Fluffy Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe: Winter Magic in Bites

Delicate and powdery, these gingerbread snowball cookies dance with winter’s enchantment, promising a festive treat that melts in your mouth.

Spices weave magic through each tender morsel, creating a delightful harmony of warmth and sweetness.

Cinnamon and ginger whisper stories of cozy moments by the fireplace.

Buttery crumbs embrace a rich blend of holiday cheer, inviting memories of childhood celebrations.

Dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these cookies resemble miniature snowdrifts waiting to be savored.

Baking becomes an intimate ritual of comfort and joy.

Prepare to experience a little piece of seasonal bliss that will make you smile with every delectable bite.

Creative Twists on Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

  • Holiday Spice Explosion: Replace pecans with crystallized ginger chunks for an intense, warming flavor profile that amplifies the gingerbread essence.
  • Chocolate-Dipped Winter Wonder: After cooling, partially dip cookies in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
  • Nutty Gingerbread Remix: Swap pecans with toasted almonds and add orange zest to create a bright, nuanced version of the classic cookie.
  • Maple Ginger Dream: Substitute powdered sugar with maple sugar and drizzle with maple glaze for a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices.

Pairing Ideas to Enjoy with Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

  • Warm Holiday Mulled Wine: Elevate these spiced gingerbread cookies with a rich, aromatic mulled wine that complements their warm cinnamon and ginger notes, creating a cozy festive pairing.
  • Creamy Eggnog Delight: Match the cookies with smooth, cold eggnog for a classic holiday combination that balances the cookie's spiciness with rich, sweet creaminess.
  • Chai Tea Harmony: Brew a hot, spiced chai tea that echoes the cookie's warm ginger and cinnamon flavors, offering a comforting and complementary beverage experience.
  • Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside deep, luxurious hot chocolate that provides a decadent counterpoint to the light, powdery texture of the snowball cookies.

Storing Gingerbread Snowball Cookies for Maximum Freshness

  • Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain texture.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Keep cookies in sealed container with tight lid at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place wax paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm cookies gently in microwave for 5-8 seconds or place in preheated oven at 250F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

  • Are these cookies difficult to make?

No, these gingerbread snowball cookies are easy to prepare with basic baking skills and simple ingredients. The recipe involves basic mixing and shaping techniques that even beginner bakers can master.

  • Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even leave out nuts entirely if you prefer. Just ensure the total volume remains consistent for best texture.

  • How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies typically stay fresh for 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The powdered sugar coating helps maintain their delicate texture and flavor.

Why Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Are Holiday Favorites

  • Festive Holiday Delight: Capture the magical winter spirit with these gingerbread-spiced snowball cookies that bring warmth and cheer to any celebration.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires simple techniques and minimal ingredients, making it an approachable and stress-free cooking experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cozy spices like cinnamon and ginger, these cookies offer a nostalgic flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, creating instant smiles around the table.
  • Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare these delightful treats in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, spontaneous baking sessions, or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and body of the cookie.
  • Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the gingerbread cookies.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Cloves: A classic blend of warm spices that give the cookies their signature gingerbread taste.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the warm and cooled cookies, creating a beautiful snowy appearance and extra sweetness.

How to Bake Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), getting ready for some delightful baking magic.

Step 2: Create A Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the butter and powdered sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Add Flavor Essence

Pour in the vanilla extract and blend it smoothly into the creamy mixture, creating a rich and aromatic foundation.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chopped pecans
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cloves

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated.

Step 5: Merge Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the creamy base, stirring consistently until everything combines into a harmonious dough.

Step 6: Shape Delectable Rounds

Gently roll the dough into small, charming one-inch balls, placing them carefully on a baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for them to set without turning brown.

Step 8: First Sugar Coating

Once the cookies are slightly cooled but still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet exterior.

Step 9: Final Sugar Dusting

After the cookies have completely cooled, give them another loving roll in powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Pro Tips for Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

  • Sift flour carefully to prevent lumpy texture and ensure smooth, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Use fresh ground spices for maximum gingerbread warmth and more intense aromatic experience.
  • Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm for first coating, then again when completely cooled to create beautiful, snow-like appearance.
  • Store cookies in airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent crumbling.
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Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 27-30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x
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Description

Sweet holiday magic unfolds with these gingerbread snowball cookies that dance between warmth and winter whimsy. Dusted with powdered sugar and infused with classic spices, these delightful treats will melt hearts and spark festive cheer.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for baking.
  2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic flavor throughout the mixture.
  4. In a separate container, combine flour, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, powdered ginger, and ground cloves, whisking to evenly distribute the spices.
  5. Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Craft uniform spherical shapes approximately 1 inch in diameter, placing them carefully on a prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
  7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a set texture without developing golden edges.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest briefly, then delicately coat the warm cookies in a layer of powdered sugar for initial sweetness.
  9. permit the cookies to cool completely, then repeat the powdered sugar coating to create a final snowy, elegant finish.

Notes

  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for the cookies.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain the perfect snowball shape during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Use freshly ground spices if possible, as they provide a more intense and vibrant gingerbread flavor compared to pre-ground spices that may have lost their potency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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