Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe
These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the festive spice of gingerbread and the irresistible texture of traditional snowball cookies. They’re simple to make, require minimal decorating, and taste even better the next day. Whether you’re making them for holiday gifts or just to fill your cookie jar, these cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon ground cloves
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies remain pale.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
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Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Calories: Approximately 110 kcal per cookie
Variations
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Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free cookie that’s still packed with flavor.
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Maple Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of maple extract along with the vanilla for extra depth.
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Spicier Kick: Increase the ground ginger to 1½ teaspoons for a stronger gingerbread flavor.
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Chocolate Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let set for a delicious contrast.
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Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed to refresh their snowy coating.
These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I keep snowball cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough isn’t required, but if you find your cookies are spreading too much, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these without powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is essential for both the dough texture and the signature coating. However, you can reduce the amount of coating if preferred.
What’s the difference between snowball cookies and Russian tea cakes?
They’re essentially the same base cookie but can differ slightly in flavoring or nut choice. This version uses gingerbread spices for a festive twist.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
For best flavor and texture, real butter is recommended. Margarine may alter the final result and make the cookies softer or greasier.
Why are my cookies dry or crumbly?
If your cookies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. Spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid packing it in.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan powdered sugar. Keep in mind, the texture may vary slightly.
What kind of nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts both complement the spices well. Chop them finely for even distribution in the dough.
Should I roll them in powdered sugar while hot?
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before rolling in powdered sugar. If they’re too hot, the sugar will melt. Rolling again when cool ensures a perfect snowy finish.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily to make a larger batch for sharing or holiday gifting.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of tradition and festive flavor. With their warm spices, delicate texture, and snowy finish, they’re sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking lineup. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies are a sweet way to celebrate the season.
