These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery bites, packed with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. They are rolled in powdered sugar for that snowy look!
They’re such a fun treat, especially around the holidays. I love how easy they are to make, and the aroma in the kitchen is just heavenly. Plus, who can resist those cute little snowball shapes? ❄️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This ingredient gives the cookies a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use solid coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Powdered Sugar: You’ll need this for both the dough and rolling. If you’re short, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine, though it won’t be as fluffy.
All-Purpose Flour: For the best texture, stick with all-purpose flour. If gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It should work well too!
Spices: Ground spices give these cookies their gingerbread flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste. You could also add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft In The Middle?
Keeping your gingerbread snowball cookies soft requires careful attention to baking time. Here’s what to do:
- Preheat your oven properly. An accurate temperature is key.
- Watch the baking time! Bake until the edges look set but the centers should still look a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them maintain their softness.
Enjoy your baking! These tips should help you create perfect, tender cookies every time.
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 12-15 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll need a few minutes to let them cool and coat them with powdered sugar. So, you can have these delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies ready to enjoy in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it helps to give your cookies a nice texture!
3. Add Vanilla:
Pour in the vanilla extract and mix again to combine everything perfectly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This step ensures that all your spices are evenly distributed in the cookie dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredient blend into the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until just combined and a soft dough forms. Try not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Roll the Dough:
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing is crucial to prevent them from sticking together as they bake!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the edges set, but the centers should still feel soft. This helps keep them nice and chewy.
8. Cool Them Down:
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Coat with Powdered Sugar:
Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives them a lovely snowy appearance!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are ready! Serve them up and enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. Just make sure it’s unsalted for the best flavor! The texture may be slightly different, but they should still turn out delicious.
How Can I Make These Cookies More Spicy?
If you love a little extra spice, feel free to increase the amounts of ground ginger, cinnamon, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick! Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their softness.
Can I Freeze the Dough for Later?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough. Roll it into balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
