Gingerbread Snowballs

The holidays are a time for indulging in delicious, comforting treats, and Gingerbread Snowballs are a delightful addition to any festive spread. These soft, spiced cookies are a twist on traditional snowball cookies, with the warm, aromatic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs, making them perfect for winter gatherings, gift exchanges, or cozy moments by the fire.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Snowballs

To make these holiday cookies, you will need:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this point.

Step 2: Shape the Snowballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave a little space between each cookie for even baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still appear soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create the snowball effect. For extra sweetness, you can roll them a second time for a thicker coating.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Snowballs

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to shape into balls, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up.
• Storage: Store your Gingerbread Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
• Variation: For an added festive touch, try dipping half of each cookie in white chocolate or drizzling them with a bit of melted chocolate before rolling them in powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Snowballs

Gingerbread Snowballs combine the comforting taste of gingerbread with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of snowball cookies. The result is a sweet, buttery cookie with just the right balance of spice. They’re also incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday baking sessions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or giving homemade treats as gifts, these Gingerbread Snowballs will quickly become a favorite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet, spiced treat to share this holiday season, look no further than Gingerbread Snowballs. These cookies bring a festive twist to a classic favorite, making them the ideal addition to your holiday baking list. Whether you’re baking with family, gifting a jar full of cookies, or enjoying them alongside a cup of hot cocoa, Gingerbread Snowballs will add a touch of warmth and sweetness to your celebrations.

Serving and Storage Tips for Gingerbread Snowballs

Serving Tips:

1. Perfect Pairings: Gingerbread Snowballs are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their spiced flavor complements the warmth of these drinks, making them a perfect treat for cozy gatherings.
2. Holiday Platters: Serve Gingerbread Snowballs on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies, such as sugar cookies, chocolate crinkles, and snickerdoodles. The snowy appearance of these cookies adds a beautiful touch to any dessert table.
3. Gift-Worthy: These cookies make fantastic holiday gifts. Package them in decorative tins or clear gift bags tied with ribbon to create a thoughtful and delicious present for friends, family, or colleagues.
4. Baking for Kids: Gingerbread Snowballs are a fun treat to bake with kids during the holiday season. Let them help with rolling the dough into balls and coating them in powdered sugar for a hands-on activity that adds to the holiday fun.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: To maintain the freshness of your Gingerbread Snowballs, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to 1 week.
2. Freezing: If you want to make your Gingerbread Snowballs ahead of time, you can freeze them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. Thawing: To thaw frozen Gingerbread Snowballs, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. They will taste just as fresh as when they were first baked!
4. Avoid Sticking: If you’re stacking the cookies in storage, use parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent the powdered sugar from sticking to the cookies.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Gingerbread Snowballs throughout the holiday season, keeping them fresh and ready to serve whenever you have a craving for a sweet, spiced treat!

1. Can I make Gingerbread Snowballs ahead of time?
Yes, Gingerbread Snowballs can be made ahead of time! You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?
While powdered sugar gives Gingerbread Snowballs their signature snowy appearance, you can experiment with other types of sugar. For a slightly different texture and taste, try using granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar for rolling, which will add an extra spice element to the cookies.

3. Do I have to add nuts to the recipe?
No, the addition of nuts (like chopped pecans or walnuts) is optional. If you prefer nut-free cookies, simply leave them out. The cookies will still have their delicious flavor and texture without them.

4. Can I make Gingerbread Snowballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Gingerbread Snowballs gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Just be sure to use one that can replace regular flour 1:1. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking.

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