Gingerbread Snowball Cookies combine the soft, buttery texture of classic snowball cookies with the warm, cozy spices of gingerbread. These cookies melt in your mouth, then finish with a gentle kick of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses that makes them perfect for winter baking. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs but taste like Christmas in every bite. They’re easy to make, don’t require chilling, and are ideal for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or cozy evenings with a cup of tea.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic snowball cookie texture with a gingerbread twist
- Warm spices that feel festive and comforting
- Soft, tender cookies that melt in your mouth
- Not overly sweet, even with the powdered sugar coating
- Easy dough with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for Christmas baking and winter holidays
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Recommended Baking Tools
Cookie Scoop Set – helps you scoop the dough evenly for perfect snowball cookies.
Baking Sheet Set – gives even heat and prevents cookies from burning.
Silicone Baking Mats – stop sticking and make baking easier.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – help you measure ingredients accurately.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in molasses and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in chopped nuts if using.
- Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until set but still light in color.
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar while warm.
- Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Cooking Notes
Gingerbread snowball cookies should stay pale on top. If they brown, they will lose their tender texture. Molasses adds moisture, so avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
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Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper spice flavor
- Use white chocolate chips instead of nuts
- Add orange zest for a bright holiday twist
- Make them nut-free by skipping the nuts entirely
- Drizzle with white chocolate after cooling
Tips
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth mixing
- Measure spices carefully so they don’t overpower the dough
- Handle warm cookies gently when rolling in sugar
- Don’t skip the second sugar coating for the best finish
- Store cookies fully cooled to prevent moisture buildup
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate
- Add to Christmas cookie trays or holiday dessert tables
- Package in tins for homemade gifts
- Pair with shortbread or chocolate cookies
- Dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Approximate values
- Calories: 155
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
FAQs
Do these cookies taste strongly of molasses?
No. The molasses adds warmth and depth but doesn’t overpower the spices.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
Can I freeze gingerbread snowball cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies without powdered sugar, then roll in sugar after thawing.
Why roll the cookies twice in sugar?
The first roll melts slightly, and the second creates the classic snowy coating.
Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely. The cookies are just as soft and flavorful without nuts.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of classic holiday flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With warm spices, a soft buttery crumb, and a snowy powdered sugar finish, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for Christmas or just craving cozy winter cookies, this recipe belongs on your must-bake list.