These gingerbread snowball cookies are a festive twist on the classic snowball treat. With warm spices, a hint of molasses, and a powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations. These cookies are simple to make, beautifully snowy, and irresistibly spiced.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday flavors: Packed with gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Perfect for gifting: Their delicate powdered sugar coating makes them look festive and elegant.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Freezer-friendly: Make ahead for stress-free holiday prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (57g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 2 1/4 cups (279g) all-purpose flour
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie sheets
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 20 seconds. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and molasses. Beat until smooth. Gradually add the flour and continue mixing until the dough comes together. It will start crumbly but should form a cohesive dough after a few minutes.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly browned. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for about a minute.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in a bowl of powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. For a “snowier” finish, roll them again in powdered sugar once cooled.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour for the same great texture.
- Nutty Additions: Mix finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra texture.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy note.
- Extra Spice: For bolder gingerbread flavors, increase the ground ginger to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies with hot cocoa, tea, or eggnog for a festive treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Even coating: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm for the best adherence.
- Test for doneness: The cookies should be slightly firm to the touch on the bottom but still soft inside when done.
- Avoid overbaking: Watch closely during baking to prevent the bottoms from browning too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use blackstrap molasses?
Yes, but blackstrap molasses has a stronger, more bitter flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use regular molasses.
2. What if my dough is too crumbly?
Keep mixing! The dough will come together as the butter fully incorporates with the dry ingredients.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies stay fresh for several days and can be frozen for longer storage.
4. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, but butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies.
5. Why does the powdered sugar melt off?
Ensure you roll the cookies in sugar while they’re warm to help it stick, and re-roll once they’re fully cooled for an extra snowy look.
These gingerbread snowballs are a holiday favorite that capture the cozy flavors of the season. With their tender texture and sweet powdered sugar coating, they’re guaranteed to bring festive cheer to any gathering. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!