Make Delicious Gingerbread Snowball Cookies for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, nostalgia, and, of course, baking! As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, the aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Snowball Cookies wafts through the air, beckoning us to indulge in the rich, spicy flavors and soft, buttery textures. These classic holiday cookies are a beloved tradition, bringing together the comforting warmth of gingerbread and the festive elegance of powdered sugar-coated “snowballs.”

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Ingredients for Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

To create these delightful Gingerbread Snowball Cookies, you’ll need a few simple, high-quality ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 2 ¼ cups (279g) all-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar for rolling

The combination of butter, powdered sugar, and a medley of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves creates the signature flavor profile of these Gingerbread Snowball Cookies. The addition of a touch of molasses enhances the depth and richness of the gingerbread taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

Follow these easy steps to bake up a batch of irresistible Gingerbread Snowball Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and molasses, and mix until well combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake: Bake the Gingerbread Snowball Cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Roll in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Once they have completely cooled, roll them in the powdered sugar again for a delightful snowy finish.

Serve these Gingerbread Snowball Cookies warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the perfect blend of spices and buttery goodness in every bite. They make a wonderful holiday treat to share with family and friends.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Snowball Cookies

To ensure your Gingerbread Snowball Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Properly Cream the Butter and Sugar: Take the time to thoroughly cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This will create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Chill the Dough: For an even better texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This helps the dough hold its shape better.
• Bake at the Right Temperature: Maintain a consistent oven temperature of 350°F (175°C) to prevent the cookies from spreading or becoming too crisp.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies during the baking process, as they can go from perfectly baked to dry and crumbly in a matter of minutes.
• Double-Coat in Powdered Sugar: Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar, letting them cool, and then rolling them again ensures a beautiful, snowy coating.

The History and Tradition of Gingerbread Cookies

The origins of Gingerbread Snowball Cookies can be traced back to various cultural traditions around the world. Gingerbread, in its many forms, has been a beloved treat for centuries, with references to it dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and China.

The snowball cookie variation, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Italian wedding cookies, gained popularity in the 20th century as a festive, bite-sized treat. These delicate, crumbly cookies with their snowy powdered sugar coating became a staple at holiday gatherings and celebrations, symbolizing the joyful spirit of the season.

The spices used in Gingerbread Snowball Cookies, such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, have long been associated with the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. The addition of molasses, a traditional ingredient in gingerbread, lends a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the other spices.

Baking Gingerbread Snowball Cookies has become a cherished family tradition for many, with memories of gathering in the kitchen and creating these delightful treats together. The aroma of the freshly baked cookies and the satisfying crunch of the powdered sugar coating evoke a sense of nostalgia and holiday cheer.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The versatility of Gingerbread Snowball Cookies makes them a wonderful addition to any holiday spread. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a fragrant cup of tea for a cozy and comforting pairing.

These cookies also make a lovely homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Package them in festive tins or jars, and include a handwritten note for a personal touch. They’re sure to be a hit with anyone who receives them.

For a more indulgent dessert, consider pairing the Gingerbread Snowball Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrasting textures and flavors create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Traditional Gingerbread Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Molasses Cookies
• Spiced Walnut Snowball Cookies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are snowball cookies the same as Mexican wedding cookies?

Yes, snowball cookies and Mexican wedding cookies are essentially the same thing. They are both buttery, crumbly cookies coated in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy, festive appearance.

Why do my snowball cookies flatten out?

If your Gingerbread Snowball Cookies tend to flatten out during baking, it could be due to a few factors:

• The dough was overworked, causing the gluten to develop too much.
• The butter was too soft or melted before baking.
• The oven temperature was too high, causing the cookies to spread quickly.

To prevent this, make sure to chill the dough, use cold butter, and bake the cookies at the recommended temperature of 350°F (175°C).

What are snowball cookies?

Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are a type of holiday cookie that features a soft, buttery interior coated in a layer of powdery, snowy-white powdered sugar. They are named for their distinctive round, snowball-like appearance.

What are Italian snowball cookies called?

In Italy, Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are often referred to as “Italian wedding cookies” or “Italian Christmas cookies.” These delicate, crumbly cookies are a beloved tradition during the holiday season in Italy.

Conclusion

Baking Gingerbread Snowball Cookies is a cherished holiday tradition that brings joy and comfort to homes around the world. With their spicy gingerbread flavor, buttery texture, and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies are a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re creating them for a festive gathering or gifting them to loved ones, these Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer and become a treasured part of your seasonal baking repertoire.

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