Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe for Perfect Holiday Treats

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread filling your kitchen. These delightful gingerbread snowballs combine the classic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses in a bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies resemble delicate snowballs, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at holiday cookies for the first time, this gingerbread snowballs recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Get ready to enjoy a sweet, spicy, and festive treat that captures the essence of winter in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gingerbread snowballs recipe is a holiday crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, the cookies have a wonderfully soft and tender texture, with just the right amount of chewiness.

The blend of spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—adds warmth and depth, making every bite comforting and flavorful.

Another reason to love this recipe is its ease and versatility. The dough is straightforward to prepare, and the baking time is quick, so you can have a batch ready in under an hour.

Plus, these snowballs keep well in an airtight container, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or gifting.

Finally, the beautiful powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch that looks as good as it tastes. If you’re looking for a cookie that balances classic holiday flavors with simplicity and charm, these gingerbread snowballs are the perfect choice.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift or whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Shape the dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball between your palms to create smooth, round shapes.
7. Coat the dough balls: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated, creating the signature “snowball” look.
8. Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
9. Final sugar coating: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for a fresh, snowy coating.
10. Cool completely: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use fresh ground spices to enhance the flavor.

• Make them extra festive: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the spice mix for a unique twist.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
• Chewy vs. cakey: For softer, cakier cookies, slightly reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Add some crunch: Mix in finely chopped crystallized ginger or chopped nuts for texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Gingerbread snowballs are perfect on their own with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a festive dessert platter, serve alongside other holiday favorites like peppermint bark or sugar cookies.

They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast.

Consider packaging these cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons as charming homemade gifts. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie exchanges or as a sweet treat to enjoy after a winter walk.

Conclusion

These gingerbread snowballs are a must-make holiday treat that beautifully captures the spirit of the season. Their soft, spiced centers coated in snowy powdered sugar make them both visually appealing and deliciously addictive.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe delivers classic holiday flavors in a charming bite-sized cookie.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe easy to master, even if baking isn’t your usual hobby. Plus, the versatility of these cookies means you can customize them with your favorite spices or add-ins to make them uniquely yours.

So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and create some magical gingerbread snowballs that will surely become a holiday tradition in your home!

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