There’s something magical about the holiday season, and one of the best ways to celebrate is through the delightful flavors of gingerbread. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just want to indulge in a warm, spiced treat, gingerbread snowballs are a perfect choice. These cookies combine the warmth of gingerbread spices with the rich, buttery texture of a shortbread cookie, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for cozy winter days. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make gingerbread snowball recipe!
Ingredients:
To make these delicious gingerbread snowballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (57g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tbsp molasses
2 ¼ cups (279g) all-purpose flour
Extra powdered sugar for rolling
These ingredients come together to create a festive, spiced flavor profile that’s perfect for the holiday season. The use of molasses gives the cookies that classic gingerbread depth, while the combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth and complexity.
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step should take about 2-3 minutes. The key here is to ensure the butter is well softened to create a smooth dough, so take the time to bring it to room temperature if needed.
- Add the flavorings:
Once the butter and sugar are creamy, add the vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves. Continue mixing until all the spices are evenly incorporated. The aroma of the spices will fill the air, signaling that the holiday season is near!
Add the molasses to the mixture and beat until everything is well combined. The molasses not only adds flavor but also helps give the cookies their characteristic soft texture.
- Incorporate the flour:
Now, it’s time to add the flour. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing gently after each addition. After all the flour has been added, you’ll have a dough that’s soft and slightly crumbly. It should come together when pressed, but if it feels too sticky or soft, you can refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up before shaping. - Shape the cookies:
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to form the snowballs. Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Place each dough ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one. You should be able to fit about 12 cookies per sheet. - Bake the snowballs:
Bake the gingerbread snowballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your dough balls.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roll in powdered sugar:
The signature step that makes these cookies “snowballs” is the powdered sugar coating. After the cookies have cooled to room temperature, place a generous amount of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Gently roll each cookie in the sugar to coat it thoroughly, then place it back on the cooling rack.
Helpful Tips for Perfecting Gingerbread Snowballs:
Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy dough, which will result in a lighter, fluffier cookie. Cold butter can make the dough difficult to mix, and melted butter could make the cookies too greasy.
Chill the Dough If Necessary: If your dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerating it for 15-20 minutes will help firm it up. This makes it easier to roll the dough into balls and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough, instead of light and crumbly.
Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose their potency over time. For the best flavor, use fresh ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Fresh spices will add a more aromatic and vibrant flavor to your cookies.
Roll Gently in Powdered Sugar: After baking and cooling, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them. Do this carefully to avoid cracking the delicate cookies. If you prefer an extra snowy look, you can roll the cookies a second time in powdered sugar once they have fully cooled.
Variations of Gingerbread Snowballs
While the classic gingerbread snowballs are already a festive treat, there are plenty of fun and delicious variations to make them your own. Whether you want to experiment with different flavors or add a personal twist, here are some ideas to customize your gingerbread snowballs:
- Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Snowballs:
For those who love the combination of gingerbread and chocolate, add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough. The slightly bitter chocolate complements the warm spices in the cookies, creating a perfect balance of flavors. - Nutty Snowballs:
If you’re a fan of crunch and texture, try adding ½ cup of finely chopped nuts to the dough. Pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts are excellent choices that add a delightful crunch to each bite. The nuts also bring out a rich flavor that complements the spices perfectly. - Maple Molasses Snowballs:
For a sweeter, more caramel-like flavor, substitute the molasses with maple syrup. Maple syrup will lend a smooth, rich sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices. You can also add a few drops of maple extract for an even more intense maple flavor. - Frosted Gingerbread Snowballs:
For a more indulgent version, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze or frosting. A mixture of powdered sugar and milk (with a splash of vanilla extract) makes a smooth, sweet icing that can be drizzled over the cookies for extra sweetness and decoration. - Lemon Ginger Snowballs:
If you’re looking for a citrus twist, add zest from one lemon to the dough. The bright, refreshing flavor of lemon will contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced gingerbread. You can also replace the powdered sugar coating with lemon-sugar for a tangy finish. - Cranberry Gingerbread Snowballs:
For a burst of tartness, incorporate dried cranberries into the dough. The slight tartness of the cranberries pairs wonderfully with the warm spices of gingerbread, creating a more complex flavor profile. You could even add a handful of chopped candied ginger to enhance the spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Snowballs
Gingerbread snowballs are a versatile treat that can be served in various ways to enhance your holiday gatherings or cozy moments. Here are some creative serving ideas that will elevate your gingerbread snowball experience:
- Holiday Cookie Platters:
Gingerbread snowballs are perfect for serving as part of a holiday cookie platter. Arrange them alongside other festive cookies like sugar cookies, shortbread, or peppermint bark for a colorful and diverse display. These cookies’ snowy coating adds a festive touch, making them a star on any dessert table. - Pair with Hot Beverages:
These cookies are fantastic when paired with hot drinks, enhancing the warm, spiced flavors. Try serving your gingerbread snowballs with:
Hot chocolate: Add whipped cream, marshmallows, and a drizzle of caramel to create an indulgent treat.
Mulled wine: The warm, spiced drink pairs perfectly with the cookies’ flavor profile.
Chai tea: The spices in chai tea complement the gingerbread’s flavors, making it an ideal pairing.
Spiced cider: Whether hot or cold, spiced apple cider brings out the ginger and cinnamon notes in the cookies.
- Gift Them in Decorative Packaging:
Gingerbread snowballs make wonderful gift items for friends and family during the holiday season. Place them in decorative tins, mason jars, or gift boxes and wrap them with a festive ribbon. They’re the perfect homemade gift that shows thoughtfulness and adds a personal touch to any holiday celebration. - Serve with Ice Cream:
For an extra indulgent treat, serve gingerbread snowballs with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy ice cream provides a perfect contrast to the spiced, buttery cookies. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also make the cookies extra decadent. - On a Festive Dessert Table:
If you’re hosting a holiday party, serve gingerbread snowballs as part of a larger dessert spread. Arrange them alongside pies, cakes, and other cookies for a well-rounded dessert table. The powdered sugar coating will give them a “snowy” appearance that adds to the winter wonderland theme of your table. - Serve as a Simple After-Dinner Treat:
For a low-key but delicious after-dinner treat, serve a few gingerbread snowballs with a cup of coffee, tea, or espresso. Their soft, buttery texture and warm spices make them the perfect way to end a meal during the holiday season. - Christmas Morning Treats:
Kick off Christmas morning with gingerbread snowballs as part of your holiday breakfast or brunch. Pair them with some scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a holiday casserole for a festive start to the day. The sweet cookies will delight your family while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy gingerbread snowballs in a variety of ways, whether you’re hosting a festive event, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a cozy treat. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to add a touch of holiday magic to any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gingerbread Snowballs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe. This allows you to control the amount of salt in the dough. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Can I freeze gingerbread snowballs?
Absolutely! Gingerbread snowballs freeze very well. To freeze, place the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- How long will gingerbread snowballs stay fresh?
At room temperature, gingerbread snowballs will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
