The Best Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe for Festive Holiday Magic

Dusted with powdered sugar and bursting with warm holiday spices, these gingerbread snowballs dance between festive charm and irresistible sweetness.

Winter baking reaches new heights with this delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

The combination of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger creates a symphony of comforting flavors.

Soft, buttery, and delicately spiced, these cookies capture the essence of seasonal celebrations.

Each bite transports you to cozy kitchen moments filled with laughter and warmth.

These snowballs promise to become a cherished addition to your holiday dessert lineup.

Gather your ingredients and let the magic of gingerbread unfold.

FAQs

• What spices give these gingerbread snowballs their unique flavor?

The warm, rich flavor comes from a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, creating a classic gingerbread taste that’s both comforting and festive.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before shaping and baking.

• How do I ensure my cookies have a soft, chewy texture?

Don’t overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the center still looks slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Why Gingerbread Snowballs Are a Holiday Favorite

Savor Sweet Sophistication: These cupcakes elevate dessert with gourmet flair.

• Craft Bakery-Quality Treats: Professional-level dessert experience without professional training, delivering restaurant-style elegance right in your kitchen.
• Impress Guests Instantly: Combines two beloved desserts – cheesecake and creme brulee – creating a showstopping treat that guarantees compliments and culinary admiration.
• Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe adaptable for bakers of all skill levels, allowing personal creative touches like different vanilla variations or decorative garnishes.
• Create Memorable Moments: Perfect for special occasions like dinner parties, birthdays, or weekend gatherings where you want to serve something uniquely delicious and visually stunning.

Everything Needed for Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

• Butter: A creamy base that provides richness and helps create a soft, tender texture for the cookies.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth coating for the gingerbread snowballs.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves: A warm blend of spices that creates the classic gingerbread flavor profile and adds depth to the cookies.
• Molasses: Provides a rich, deep sweetness and contributes to the characteristic gingerbread taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle aromatic sweetness.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the cookie.
• Powdered Sugar (for coating): Creates a snowy white exterior that gives the cookies their distinctive snowball appearance.

Steps to Make Spiced Gingerbread Snowballs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two cookie sheets and line them with parchment paper for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Whip Up the Butter Base

Grab your electric mixer and transform the softened butter into a cloud-like, fluffy masterpiece. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Molasses

Blend everything until it becomes a smooth, aromatic mixture that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually introduce flour to the mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Watch as the dough comes together into a perfect, soft consistency.

Step 5: Shape Delightful Treats

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough.

Roll them into adorable little balls. Arrange them on the prepared cookie sheets, giving each ball some breathing room with about an inch of space between them.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for those golden edges while maintaining a soft, chewy center.

The goal is delicate deliciousness, not crispy crumbles!

Step 7: Sugar Coat and Cool

Let the cookies rest for a minute or two.

While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar – this creates that magical snowball effect. Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Step 8: Double the Snowball Magic

Once cooled, give these treats another roll in powdered sugar for an extra frosty finish that’ll make them look like they’ve been kissed by winter’s first snowfall.

Bonus Tip: These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee.

Enjoy the cozy, spicy-sweet moment!

Notes for Soft and Spicy Cookie Fans

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, fluffy creaming.
• Use level measuring spoons for spices to balance the warm, rich gingerbread flavor without overwhelming the cookies.
• If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to help bind ingredients and create a cohesive texture.
• Sift powdered sugar before rolling to create an even, light dusting that looks like freshly fallen snow.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out.

Fun Twists for Holiday Gingerbread Snowballs

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Snowballs: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the same rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Vegan Spice Balls: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based powdered sugar to create a dairy-free alternative that keeps the classic gingerbread taste.
• Keto-Friendly Ginger Cookies: Substitute regular flour with almond flour and powdered erythritol instead of sugar to make a low-carb, sugar-free version of these festive treats.
• Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread Snowballs: After cooling, partially dip cookies in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts for an elegant, indulgent variation.

Pairings for Gingerbread Snowball Cookie Plates

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the gingerbread's warm spices with a creamy, fragrant chai latte that echoes the cookie's cinnamon and ginger notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by pairing the soft, spicy cookies with smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
• Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Enhance the cookies' rich molasses flavor with a bold, robust dark roast coffee that brings out the deep, warm undertones of the gingerbread.
• Enjoy with Mulled Wine: Elevate the holiday spirit by sipping a warming mulled wine alongside these snowball cookies, letting the spiced wine harmonize with the cookie's festive flavors.

Storing Gingerbread Snowballs for Christmas

• Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing crumbling.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 5-10 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and enhance gingerbread aroma.

Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic sparkles in these Gingerbread Snowballs, blending warm spices with powdery sugar for an irresistible seasonal treat. Festive bites promise comfort and cheer, inviting you to savor winter’s delightful embrace.

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Ingredients

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Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (279g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (57g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two parchment-lined cookie sheets, ensuring even spacing for optimal baking conditions.
2. Utilize an electric mixer to whip softened butter until it reaches a light, airy consistency, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a symphony of warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Add molasses to enhance depth of flavor, mixing until the ingredients blend seamlessly.
4. Gradually introduce flour to the mixture, folding in portions and mixing thoroughly to develop a cohesive, moldable dough.
5. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, carefully rolling each into uniform balls and positioning them methodically on the prepared baking sheets with precise one-inch intervals.
6. Slide the cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges while maintaining a tender, soft interior.
7. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest briefly, then gently tumble the warm cookies in a cloud of powdered sugar, ensuring a complete, delicate coating.
8. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, letting them cool completely, and for an enhanced wintry appearance, dust with an additional layer of powdered sugar.
9. Serve these delectable gingerbread snowballs alongside your favorite warm beverage, creating a moment of seasonal comfort and indulgence.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Sift dry ingredients like flour and spices to prevent clumping and create a more uniform, silky dough texture.
• Use freshly ground spices for more intense, vibrant gingerbread flavor that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 28 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg