Name: Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (279 g) all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup Challenge Unsalted Butter (226 g), softened; ½ cup (57 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon molasses; Powdered sugar for rolling

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about biting into a soft, spiced cookie dusted with powdered sugar, and that’s exactly why the Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart. These little delights bring cozy holiday vibes to every bite, making any day feel festive and warm.

Fourteen round balls of light brown dough with small dark specks are evenly spaced on a dark baking tray. Each ball is smooth and similar in size, arranged in three rows with some crumbs scattered on the tray. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can hardly resist these soft, buttery cookies that balance just the right amount of warm spices with a hint of molasses sweetness. Whenever I make this Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe, the house immediately smells like the holidays, and it’s an instant mood lifter!

Simplest Ingredients: You probably have almost everything already in your pantry, which makes this recipe super convenient.
Perfect Texture: The cookies start a bit crumbly but bake into tender, melt-in-your-mouth snowballs.
Warm Spiced Flavor: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies that quintessential gingerbread charm.
Fun to Make: Rolling these cookies in powdered sugar feels like a little holiday craft project you can enjoy with family or friends.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe plays a special role to create that perfect taste and texture. Plus, understanding each one makes your baking smoother and more enjoyable.

Flat lay of a small mound of soft unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with fine powdered sugar, a whole vanilla bean pod, a tiny heap of coarse salt crystals, small piles of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves arranged symmetrically, a small white bowl containing dark amber molasses, and a neat pile of all-purpose flour, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using unsalted butter softened to room temperature ensures your dough is creamy and easy to mix, plus it controls the salt level more precisely.
Powdered sugar: Both inside the dough and for rolling, it gives the cookies a delicate sweetness and that iconic snowball finish.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth to enhance all the spices.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and spices, making flavors really pop.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves: This classic gingerbread spice mix delivers warmth and holiday nostalgia in every bite.
Molasses: A must-have for that rich, deep gingerbread flavor and color.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love adding a little extra kick by sprinkling some finely chopped crystallized ginger into the dough sometimes. But honestly, you can customize this recipe totally to your taste — maybe less spice for kids, or using gluten-free flour to suit your needs.

Variation: I once substituted half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier twist; the cookies turned out beautifully tender and packed with an extra layer of flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, but keep an eye on the consistency — it might need a touch less flour.
Extra Spice Punch: If you’re into bolder flavors, add a pinch of black pepper or increase the ginger for a spicy warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe

A pile of round cookies covered in white powdered sugar sits in a decorative, open blue tin with white floral and swirl patterns, lined with light parchment paper. Each cookie is dusted with finely powdered sugar and topped with small red and green sprinkles. The tin is placed on a white marbled surface surrounded by sheer white ribbon and silver Christmas ornaments, creating a festive look. The background is softly blurred with a white cloth draped around, enhancing the holiday feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Butter Fluffy

Start by softening the butter to room temperature — this is key! When I first made these cookies, I skipped this step and the dough was tough to mix. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter for about 20 seconds until it’s light and fluffy. This airiness helps give the cookies their tender texture.

Step 2: Spice It Up and Sweeten

Next, add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, all your spices, and molasses. Mix until smooth. I love how the molasses instantly deepens the aroma — it smells like a holiday wonderland in my kitchen every time!

Step 3: Flour Power and Dough Formation

Time to add the flour. Here’s the trickiest part: the dough looks crumbly at first and almost won’t come together. Don’t give up! Keep mixing — it usually takes a couple of minutes, but it will eventually form into a beautiful cookie dough that holds together perfectly.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Scoop a tablespoon of dough for each cookie and place them spaced on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms just start turning golden. Watch closely — overbaking dries out these delicate cookies.

Step 5: Sugar Coating Magic

Right after they come out of the oven, let the cookies cool just enough to handle, then roll them in powdered sugar. This coating adds the signature snowy look and a touch of sweetness. Once cooled, if you want them extra snowy, give them another roll.

Top Tip

From my many batches of these cookies, I’ve learned a few simple tips that can really elevate your results and take away common frustrations.

Patience with Mixing: Don’t rush adding the flour or give up when the dough looks crumbly — keep mixing until it clumps together.
Butter Softness Matters: If your butter’s too cold, the dough won’t come together well. If it’s too melted, you’ll get a greasy mess.
Watch Baking Time: Aim for just lightly browned bottoms; that’s the golden moment for softness and doneness.
Double Roll for Snowiness: A second roll in powdered sugar after cooling really pumps up that iconic snowball look and sweetness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe

gingerbread snowballs - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but for a festive touch, I’ve sprinkled some crushed peppermint candy or a tiny bit of edible glitter on top. It amps up the holiday cheer and looks adorable on a cookie platter.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. During holiday gatherings, I love serving them alongside spiced cider or hot chocolate for the full cozy effect.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging these snowballs in a glass jar or tiered cookie stand to show off their snowy perfection. I’ve wrapped small stacks in pretty tissue paper and twine as homemade gifts — everyone loves getting these as sweet treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper, which keeps them fresh and soft for up to a week. If they start to feel a bit dry, a short zap in the microwave revives them perfectly.

Freezing

I freeze these cookies both baked and as raw dough balls. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and place in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months. For dough balls, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag — just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes.

Reheating

Simply warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to freshen up. It’s a great way to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth even days after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and add a touch more moisture if needed. I’ve had success with almond-coconut flour blends and they still taste fantastic.

Why is the dough crumbly and not coming together?

This is totally normal due to the spices and flour—the key is to keep mixing. Butter temperature matters a lot, too; if it’s too cold, the dough can resist coming together. Patient mixing until you see a clumped dough is crucial.

How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?

Store them in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out. If they stiffen, warming them slightly in the oven or microwave brings back softness.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it wrapped tightly. Just let it warm up a bit before scooping and baking. This actually helps the flavors meld nicely!

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Snowballs Cookies Recipe is my go-to for holiday baking and an anytime treat that pulls those warm memories right to the surface. It’s easy enough for any home baker to enjoy with rewarding results. I’m confident you’ll treasure the spicy warmth and buttery softness in this little snowball—so go ahead, bake these delightful bites and share the cozy joy with your loved ones!