Gingerbread Snowballs

Gingerbread snowballs are the perfect holiday treat—bite-sized, packed with warm spices, and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs. These cookies have a rich, spiced gingerbread flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a festive favorite for cookie swaps, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun – These cookies look like little snowballs, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no complicated techniques required.
• Warm and Spiced – The classic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses shine through in every bite.
• Perfect for Gifting – They stay fresh for days, making them great for holiday treat boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Powdered sugar (for coating)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking powder.
5. Mix & Form Dough – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
6. Roll Into Balls – Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
7. Bake – Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until firm.
8. Coat in Powdered Sugar – Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Repeat once they are completely cooled for a snowy effect.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Extra Spicy – Add a pinch of nutmeg or black pepper for an extra kick.
• Chocolate Gingerbread Snowballs – Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Nutty Version – Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Freeze the cookies (before or after coating in powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Re-coating – If storing for a while, you may need to roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.

FAQs

Can I make gingerbread snowballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Why do I roll them in powdered sugar twice?

Rolling them while warm helps the sugar stick, and rolling again after cooling gives them a snowy look.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Ground ginger is recommended for even distribution, but you can add a little fresh grated ginger for extra flavor.

Can I make these without molasses?

Molasses gives the cookies their classic gingerbread flavor, but you can substitute honey or maple syrup if needed.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Do these cookies spread while baking?

No, they stay in a round shape, making them perfect little snowballs.

Can I add icing or decorations?

These cookies are best with just powdered sugar, but a drizzle of white chocolate would also work.

How do I prevent the cookies from drying out?

Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.

Can I make these cookies larger?

Yes, but increase the baking time slightly to ensure they bake through.

What drinks pair well with gingerbread snowballs?

They go great with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea.

Conclusion

Gingerbread snowballs are the ultimate holiday treat—easy to make, full of warm spices, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar for a festive touch. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!

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