Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are tiny bites of happiness! They blend the warm flavors of ginger and spices with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holiday cheer!
These little snowballs look like they just fell from a winter sky, covered in powdered sugar. I love enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa while sitting by the fire. So cozy! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is important for richness and flavor. If you’re out, margarine can work as a substitute, but the cookies may be a bit less rich. I prefer unsalted butter to control the salt in recipes.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and rolling. If you want a healthier option, try coconut sugar, but it won’t create the same texture. You can also blend regular sugar to make your own powdered sugar.
Light Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor, or white sugar if that’s all you have, but your cookies may be a bit drier.
Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves): These give the cookies their unique taste. You can substitute ginger with pumpkin pie spice mix, which is a nice twist, or leave out cloves if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that soft, chewy texture, focus on a few key points in the baking process:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; just blend until everything is combined.
- Watch the baking time closely! These cookies should not brown. Remove them when they are set but still soft to the touch.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up without becoming hard.
With these tips, your Gingerbread Snowball Cookies will be delightful and soft every time! Enjoy baking!
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 12 to 15 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the cookies to cool and roll them in powdered sugar. In total, you’ll spend just over 30 minutes for delicious, festive cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easier cleanup!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take just a couple of minutes!
3. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Beat again until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the dry ingredients are well-mixed. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the buttery mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. You want to avoid over-mixing here, so just blend until everything is combined.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoonfuls of the dough and roll them into smooth balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between them.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should be set and slightly firm but not browned. It’s important not to let them brown too much!
8. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Finish With Sugar:
Once the cookies are completely cool, roll each one generously in powdered sugar. This gives them that delightful snowy appearance! Don’t be shy with the sugar.
10. Store Your Cookies:
Finally, store your Gingerbread Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Enjoy them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment!
These little bites of joy are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy day at home. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar?
Yes! While the recipe calls for light brown sugar for moisture and flavor, you can substitute dark brown sugar for a richer taste or use granulated sugar for a lighter cookie. Keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. It should work nicely in this recipe!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
Can I Omit the Spices?
Sure! If you’re not a fan of cloves or ginger, feel free to omit them or substitute them with other spices like nutmeg or allspice. You can also make them plain butter cookies if you prefer!
