Gingerbread Snowball Recipe

Gingerbread Snowball Recipe

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It’s that magical time of year again! The house is filled with the warm scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The holiday lights are twinkling, and my kitchen has turned into a full-blown winter wonderland. If you’re looking for a unique, melt-in-your-mouth treat to wow your friends and family, let me introduce you to my Gingerbread Snowballs—the perfect fusion of a classic gingerbread cookie and a holiday snowball.

These little bites of heaven are packed with festive spices, rolled in powdered sugar, and guaranteed to be a new favorite for your cookie platter. Best of all? They’re ridiculously easy to make and look like mini snowballs, adding a whimsical touch to your holiday spread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Holiday Flavor: Gingerbread spices with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Simple Yet Impressive: Minimal effort, maximum “wow!”
3. Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for holiday parties or edible gifting.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Snowballs

1. Chill the Dough: The dough needs a good 30-60 minutes in the fridge to firm up before rolling. This helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to work with.
2. Double-Coat in Sugar: For that beautiful snowy look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after they cool.
3. Mix Gently: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as everything comes together.
4. Use Fresh Spices: Ground spices lose their potency over time, so check your pantry before you start baking!

Gingerbread Snowball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and molasses until fully combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the pecans, if using.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes.
4. Roll and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
5. Powdered Sugar Coating: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cool, roll them in sugar again for a perfect snowy finish.

Yield: About 24 cookies

Common Questions About Gingerbread Snowballs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If freezing, wait to do the second powdered sugar coating until just before serving.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

3. What if I don’t have molasses?
No problem! You can substitute it with dark corn syrup or maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

4. Are the pecans necessary?
Not at all! If you’re not a fan of nuts or need a nut-free version, just leave them out. The cookies will still be amazing.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Snowballs are a hit every time I make them. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a new cookie exchange recipe, or simply craving something sweet with your hot cocoa, this recipe has you covered.

What do you think—are Gingerbread Snowballs going on your holiday baking list this year? If you make them, don’t forget to tag me on social media or share your thoughts in the comments. I love seeing your creations!

Happy baking and happy holidays!

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