Name: Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 tablespoon molasses; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; Powdered sugar (for rolling)

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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies, especially during the holiday season. And if you’re a fan of snowball cookies and love gingerbread spices, you’re in for a treat! These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies combine the warmth of classic holiday spices with the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a snowball cookie. The result? A cookie that’s absolutely irresistible!

Whether you’re preparing these for a festive gathering or just want to enjoy the comforting flavors of gingerbread in a new way, these cookies are sure to be a hit. And with a prep time of only 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch in no time!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon molasses
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies after baking)

Step-by-step: How to Make Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Prepare your baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Mix the dough: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and molasses. Mix thoroughly. Slowly add the flour and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
Chill if needed: If the dough feels too warm or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Form the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (or use a small cookie scoop for consistency) and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are just set but not browned. Be careful not to overbake!
Coat with powdered sugar: Allow the cookies to cool for about 15 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar. Once they’ve fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to get a thicker, snowy coating.

Details And Nutritional Information

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 124 kcal
Sugar: Varies depending on powdered sugar use
Cholesterol: 20 mg per cookie

Helpful Tips

Flour measuring tip: Be sure to fluff up your flour before measuring it. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense cookies. Run your scoop through the flour a few times to loosen it up before measuring.
Chilling the dough: Chilling the dough isn’t always necessary, but if you find the dough too soft, a quick chill in the fridge will make it easier to shape into balls.
Watch the bake time: These cookies should not brown much. Keep an eye on them around the 8-minute mark to ensure they remain soft and tender.

Substitutions & Variations

Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon or ginger if you love bold flavors!
Molasses substitute: If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and fully cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. For the best texture, re-roll them in powdered sugar before serving if they’ve been stored for a few days.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re baking for a crowd or planning ahead for the holidays, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure to bake them in batches so they cook evenly.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve, and consider giving them another roll in powdered sugar for that fresh-baked look.

Get ready for your home to smell like the holidays, and don’t be surprised when these cookies disappear fast! Whether for gifting or enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa, these Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday baking list.