Gingerbread Snowballs

Featured in Desserts.

These spiced treats are a winter favorite! They’re ready in 45 minutes, melt in your mouth, and look just like snowy holiday magic. Perfect with a warm drink, and everyone will love the festive gingerbread flavor.
A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:15:11 GMT
A festive red bowl holding powdered sugar-coated dessert balls, set beside brown sugar pieces and a dish of powdered sugar. Pin it
A festive red bowl holding powdered sugar-coated dessert balls, set beside brown sugar pieces and a dish of powdered sugar. | tasteofmoms.com

Holiday treats don't get much better than these spiced snowballs with gingerbread flair. I've tested loads of spice mixes to find just the right combo that brings warm gingerbread vibes to these melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies. They're truly something special - the way they crumble softly while hitting you with those cozy winter flavors makes them downright enchanting.

Simple Winter Wonder Creations

The beauty of these spiced snowballs is how quickly they come together. You won't need to chill the dough, so fresh, warm treats can be yours in less than an hour. The smell that fills my home when they're baking is incredible - it always takes me back to making gingerbread houses with my family during holiday seasons.

Your Ingredient List

  • Flour: Measure it carefully.
  • Molasses: Rich and dark.
  • Spice Mix: Your winter flavor blend.
  • Powdered Sugar: For both dough and outer coating.
  • Butter: Stick with unsalted.

Cookie Creation Steps

Sugar Magic
Get that perfect snowy layer with a double coating.
Shape with Care
Gently form each little round ball.
Build the Dough
Add your ingredients slowly and mix well.
Fluff That Butter
Beat until it's light and airy.

Keys To Perfect Results

Don't skip the details when making these spiced snowballs. That initial sugar coating while they're hot creates the foundation for the second roll, giving them that gorgeous snowy look. And take your time beating the butter - it's what makes these cookies so wonderfully tender.

Custom Flavor Ideas

These snowballs taste amazing as they are, but you can always switch things up. I sometimes throw in some orange zest for a bright twist or use honey instead of molasses. They'll stay fresh in a sealed container, making them great for giving as gifts or bringing to cookie exchanges.

A red bowl filled with powdered sugar-coated cookies sits on a wooden table, surrounded by a small dish of gingerbread pieces and a jar of powdered sugar. Pin it
A red bowl filled with powdered sugar-coated cookies sits on a wooden table, surrounded by a small dish of gingerbread pieces and a jar of powdered sugar. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does the dough seem dry at first?
It might look dry, but just keep mixing. The dough will come together smoothly after a few minutes of work.
→ Why coat the cookies in sugar twice?
The first coat sticks better while they’re warm, and the second coat later finishes the snowy look perfectly.
→ How cool should cookies be for sugar coating?
They should still be warm enough for the sugar to stick, but cool enough that they’re easy to handle.
→ Can I tweak the spices?
Absolutely! Adjust spices to fit your preference, but keep the total amount similar for the best texture.
→ Why pick unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you decide how much salt to add. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce the extra salt in the mix.

Gingerbread Snowballs

A festive twist on classic snowballs, flavored with holiday spices and finished with a sweet powdered sugar layer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 48 Servings (48 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature.
02 1/2 cup (57g) icing sugar.
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
04 1/2 teaspoon table salt.
05 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
06 1 teaspoon powdered ginger.
07 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground.
08 1/4 teaspoon allspice powder.
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
10 1 tablespoon of molasses.
11 2 1/4 cups (279g) plain flour.
12 Extra powdered sugar for coating.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and get two baking trays ready with parchment paper.

Step 02

Whip the butter until airy. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, salt, spices, and molasses until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough is formed.

Step 03

Use a tablespoon measure to portion out dough onto your lined baking trays.

Step 04

Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until their bottoms turn lightly golden.

Step 05

Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, you can roll them in sugar again if you'd like a thicker layer.

Notes

  1. The dough might feel crumbly at first but will come together.
  2. Rolling the cookies twice in sugar gives the richest coating.
  3. A perfect choice for gifting during the holidays.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand or hand mixer.
  • Baking trays.
  • Baking paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 60
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 1 g