Gingerbread Snowballs are a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic blend of spices, these cookies are the perfect balance of warm, comforting flavors and light, crumbly goodness. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives them a distinct holiday flair, while the addition of chopped pecans adds a subtle crunch that elevates the overall experience. These cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a festive, snow-covered appearance that’s sure to brighten any holiday gathering.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, bringing a dish to a holiday potluck, or simply looking to enjoy some cozy treats at home, Gingerbread Snowballs will be a hit. Easy to make and beautifully simple, they bring the flavors of winter into your kitchen in a way that’s both comforting and festive. These cookies are a great way to share the spirit of the season with friends and family, making them a must-have addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gingerbread Snowballs are a holiday favorite that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat. The combination of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives the cookies an inviting, cozy flavor that instantly evokes the feeling of Christmas. The addition of pecans provides a delightful crunch, balancing out the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies. Best of all, they’re simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making them an accessible treat for both seasoned bakers and beginners. With their sweet, festive appearance and irresistible flavor, Gingerbread Snowballs will quickly become a holiday staple.
Ingredients
- Butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Ground nutmeg
- Chopped pecans
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Variations
- Nut-Free: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped pecans. You can add extra spices like cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
- Spice Adjustments: Experiment with different spice ratios to suit your taste. You can increase the amount of ginger for a spicier kick or add a pinch of ground allspice for an extra depth of flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an added indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the snowballs for a decadent touch.
- Other Nuts: Swap the pecans for other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a different texture and flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg until the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring until well combined and a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Add Chopped Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should have a slightly firm texture when touched.
Step 9: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then roll them in additional powdered sugar to coat completely. Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter will not blend properly with the sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should not brown at all. Keep an eye on them as they bake to ensure they don’t get too dark. They will firm up as they cool.
- Roll the Dough Quickly: The dough can soften quickly as it warms up, so work in batches to keep the dough at a manageable temperature. If it gets too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes before rolling.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh ground spices rather than pre-ground ones that may have lost their potency over time.
How to Serve
Gingerbread Snowballs are perfect for holiday gatherings, but they also make a lovely gift when packaged in a decorative tin or jar. They pair beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them a great choice for a cozy winter afternoon. These cookies also serve as an elegant addition to a dessert table, where their snowball-like appearance will add to the festive atmosphere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Gingerbread Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies without pecans?
Yes, you can omit the pecans for a nut-free version or substitute with another type of nut, such as walnuts or almonds.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt by half.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when they are set but not browned. They should feel firm to the touch but not have any golden color.
4. Can I freeze Gingerbread Snowballs?
Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Both options will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
5. Can I adjust the spices to my taste?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase or decrease the spices according to your preference. More ginger will give them a spicier kick, while extra cinnamon will add warmth.
6. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re making a larger batch for a holiday gathering or party.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly affect the taste.
9. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No, chilling the dough is not necessary for this recipe. The dough is easy to roll and bake immediately.
10. What can I use to roll the cookies in besides powdered sugar?
You can roll the cookies in cinnamon-sugar or even crushed graham crackers for a different twist.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Snowballs are a festive, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any holiday occasion. With their warm spice blend, soft texture, and powdered sugar coating, these cookies embody the cozy essence of the season. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply enjoying a sweet snack, Gingerbread Snowballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they will quickly become a holiday favorite in your baking tradition.
PrintGingerbread Snowballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Gingerbread Snowballs are the perfect holiday treat. With warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these soft, buttery cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, making them a festive addition to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 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
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set but not browned.
- Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in additional powdered sugar.
Notes
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For an extra festive touch, add a pinch of edible glitter to the powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes