Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Introduction

The holiday season always brings with it a flurry of flavors and aromas, and one of my all-time favorites is the warm, spicy scent of gingerbread cookies wafting through the kitchen. This year, I decided to try my hand at making Gingerbread Snowball Cookies, and they were an absolute hit with my family! The moment they emerged from the oven, their delightful aroma filled the house, prompting my kids to eagerly gather around. The combination of buttery softness, warming spices, and sweet sugar coating created a melt-in-your-mouth treat that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the season. Whether for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves

For the Sugar Coating:

• 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and 3/4 cup of confectioner’s sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture!
3. Add Molasses and Vanilla: Once the butter mixture is fluffy, add the molasses and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Don’t worry if the dough seems a bit crumbly; it should hold when pressed together.
6. Form the Cookies: Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned.
8. Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-4 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll them in the sugar coating mixture (confectioner’s sugar, cinnamon, and ginger) until generously coated.
9. Final Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, give them another roll in the sugar mixture for that classic powdered-sugar finish.
10. Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and deliciousness.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies (approximately)
• Calories per Serving: 120 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 26 minutes + cooling

How to Serve

These delightful Gingerbread Snowball Cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• As a Sweet Snack: Perfect for mid-afternoon cravings or a delightful dessert.
• At Holiday Gatherings: Serve on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats.
• With Hot Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a cozy experience.
• Gift Giving: Package them in decorative boxes for homemade gifts.
• Cookie Decorating: Allow kids to decorate with sprinkles or icing for added fun!

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
2. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined for a tender cookie.
3. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences—add more ginger or cinnamon for a stronger flavor!
4. Shape Uniformly: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that your cookies are uniform in size for even baking.
5. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden but not dark brown.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your Gingerbread Snowball Cookies! Here are some variations to try:

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist.
• Glazed Version: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for a different look and taste.
• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the spices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Consider these ideas to enhance your serving experience:

• Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful holiday-themed platter for a stunning presentation.
• Accompanied by Milk: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk for a classic combination.
• Dessert Table: Include them in a dessert buffet with other seasonal treats for a variety of flavors.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Cookie Bar: Create a cookie bar with various toppings and dips for a fun interactive experience.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and freeze your cookies to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen cookies, leave them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

• Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.

1. What can I substitute for molasses?

• You can use honey or maple syrup, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• The cookies should be lightly browned on the bottom and set on the top.

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

1. Are these cookies suitable for shipping?

• Yes! They ship well if packaged properly in an airtight container.

1. Can I make these cookies vegan?

• You can use vegan butter and a flax egg as a substitute for regular butter and egg.

1. What is the best way to roll the cookies in sugar?

• Use a shallow bowl for the sugar coating, rolling the warm cookies to ensure the sugar sticks well.

1. What can I do with leftover sugar coating?

• You can store it in an airtight container for future use or sprinkle it on other baked goods.

1. Can I add more spices?

• Absolutely! Adjust the spices according to your preference for a more robust flavor.

1. How long do these cookies last?
   • They can last up to a week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the holiday season. Their buttery texture, combined with warm spices and a sweet coating, makes them irresistible. Whether enjoyed by the fireplace with family or gifted to friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your home. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of baking during the holidays! Happy baking!

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