Sweet Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe: Cozy Holiday Magic in Every Bite

When winter whispers its magical gingerbread snowballs recipe, memories of cozy kitchens start dancing in my mind.

Soft, powdery sugar coats these delightful treats like fresh fallen snow.

Warm spices mingle with sweet hints of molasses, creating a nostalgic flavor profile.

Biting into a cloud-like cookie that melts instantly on your tongue.

Childhood comfort blends perfectly with festive cheer in this simple yet irresistible dessert.

Each bite promises a moment of pure winter wonder.

Can you resist these little spheres of happiness that capture the essence of holiday joy?

FAQs for Gingerbread Snowballs

• What gives these gingerbread snowballs their unique flavor?

The combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, spicy taste that captures the essence of traditional gingerbread. These spices work together to give the cookies their distinctive and comforting holiday flavor.

• Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll while the cookies are still warm helps the sugar stick better, and the second roll after cooling creates a beautiful, snow-like coating that gives these cookies their signature snowball appearance. This double-coating technique ensures a thick, even layer of powdered sugar.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These gingerbread snowballs can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They actually develop a richer flavor as they sit, making them perfect for holiday preparations or gifting.

• Are these cookies kid-friendly to make?

Yes! These cookies are great for baking with children. The dough is easy to roll into balls, and kids will love the fun process of rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Snowballs

• Burst of Festive Flavors: These gingerbread snowballs pack a delightful punch of warm holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Holiday Treat: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy home bakers and holiday rush moments.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The soft, tender cookies coated in powdered sugar create a delicate, cloud-like experience that literally melts in your mouth with each delicious bite.
• Winter Wonderland Presentation: The snowy white coating gives these cookies a magical, festive appearance that makes them look like adorable little snowballs, ideal for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.

What You’ll Need for Gingerbread Snowballs

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for soft texture and delicious flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Molasses: Gives deep, rich flavor and creates signature gingerbread color.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warm spice blend that creates traditional gingerbread taste. Choose fresh, high-quality spices for best results.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, snowy finish with soft, delicate exterior.

How to Make Gingerbread Snowballs Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter And Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and transform your softened butter and granulated sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture. Beat them together for about two minutes until they look light and dreamy.

Step 3: Splash In Flavor Boosters

Pour in your vanilla extract and molasses, mixing until they dance together perfectly and create a rich, aromatic base.

Step 4: Blend Dry Magic

• Flour
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until a delightful dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Delicious Orbs

Roll the dough into adorable one-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, giving each ball some breathing room about an inch apart.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Send your cookie balls into the warm oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for them to set without turning brown – they should look just shy of golden.

Step 7: Sugar Snow Coating

While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until they look like tiny snowballs. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, then give them a second powdery sugar bath for an extra wintery look.

Helpful Tips for Gingerbread Snowballs

• Butter Softening Hack: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure perfect creaming consistency without melting.
• Spice Intensity Adjustment: Increase or decrease ground spices according to personal taste preference, keeping the overall quantity consistent.
• Gluten-Free Conversion: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Molasses Moisture Tip: Choose dark molasses for a deeper, richer flavor profile that enhances the traditional gingerbread taste.
• Storage Smart Strategy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storing Gingerbread Snowballs the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store cooled gingerbread snowballs in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, tender texture.
• Refresh: Dust with an extra layer of powdered sugar after reheating to revive their snowy appearance and enhance their delightful winter charm.

Snacks and Drinks That Pair With Gingerbread Snowballs

• Brew a Warming Chai: Pair these gingerbread snowballs with a spicy, creamy chai tea that echoes the warm spices in the cookies. The cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger in the chai will complement the cookie's deep, rich flavors perfectly.
• Sip Mulled Wine: Enjoy these snowballs alongside a glass of mulled wine, where the wine's heated spices and sweet notes create a cozy winter harmony. The wine's warmth will enhance the cookie's comforting gingerbread profile.
• Create a Dessert Plate: Serve the snowballs with vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the spiced, powdery cookies, while caramel adds a luxurious sweet touch.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: A robust, dark roast coffee provides a bold counterpoint to the delicate, sugary snowballs. The coffee's deep, slightly bitter notes will balance the cookie's sweetness and spice wonderfully.

Ways to Switch Gingerbread Snowballs Up

• Winter Spice Snowballs: Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty undertone and extra richness. Sprinkle additional ground cardamom into the dry ingredients to enhance the warm, aromatic profile.
• Chocolate Ginger Snowflakes: Fold in mini dark chocolate chips to the dough for unexpected bursts of intensity. Dust the final cookies with cocoa powder alongside the powdered sugar for deeper color and complexity.
• Citrus Ginger Cookies: Zest one orange or lemon directly into the butter mixture to introduce bright, fresh notes. Add a pinch of orange extract to complement the traditional gingerbread spices and create a more complex flavor experience.
• Maple Crunch Balls: Substitute molasses with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Incorporate finely chopped pecans into the dough for subtle crunch and additional warmth.

Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic meets sweet comfort in these gingerbread snowballs, a delightful winter treat dusted with powdered sugar. Warm spices and buttery richness invite winter celebrations, promising pure seasonal joy in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230 g / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup (70 g / 2.5 ounces) granulated sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Additional Flavors:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon molasses

For Rolling:

• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
2. Create a fluffy butter mixture by vigorously beating softened butter and granulated sugar until the texture becomes light and airy, developing a creamy consistency.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating vanilla extract and rich, deep molasses, stirring until the ingredients blend seamlessly.
4. Craft a complex spice blend by whisking together flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate mixing bowl, creating a fragrant dry ingredient mixture.
5. Gradually merge the dry spice mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
6. Carefully shape the dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, positioning them evenly across the prepared baking sheets with slight separation to allow for gentle spreading.
7. Transform the raw dough into delicate cookies by baking for 10-12 minutes, watching for a set texture without excessive browning.
8. Allow the freshly baked cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then delicately transfer them to a cooling rack while still warm.
9. Create a winter wonderland effect by delicately rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar, ensuring complete coverage for a snowy exterior.
10. Complete the final touch by repeating the powdered sugar coating once the cookies have cooled completely, achieving a pristine, frosted appearance.

Notes

• Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing ground ginger and cinnamon to match your personal taste preference.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a reliable cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to maintain the cookie’s delicate texture.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature but not melted to achieve the perfect creamy consistency when mixing with sugar.
• Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 28 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg