice levels or sugar coating to match your personal taste preferences, making it a versatile dessert option for different palates.

Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Gingerbread snowball cookies blend warm spices with powdery sugar in a classic holiday treat. Festive bites from German baking traditions deliver sweet comfort that connects families and friends during winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups (279g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (57g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp dark molasses
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Additional confectioners’ sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for optimal cookie placement.
2. Cream the butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Incorporate confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, salt, and all warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves) along with molasses, mixing until the blend becomes smooth and homogeneous.
3. Gradually fold the flour into the spiced mixture, stirring consistently until the dough transforms from crumbly to compact and well-integrated.
4. Measure out tablespoon-sized dough portions, gently rolling them into uniform balls. Arrange these spheres across the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow proper heat circulation.
5. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until the bottom edges turn a delicate golden shade. Remove from the oven precisely when this coloration occurs.
6. Let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet until they become manageable. Delicately roll each warm cookie in confectioners’ sugar, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. After complete cooling, perform a second sugar coating to enhance the cookies’ visual appeal and create a delightful, powdery exterior.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, tender texture of these delightful cookies.
• Ground flaxseed mixed with water can replace eggs, making these gingerbread snowballs suitable for vegan bakers seeking a festive treat.
• Reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes if you prefer softer, more delicate cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring they remain fresh and wonderfully spiced.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 52 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg