Go Back
Adam

Easy Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Spiced, Buttery & Perfect for Christmas

These Easy Gingerbread Snowball Cookies bring together the cozy flavors of classic gingerbread and the soft, buttery texture of holiday snowballs. Each bite melts in your mouth with warm spices, sweet molasses, and a snowy powdered sugar coating. Perfect for Christmas cookie boxes, festive dessert spreads, or homemade holiday gifts, these cookies are rich, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make. If you want a holiday cookie that tastes like winter magic and smells like Christmas, this recipe is exactly what you need!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coating
  • Additional powdered sugar for rolling

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

    View ↗
  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

    View ↗
  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

    View ↗

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter, powdered sugar, molasses, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
      Step 3: Add flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg, mixing until a soft spiced dough forms.
        Step 4: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
          Step 5: Arrange dough balls on the baking sheet with slight spacing.
            Step 6: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
              Step 7: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while warm.
                Step 8: Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for the perfect snowy finish.

                  Notes

                  🧊 Storage & Reheating
                  Room Temperature
                  Keeps fresh for 5–7 days in an airtight container.
                  Freezer
                  Freeze baked cookies or dough balls up to 2 months.
                  Reheat
                  No reheating needed — enjoy at room temperature.
                  🥄 Variations
                  ⭐ Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Snowballs
                  Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.
                  ⭐ Maple Ginger Snowballs
                  Add 1 tsp maple extract.
                  ⭐ Crunchy Pecan Ginger Snowballs
                  Stir in ½ cup finely chopped pecans.
                  ⭐ Extra Spiced Version
                  Add an extra pinch of cloves or nutmeg.
                  ⭐ Orange Ginger Snowballs
                  Add 1 tsp orange zest for citrus warmth.
                  ❓ 10 FAQs
                  1. Can I use dark molasses?
                  Yes — dark molasses creates stronger gingerbread flavor.
                  2. Why roll twice in powdered sugar?
                  For the thick, snowy coating classic to snowball cookies.
                  3. Can I use salted butter?
                  Yes — reduce the added salt by half.
                  4. Do these cookies spread?
                  No — they hold their round shape.
                  5. Can I freeze the dough?
                  Yes — freeze dough balls, then bake later.
                  6. Are they very sweet?
                  They’re balanced — spices + powdered sugar give perfect sweetness.
                  7. Can I make them gluten-free?
                  Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
                  8. Why are my cookies crumbly?
                  Add 1–2 teaspoons butter to bring the dough together.
                  9. Can kids help make them?
                  Yes — the rolling step is fun and easy.
                  10. Can I add more molasses?
                  No — too much will affect texture.
                  🏁 Conclusion
                  These Easy Gingerbread Snowball Cookies combine the warmth of gingerbread spices with the soft, buttery goodness of classic snowballs. They’re festive, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect for holiday baking, gifting, and sharing with family. A simple recipe that fills your home with the scent of Christmas and brings joy to every bite.