Magical Winter Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe for Cozy Baking Fun

Soft, powdery, and delightfully spiced, these gingerbread snowballs dance with winter charm and festive warmth.

The classic gingerbread snowballs recipe brings a magical twist to traditional holiday treats.

Warm molasses and rich spices blend seamlessly into tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies dusted with snowy confectioners’ sugar.

Every bite carries the cozy essence of seasonal celebrations and cherished memories.

Hints of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg swirl through each delicate morsel, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

These delectable morsels promise to become an instant favorite at any holiday gathering.

Let’s find out this delightful recipe and let the festive spirit roll with every sweet, spiced snowball.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 123 kcal

Servings: 25

What Makes Gingerbread Snowballs So Special

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps bind ingredients smoothly; choose high-quality butter for best flavor and ensure it's softened at room temperature.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender texture and structural support for cookies; select unbleached flour for optimal results.

• Powdered Sugar, Molasses: Adds delightful sweetness with deep caramel undertones; opt for dark molasses for more robust flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall taste complexity; use pure vanilla extract for most authentic flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Allspice, Ground Cloves: Delivers classic gingerbread warmth and aromatic depth; purchase whole spices and grind fresh for maximum potency, or choose freshly packed ground spices within six months of purchase.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Extra Powdered Sugar: Creates beautiful snowy coating and adds final touch of sweetness; sift for smooth, even coverage.

Essentials to Prep Gingerbread Snowballs Right

• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and blending ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient portions.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.
• Small bowl: For rolling cookies in powdered sugar.

Making Gingerbread Snowballs in Your Own Kitchen

• Cozy Kitchen Preparation

Set up your baking space with clean cookie sheets and parchment paper, creating a festive holiday atmosphere that feels warm and inviting.

• Butter Bliss

Whip softened butter into a creamy cloud, blending in sweet powdered sugar, warm spices, and rich molasses until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

• Dough Creation

Gently fold flour into the spiced mixture, transforming ingredients into a tender, aromatic dough that promises delightful winter treats.

• Snowball Shaping

Roll small portions of dough into perfect little spheres, placing them carefully on your prepared baking sheet like delicate winter gems.

• Baking Transformation

Send your soon-to-be snowballs into a warm oven, allowing them to develop a delicate golden edge and fill your kitchen with incredible gingerbread aroma.

• Sugar Dusting

Once cooled, lovingly coat each cookie in a soft blanket of powdered sugar, creating a magical snow-like finish that melts in your mouth.

Pro Tips for Getting Snowballs Soft and Spicy

• Replace traditional gingerbread spices with pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend for a unique flavor twist that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for everyone with dietary restrictions.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 1 month, allowing you to have fresh cookies anytime you crave them.
• After the first powdered sugar coating, try adding a light sprinkle of edible gold dust or crushed candy canes for festive holiday presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.

Serving Gingerbread Snowballs Like a Holiday Treat

• Winter Wonderland Plating: Arrange snowballs on a white ceramic plate dusted with extra powdered sugar, creating a magical snow-covered landscape that highlights their delicate texture.
• Holiday Gifting Delight: Package these gingerbread snowballs in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Cozy Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot spiced chai tea or warm mulled wine, letting the cookies' warm spices complement the rich, comforting beverages for a delightful seasonal treat.
• Dessert Table Centerpiece: Create a stunning display by stacking snowballs on tiered cake stands, interspersing them with small pine branches or cinnamon sticks for an elegant and festive presentation.

Keep Gingerbread Snowballs Fresh for Gifting

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, preventing moisture and maintaining their delicate texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap cooled gingerbread snowballs individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for quick enjoyment.
• Make-Ahead Happiness: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking and refrigerate. Let dough soften slightly before scooping and baking for perfect consistency.
• Post-Baking Care: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their crisp, powdery exterior. Stack with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Delightful Gingerbread Snowballs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Warm holiday memories come alive with gingerbread snowballs, a festive treat blending classic spices and sweet powdered sugar coating. Guests will savor these delicate cookies that melt in their mouth and bring comfort during cold winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (226g/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ¼ cups (279g/9.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ cup (57g/2 oz) powdered sugar
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Creaming: Whip butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer, then blend in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and molasses until smooth and uniform.
3. Dough Formation: Fold in all-purpose flour gradually, mixing until a cohesive dough develops without overmixing.
4. Shaping: Roll small portions of dough into uniform spheres, placing them on prepared baking sheets with adequate spacing.
5. Baking: Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
6. Initial Coating: After a brief one-minute rest, gently roll warm cookies in powdered sugar to create a delicate frost-like finish.
7. Cooling and Final Presentation: Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before applying a final, generous dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant, winter-inspired appearance.

Notes

• Butter Softening Tip: Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing and smooth dough consistency.
• Spice Balance: Adjust ground spices to personal taste, but maintain the recommended proportions for authentic gingerbread flavor.
• Dough Handling: Use light touch when rolling cookies to prevent dense, tough texture and maintain delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookies in powdered sugar while slightly warm for better sugar adhesion and a more elegant, frosted appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 123
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 46mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg