Gingerbread Snowball Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat

Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are the perfect bite-sized delights to kick off your holiday baking! These cookies blend the warmth of classic gingerbread spices with the delicate, crumbly texture of snowball cookies, making them a holiday favorite for cookie lovers. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these festive treats at home, share some handy baking tips, and explain why these cookies deserve a place on your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

These cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the spicy, comforting flavors of gingerbread and the powdery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of snowballs. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be stored for weeks, making them ideal for gift-giving, holiday cookie swaps, or just a festive treat with a cup of hot cocoa.

What Sets These Cookies Apart?

• Festive spices: With warming flavors from ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, these cookies capture the essence of the holiday season.
• Unique texture: Unlike other gingerbread cookies, these snowballs crumble delicately in your mouth, thanks to the buttery dough.
• Perfect for gifting: These cookies are easy to pack and ship, making them great for sharing holiday cheer.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Before starting, make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready. This not only speeds up the baking process but also ensures that you don’t miss anything!

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened: Butter is the backbone of these cookies, providing that rich, creamy base.
• 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar: Adds sweetness and creates the snowball texture.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: The molasses brings that distinct gingerbread flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the spices.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the dough and gives the cookies structure.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ginger: Essential for the classic gingerbread taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Contributes a subtle, spicy depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves: Adds boldness and warmth to the cookies.

For the Sugar Coating:

• 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar: This is where the “snowball” part comes in.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Gives a spiced kick to the sugar coating.
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger: Reinforces the gingerbread flavor even after baking.

How to Make Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Now that you’ve got everything together, let’s jump into the step-by-step process to bake these delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl (or using a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and confectioner’s sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. It’s crucial to beat the butter and sugar thoroughly to give the cookies their soft, crumbly texture.

Step 3: Add Molasses and Vanilla

Next, add in the molasses and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until it becomes smooth and creamy. The molasses adds that signature gingerbread flavor, while the vanilla enhances the overall taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough starts to come together. The dough might seem crumbly, but don’t worry—it should hold when pressed together.

Step 5: Form the Dough Balls

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough balls should be firm and not sticky.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms are lightly browned, but the tops remain pale. Avoid overbaking to ensure that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 7: Coat in Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the sugar coating mixture. This is where the snowball magic happens! Be sure each cookie is generously covered in the sugar mixture for that classic look.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. If you notice the sugar coating has absorbed into the cookies, feel free to give them a second roll for an extra snowy appearance. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container—they can stay fresh for up to a week.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfectly:

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a fluffier dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the dough tough and the cookies less tender.
• Chill the dough: If your kitchen is warm or if the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Double coat in sugar: For an extra snowy effect, roll the cookies in the sugar mixture twice—once while warm, and again after they’ve cooled.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are indulgent treats, they contain spices like ginger and cinnamon, which have health benefits such as reducing inflammation and boosting digestion. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrition Details (Per Serving):

• Calories: 130
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 250IU
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

Although these cookies should be enjoyed in moderation, the health benefits of ginger and cinnamon—such as boosting immunity and improving gut health—are a nice bonus.

FAQs About Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. They’re easy to make, full of festive flavor, and have that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes snowball cookies so beloved. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a warm drink by the fire, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and get baking—your holiday season just got a little sweeter!

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