As the first snowflakes of winter begin to dance outside my window, I find myself craving the warm, spiced flavors that signal the season. That’s when I turn to my favorite treat: Gingerbread Snowballs. These delightful bites, coated in a cloud of powdered sugar, evoke cozy memories of holiday gatherings and the inviting scent of my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s amazing how a simple cookie can bring such joy!
What’s even more captivating is how effortlessly these cookies come together. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick bake time, they’re perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Imagine surprising your guests with a tray of these sweet, spiced morsels that look as charming as they taste. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a comforting blend of flavors that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the holidays.
So, whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck, warm up a chilly evening, or simply treat yourself, join me in creating these enchanting Gingerbread Snowballs. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why will Gingerbread Snowballs be your favorite?
Effortless Preparation: With minimal ingredients, these cookies are a breeze to whip up, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.
Delightful Presentation: Coated in powdered sugar, they look just as charming as they taste, adding a festive touch to any gathering.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: Each snowy bite offers a unique blend of warm spices that create a cozy flavor profile, reminiscent of holiday cheer.
Versatile Treat: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply indulging at home, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Quick Baking Time: With just 10-12 minutes in the oven, you can satisfy your cookie craving without waiting long!
Gingerbread Snowballs Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Challenge Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (226g), softened for a rich, creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar – ½ cup (57g) adds sweetness and softness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon brings warmth and that classic gingerbread flavor.
• Ground Ginger – 1 teaspoon adds a delightful spiciness to the cookies.
• Ground Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon rounds out the spice blend with a hint of warmth.
• Ground Allspice – ¼ teaspoon introduces complex, sweet notes.
• Ground Cloves – ¼ teaspoon enhances the aromatic profile of your Gingerbread Snowballs.
• Molasses – 1 tablespoon deepens the flavor and gives the cookies a lovely chewiness.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 ¼ cups (279g) provides structure to these delectable cookies.
For Rolling
• Powdered Sugar – Extra for rolling gives the cookies their signature snowy look!
How to Make Gingerbread Snowballs
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring your Gingerbread Snowballs bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Cream the softened Challenge Unsalted Butter using an electric mixer for about 20 seconds until it’s fluffy and light. This step is crucial for achieving a tender texture!
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Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, and molasses into the butter mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated—it’s that festive aroma that makes baking worthwhile!
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Add the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. This may take a bit of time, so be patient; you want a nice, smooth consistency.
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Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each cookie ball on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving enough space for them to spread while baking.
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Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are just slightly brown. They should look soft but set when you take them out.
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Cool the cookies on the sheets for about a minute, just until you can handle them without burning your fingers! This helps them hold their shape.
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Roll each warm cookie in a bowl filled with powdered sugar until fully coated. This creates a delightful snowy finish that’s simply irresistible.
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Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want an extra dusting of powdered sugar, feel free to re-roll them once they’re cool—they’ll look beautiful!
Optional: Serve with a warm cup of cocoa for the perfect winter indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Snowballs
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Use Softened Butter: Ensure your Challenge Unsalted Butter is adequately softened to achieve that fluffy dough texture; cold butter will make mixing difficult.
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Mix Thoroughly: Take your time mixing the butter and powdered sugar until completely smooth—this ensures even flavor and a tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies; remove them from the oven as soon as the bottoms are slightly brown. Overbaking will lead to dry cookies, losing their characteristic softness.
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Roll While Warm: For best results, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This allows the sugar to adhere better, creating that perfect snowy coating.
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Customization Options: Feel free to experiment with other spices or add-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips, but be cautious not to overpower the beloved ginger flavor in your Gingerbread Snowballs!
What to Serve with Gingerbread Snowballs?
Cozy up your table with delightful pairings that elevate the joy of these sweet, spiced treats.
- Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa wonderfully complements the spiced flavors, creating a blissful warmth on chilly days.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream offsets the warmth of the gingerbread, making each bite a refreshing contrast.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your cookies to amplify those cozy autumn vibes with every sip.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola adds a delightful crunch while maintaining a comforting, spiced flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Soup: A cups of velvety pumpkin soup brings a savory note that balances the sweetness of Gingerbread Snowballs, perfect for a hearty fall meal.
- Sugary Lemonade: When served chilled, this tangy drink refreshes your palate between bites, offering a zesty twist to the spiced cookies.
- Holiday Fruit Salad: Brighten your spread with a colorful fruit salad; the freshness contrasts beautifully with the rich, spiced flavors of the cookies.
- Cinnamon Chai: A cup of cinnamon chai enhances the warm spices in your cookies while inviting a cozy ambiance to your gathering.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies adds a delicious stickiness that pairs beautifully with their soft texture.
- Almond Milk: Nutty and creamy, almond milk pairs perfectly with these cookies, especially for those who enjoy dairy alternatives.
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Snowballs
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they are well-wrapped to avoid absorbing odors.
Freezer: Freeze Gingerbread Snowballs individually in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If desired, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their soft texture.
Gingerbread Snowballs Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to explore delightful options that will make these cookies uniquely yours!
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Spice Swap: Replace the ground ginger with ground cardamom for a floral twist that adds a new dimension to the flavor. The fragrant aroma will surprise and delight your guests!
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch. The nuts will add a lovely texture and complement the warm spices beautifully.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for everyone. You won’t lose the delightful texture or flavor!
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a rich twist that pairs wonderfully with the spiced base. Each bite brings a delightful surprise that chocolate fans will adore.
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Heat Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of chili powder to the dough for a subtle kick. The warmth of the spices combined with a hint of heat will make these cookies unforgettable.
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Molasses Twist: Replace molasses with maple syrup for a different sweet profile that adds complexity to the cookies. You’ll enjoy a unique, yet still deliciously cozy flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a fresh bright note that balances the spices perfectly. It’s a delightful surprise that’s sure to brighten your day!
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Alternate Coating: Roll the cookies in crushed graham crackers or coconut shreds instead of powdered sugar for a fun and unique look. These variations add a playful touch with new textures in every bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Snowballs are a fantastic choice for make-ahead baking! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just scoop and roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply preheat the oven and bake straight from the fridge for 12-14 minutes. This will ensure they’re just as delicious and soft as if made fresh! For even quicker enjoyment, you can freeze the pre-formed dough balls for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking for optimal texture.
Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using Challenge Unsalted Butter for a rich and creamy texture. Softened butter is crucial, as it helps create a fluffy dough that melts in your mouth. Make sure it’s at room temperature, which usually means leaving it out for about 30 minutes before you start baking!
How should I store Gingerbread Snowballs?
To maintain their delightful softness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to wrap them well to keep out any unwanted odors!
Can I freeze Gingerbread Snowballs?
Yes, you can! Freeze your Gingerbread Snowballs individually by wrapping each cookie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before indulging in their spiced goodness.
What if my cookie dough is too dry or crumbly?
Very! If your dough feels too dry, try adding a teaspoon or two of milk or water to help bring it together. Mixing can take time, so be patient! Ensure your butter is well-softened and that you’ve thoroughly incorporated all the ingredients. If it’s still crumbly, it might need a little extra mixing to achieve that lovely, cohesive texture.
Are Gingerbread Snowballs suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe does not include any nuts, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies. However, always check your ingredients, particularly any spices or additional mix-ins, to ensure they’re allergy-friendly. You can even experiment with alternative spices to suit your taste without compromising safety.
Gingerbread Snowballs: Irresistibly Soft Winter Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened Challenge Unsalted Butter using an electric mixer for about 20 seconds until fluffy.
- Combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, and molasses into the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Add the all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each cookie ball on the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly brown.
- Cool the cookies on the sheets for about a minute, then roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.