Gingerbread Snowballs

Gingerbread Snowballs are the perfect holiday treat, bringing the warmth of traditional gingerbread cookies together with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of snowball cookies. These little bites of goodness are infused with all the festive flavors of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a sweet and aromatic treat that will fill your home with holiday cheer. Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs, making them an ideal addition to your holiday dessert spread or a thoughtful homemade gift.

With a simple, buttery base and the addition of crunchy pecans, Gingerbread Snowballs are both flavorful and satisfying. They’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few pantry staples and minimal prep time. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a festive favorite. The combination of spices and the smooth, powdery coating makes each bite a delightful treat—perfectly sweet, slightly spiced, and oh-so-cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gingerbread Snowballs combine all the beloved flavors of the holidays in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The rich, buttery dough is enhanced with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, while the crunchy pecans add an unexpected twist of texture. The light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies a snowy finish, making them perfect for holiday gifting or serving at festive gatherings.

What makes these cookies even better is their versatility. They can be made ahead of time and stored for days, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Plus, they’re gluten-free adaptable, and you can swap out the pecans for any nut you prefer, or even omit them entirely. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, Gingerbread Snowballs offer an easy and impressive way to bring festive cheer to your holiday table.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Snowballs:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For Coating:

• Additional powdered sugar

Variations

1. Chocolate Gingerbread Snowballs

Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough to give your snowballs a delicious chocolatey twist. The chocolate complements the spices beautifully and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

2. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Snowballs

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies. Ensure the flour blend you use is suitable for baking.

3. Vegan Gingerbread Snowballs

To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.

4. Nut-Free Gingerbread Snowballs

If you have a nut allergy, simply omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free variation.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should come together when you press it.

Step 6: Add Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the gingerbread snowballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. They should be firm to the touch but still pale.

Step 9: Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Once they’re cool enough to handle, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them completely. For an extra festive touch, you can roll them in powdered sugar a second time once they’ve cooled completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overbake: Gingerbread Snowballs should remain soft and slightly crumbly inside. Overbaking will result in a dry cookie, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
• Let the dough rest: If the dough feels too soft to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to shape the dough balls.
• Powdered sugar coating: For a perfect snowball effect, be generous when rolling the cookies in powdered sugar. You can even roll them twice for extra sweetness and a snowier look.
• Use room-temperature butter: Softened butter is key for creating the light, fluffy dough. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar.

How to Serve

Gingerbread Snowballs are ideal for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. They make a charming addition to a cookie platter or can be gifted in a decorative tin. Their snowy appearance makes them perfect for Christmas or any winter celebration.

To elevate the experience, serve them with a warm beverage, like mulled wine or a spiced latte, for the ultimate cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gingerbread Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, although the powdered sugar coating may lose its snow-like appearance in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze Gingerbread Snowballs for up to 3 months. After rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour and then coat them in more powdered sugar if desired.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this could melt the powdered sugar coating.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

2. Can I add frosting to these cookies?

While Gingerbread Snowballs are perfect on their own, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping into balls.

4. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, or you can omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.

5. How do I make these cookies spicier?

If you like a stronger spice flavor, increase the amount of ginger, cinnamon, or cloves in the dough to suit your taste.

6. Are Gingerbread Snowballs gluten-free?

You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

7. Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

While the powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature “snowball” look, you can skip it if you prefer. They’ll still be delicious!

8. How long do these cookies keep?

Gingerbread Snowballs will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature or 2 weeks if refrigerated.

9. Can I add dried fruit to the dough?

Yes, you can add dried cranberries, raisins, or currants for an additional flavor and texture boost.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch of Gingerbread Snowballs for a holiday party or to share with loved ones.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Snowballs are a perfect combination of spice, sweetness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. These cookies embody the warmth and coziness of the holiday season, and with their easy preparation, they are a stress-free treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering, a homemade gift, or simply to enjoy at home, Gingerbread Snowballs are sure to become a holiday tradition in your household.

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