Gingerbread Snowballs
Gingerbread Snowballs are a delightful holiday treat that spread joy and warmth during the festive season. These cookies are not only easy to make but also bring the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg right into your home. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying cozily by the fire.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You will love Gingerbread Snowballs for many reasons. First, they are simple to prepare, making them a fun baking project for all ages. The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation process is straightforward. The end result is a cookie that looks beautiful, whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or gift it in a pretty tin. Each bite is bursting with festive flavor, and they are coated in powdered sugar, which makes them look like little snowballs. They combine the warm spices of gingerbread with a soft texture that everyone will enjoy.
How to prepare Gingerbread Snowballs
Making Gingerbread Snowballs is a delightful experience. The ingredients come together to create a dough that you can roll into balls and coat with powdered sugar. You can make them in batches, so there’s plenty to go around. Follow this guide for the best results!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (57g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (57g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar for coating
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Mix the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is well combined.
Form the Dough: Once the dough is mixed, it should be soft and slightly sticky. If it feels too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it.
Shape the Cookies: With clean hands, scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may still look a little soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Dust: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until well coated.
How to serve Gingerbread Snowballs
Gingerbread Snowballs can be served in various delightful ways. You can arrange them on a festive platter and enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. They also make excellent gifts! Place them in a decorative tin or box, and they will bring a smile to anyone who receives them. For a fun presentation, you can add some peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles to the serving plate for extra festive flair.
How to store Gingerbread Snowballs
To keep your Gingerbread Snowballs fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy them later, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Preparation tips Gingerbread Snowballs
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Cold butter will not cream well with the sugars.
Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, fluff it up and spoon it into your measuring cup, then level off with a knife for accuracy. This will prevent the cookies from becoming too dense.
Adjusting Flavor: You can adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier cookie, add a little extra ginger or cinnamon.
Consistency of Dough: The dough should be soft but manageable. If it’s too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Variation (if applicable)
If you want to add a twist to your Gingerbread Snowballs, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the dough. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch, and dried cranberries or raisins contribute a sweet and tart flavor. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. However, you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
2. How can I make the cookies more festive?
You can decorate the cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over them before serving for a more festive look.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze well if you want to prepare them for a special occasion later.
Enjoy making and sharing your Gingerbread Snowballs! They will surely become a favorite holiday tradition in your home.
