Gingerbread Snowballs

Introduction

If you’re looking for a cookie that embodies the essence of the holiday season, these Gingerbread Snowballs are it. The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, along with the rich molasses, makes these cookies the ultimate cozy, comforting treat. When I first made them, I couldn’t believe how perfect they were — soft and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside, with a light dusting of powdered sugar on the outside that makes them look like little snow-covered gems. My family absolutely adored them. They didn’t last long on the counter, and even the kids, who are often picky about “spicy” flavors, loved the balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re serving them at holiday parties, gifting them to friends, or just enjoying them by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa, these Gingerbread Snowballs will quickly become a holiday staple in your household.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Snowballs:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup molasses (60 mL)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g) for coating

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. The fluffier the butter and sugar mixture, the softer the cookies will be!
2. Add the Vanilla and Molasses:
   Stir in the vanilla extract and molasses until well combined. The molasses gives these snowballs their signature warm, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is what gives the cookies that wonderful gingerbread flavor, so make sure the spices are well mixed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, a little at a time, stirring as you go. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be thick, so it might take a little effort to get everything combined.
5. Chill the Dough:
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it much easier to handle when rolling the cookies into balls and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
7. Shape the Cookies:
   Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls and space them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. The cookies won’t spread too much, but give them enough room to bake evenly.
8. Bake the Snowballs:
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. The cookies should be soft and just slightly firm to the touch. Overbaking them will result in a crunchy texture instead of the soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
9. Cool and Coat:
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps ensure that the powdered sugar coating sticks perfectly.
10. Coat in Powdered Sugar:
    Once the cookies are completely cool, place the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each cooled cookie in the sugar until fully coated. For that enchanting snowy look, roll the cookies in the sugar a second time once the first coating has set. This will give them that perfect, snow-covered appearance that makes them so festive.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
    These gingerbread snowballs are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, and bask in the holiday spirit.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per Serving: 120 kcal

Nutritional Breakdown (per cookie):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve

Gingerbread Snowballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• As a Holiday Snack: Serve them at holiday parties or gatherings, where they’ll quickly become a favorite among guests.
• With Hot Beverages: Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even mulled wine for a cozy treat.
• As a Gift: Pack them in a decorative box or tin and give them as holiday gifts to friends and family. They make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
• As a Dessert: Serve them alongside a slice of pumpkin pie or apple cider for a festive holiday dessert spread.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough for Easy Rolling: If you’re short on time, chill the dough for just 30 minutes. The dough will be easier to handle and less sticky.
2. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices, especially ginger and cinnamon, add more flavor to the cookies than pre-ground ones. If you can, grind your own spices for the best flavor.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
4. Roll Twice for Extra Snowy Coating: For the most attractive “snowball” look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice: once when they are slightly warm, and again once fully cooled.
5. Add Decorative Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add some edible glitter or colored sprinkles along with the powdered sugar for an extra pop of color.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Gingerbread Snowballs: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. You can also dip the cookies in melted chocolate instead of rolling them in powdered sugar.
2. Nutty Gingerbread Snowballs: Stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
3. Orange-Scented Gingerbread: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor that complements the warm spices.
4. Vegan Gingerbread Snowballs: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based whipped cream to make the cookies dairy-free. You can also swap the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
5. Spicy Gingerbread Snowballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough to give the cookies a little extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Parties: These cookies are perfect for holiday get-togethers, whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or attending a potluck.
• Cookie Platters: Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter alongside other treats like sugar cookies or chocolate truffles.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve these cookies as a delightful after-dinner treat, alongside a warm drink, for the perfect cozy ending to a holiday meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Gingerbread Snowballs freeze really well. After rolling them into balls, freeze the unbaked dough on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen for 12-14 minutes.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they last that long!

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it soften a bit before rolling into balls.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar for the coating?
   Yes, you can use granulated sugar, but powdered sugar gives the best snowball effect.
3. How do I make the cookies less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the dough and coating to make them less sweet.
4. Can I use a cookie scoop to form the balls?
   Yes, a cookie scoop will help you make evenly sized cookies and ensure that they bake uniformly.
5. What can I substitute for molasses?
   If you don

’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor may change slightly.

6. Can I use gluten-free flour?
   Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute for regular flour.
7. Can I use a stand mixer?
   Yes, a stand mixer will work great for mixing the dough, especially when creaming the butter and powdered sugar.
8. Why is my dough too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it for a bit longer or add a little more flour to firm it up.
9. Can I store the dough in the freezer?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling into balls.
10. Can I decorate the cookies with frosting?
    Yes, you can decorate these cookies with a simple glaze or royal icing for a more decorative touch.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Snowballs are the perfect treat to add to your holiday baking repertoire. Their warm, spiced flavor, soft texture, and snowy coating make them a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea, gift them to a loved one, or serve them at your next party, these cookies will surely spread some holiday cheer. Try them out this season and watch how quickly they disappear!

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