Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Is there anything more magical than the smell of gingerbread cookies wafting through the house during the holidays? These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies combine the spicy warmth of classic gingerbread with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of snowball cookies. They’re festive, full of holiday spices, and look like little snowballs dusted in powdered sugar—talk about winter wonderland vibes!

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Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

• Perfectly spiced: With ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each bite brings all the warmth and comfort of the holiday season.
• Melt-in-your-mouth: These cookies have a tender, crumbly texture that just dissolves into sweetness with each bite.
• Festive appearance: The powdered sugar coating gives them a snowy, wintry look, perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie swaps!
• Great for gifting: These little snowballs make the perfect edible gift, beautifully packaged in a holiday tin.

The Taste and Benefits of Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

These cookies strike a lovely balance of spicy and sweet, with the warmth of ginger and cinnamon tempered by the sweetness of powdered sugar. The molasses adds depth, giving them a rich, almost caramel-like undertone. They’re delicate, but pack a punch of holiday cheer!

Benefits:

• Easy to make ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed.
• Versatile: Whether for a cozy family treat or a cookie exchange, they fit right into any holiday celebration.
• Great texture: The soft, crumbly texture makes them an irresistible snack alongside a hot cup of cocoa.

this Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup molasses

For Rolling:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling and dusting)

Necessary Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful for creaming butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

How to Make Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and molasses, mixing until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a touch more flour.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it’s firm enough to handle.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled, roll them generously in powdered sugar. For an extra snowy look, roll them again just before serving.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with a hot beverage, like:

• Hot chocolate: The rich, creamy cocoa complements the spiced cookies beautifully.
• Coffee or espresso: For a more grown-up pairing, a strong cup of coffee enhances the spice profile.
• Mulled wine: For a holiday twist, enjoy these cookies with a warm, spiced drink!

Tips for Making the Perfect Cookies

1. Chill the dough: Chilling helps the cookies keep their round shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
2. Spice it up: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, don’t hesitate to add an extra pinch of ginger or cinnamon.
3. Double the powdered sugar: For that true snowball effect, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when cooled, and again right before serving.

Storage Instructions

These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, they also freeze beautifully! Just store them in a freezer-safe container, and roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Q: How long do these cookies last? A: Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last up to a week. If freezing, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw before baking.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, bringing together the cozy spices of gingerbread with the delicate sweetness of snowball cookies. They’re simple to make, perfect for the holiday season, and sure to bring a little winter magic to your kitchen. 🎅

If you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, check out these other cozy recipes:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies: A fun, decorative cookie that’s perfect for hanging on the tree.
• Gingerbread Cake: A moist, spiced cake that’s bursting with gingerbread flavor.
• Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece: A rich, flavorful cake that’s the ultimate showstopper for your holiday dessert table.

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