Gingerbread Snowballs: A Delightful Winter Treat

Indulge in the warm, spicy flavors of Gingerbread Snowballs ⛄️🍪, a holiday favorite that combines the nostalgic taste of gingerbread with a soft, buttery cookie. These delightful treats are rolled in powdered sugar to resemble snowballs, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, this recipe is a must-try for gingerbread lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gingerbread Snowballs offer a unique twist on traditional cookies with a delicate balance of spices and sweetness. Their bite-sized form makes them perfect for sharing and serving at festive occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a cozy weekend bake, these snowballs are sure to impress with their delightful flavor and beautiful presentation.

These cookies are also wonderfully versatile. You can serve them as a dessert with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or wrap them up as a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of holiday spices—a true sensory delight during the winter months.

Context/Background

Gingerbread cookies have been a holiday staple for centuries, with origins dating back to medieval Europe. The spices used—like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—were as exotic as they were expensive, making gingerbread a treat for special occasions. Over time, bakers began to experiment with different forms and flavors, leading to the creation of these charming Gingerbread Snowballs, a modern twist on a timeless classic.

Recipe Details

Serves: 24 cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
7. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar to coat.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Snowballs

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft, to make shaping easier.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thicker coating.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized snowballs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Gingerbread Snowballs with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a delicious winter treat. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Pack them in festive boxes as delightful gifts for family and friends.

Storage and Leftovers

Store the Gingerbread Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and roll in additional powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Snowballs are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their charming presentation and rich, spicy flavor make them a hit at any winter gathering. Easy to make and delightful to eat, this recipe is the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit. Give them a try and watch them become a seasonal favorite!

Recipe Notes

• Substitute almonds or pecans for walnuts if preferred.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the spice profile.
• For a sweeter variation, mix some zest of orange into the dough.