These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are tiny bites of joy with a warm spice and a dusting of powdered sugar. They look like little snowballs and taste amazing!
Making them is a breeze! I love how the smell of ginger and cinnamon fills my kitchen while they bake. Perfect for sharing or keeping all for yourself—no judgment here! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the cookies. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Powdered Sugar: Besides sweetening the mix, powdered sugar creates the signature snowy texture when rolled on the cookies. If you’re out, you can blend granulated sugar in a blender until fine, but it won’t have the same fluffy feel.
Ground Nuts: Pecans or walnuts work well, adding a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, try using sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg bring warmth and a festive vibe. For a twist, you can add cardamom or omit a spice if you’re not a fan of it.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar sets up your cookie’s texture, so it’s important to get it right. Start with softened butter—this means it’s room temperature and slightly squishy. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy, typically about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. The goal is to incorporate air into the butter to create a light base for the cookies.
- Stop when the mixture looks pale and fluffy; this ensures your cookies will be soft and tender.
Using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl will help ensure all the sugar is well mixed too!
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely ground pecans or walnuts
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying your delicious cookies in about 30-35 minutes total, with a bit of cooling time included!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to bake those cookies to perfection! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and add the 3/4 cup of powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground nuts, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until everything is just combined and forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Forming the Cookies:
Take small amounts of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Baking the Cookies:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the bottoms to be lightly golden and for the cookies to be set but not browned.
7. Cooling and Coating:
Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat them fully.
8. Finishing Touches:
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want a thicker sugary coating, feel free to roll them in powdered sugar one more time before serving!
9. Storage:
Store your gingerbread snowball cookies in an airtight container. Enjoy them with a cozy drink, and share (or not!) with family and friends. Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter. Just ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different than when using butter.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Nuts or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. You could also add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of sea salt on top for extra flavor!
What If the Dough is Too Sticky to Roll?
If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling will firm it up, making it easier to roll into balls. Just be careful not to chill for too long, or the dough might become too hard to work with!
