These gingerbread snowball cookies are a cozy treat that brings warmth to any holiday gathering. Their sweet, spiced flavor and soft, tender texture make them a wonderful addition to your dessert table. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can enjoy baking them with your family or friends.
What Makes This Recipe Special
These snowball cookies are special because they blend the classic flavors of gingerbread with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The mix of spices makes them festive and comforting. They are perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with a cup of tea. With simple ingredients, everyone will love these sweet little treats.
How to Make Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Making these cookies is simple and fun. You’ll start by mixing your wet ingredients and then combine them with the dry ingredients. Finally, you’ll shape the dough into little balls and bake them until golden. The best part comes after baking when you roll them in powdered sugar for that lovely finish.
What You Need
To make gingerbread snowball cookies, gather these ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cooking Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in the nuts if using.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These gingerbread snowball cookies are perfect for holiday parties and cozy gatherings. Serve them alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a warm treat. They also make lovely gifts when packed in a pretty box. Don’t forget to enjoy them while they are fresh and warm!
How to Store Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
To keep your snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Use softened butter for easier mixing.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans before mixing into the dough.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
- Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft!
- If you like a sweeter finish, sprinkle extra powdered sugar after cooling.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the ground ginger with ground cinnamon for a milder spice.
- Use crushed almonds instead of walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
- Add a bit of citrus zest for a refreshing twist to the cookies.
Common Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it. Just roll and bake when you’re ready!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
How do I reheat these cookies?
You can enjoy them cold or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
What can I use instead of walnuts or pecans?
You can leave them out or replace them with any nut of your choice, like almonds.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use softened butter for easier mixing.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating Sprinkle extra powdered sugar after cooling if desired.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground ginger Can be substituted with ground cinnamon for a milder spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Toast them for a nuttier flavor if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in the nuts if using.
Baking
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar.
