Gingerbread Snowballs are the perfect combination of spicy gingerbread flavors and a soft, chewy texture, all wrapped in a sugary, snowy coating. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and great for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth with a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat completely. Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Roll the cookies generously in sugar to achieve a sparkling, snowy appearance. For an extra festive touch, add a pinch of powdered sugar to the granulated sugar before rolling. Store the snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information (Per Snowball – Makes 24 Cookies)
- Calories: 90
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
Conclusion
Gingerbread Snowballs are a must-make holiday treat that combines classic gingerbread flavors with a delightful twist. Their soft, chewy texture and snowy coating make them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring festive joy to your holiday season. Try them today and add a little sweetness to your celebrations!