Name: Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Challenge Unsalted Butter (226g), 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

There’s just something magical about these little bites of winter wonder—soft, spiced, and dusted with snowy powdered sugar. The Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe brings that cozy gingerbread vibe in a perfect melt-in-your-mouth form that’s worth every minute spent baking.

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 Snowball Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these cookies—my kitchen was filled with warm spices, and the scent alone made me feel like it was already Christmas. This Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that balances soft richness with that classic festive spice perfectly.

Classic Holiday Flavor: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates that authentic gingerbread taste everyone loves.
Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip these up quickly.
Beautiful Presentation: Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies look like little snowballs, making them perfect for gifting or holiday displays.
Delightfully Soft Texture: These cookies melt in your mouth, offering a tender bite that’s inviting every single time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a part in shaping their tender crumb and rich, spicy flavor. Below, I've broken down the key players and why I love them.

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

Challenge Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential here to create that fluffy cookie texture and tender crumb. Using unsalted lets you control the salt perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Incorporating powdered sugar into the dough ensures a delicate sweetness and silky texture, plus it's great for rolling the cookies for that snowy effect.
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth and rounds out the spice flavors beautifully.
Salt: Just a touch balances and brightens all the sweet and warm flavors.
Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice, and Cloves: This spice blend is the heart of the gingerbread magic. Each spice adds a unique warmth and complexity.
Molasses: It’s what gives these cookies their classic gingerbread color, moist texture, and that rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
All-purpose Flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while keeping the dough tender and easy to work with.

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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 tweaking this recipe depending on the season or crowd. Sometimes I swap molasses for honey for a milder sweetness or stir in a handful of finely chopped crystallized ginger for an extra zing that my friends adore.

Variation: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the dough gives a pleasant crunch and nutty aroma that complements the spices wonderfully.
Dietary Twist: For a dairy-free version, I’ve had success swapping butter for a quality coconut oil—just keep the texture in mind, as the cookies come out slightly different but still delightful.
Holiday Spin: Rolling half the cookies in cinnamon sugar before baking gives a lovely contrast to the powdered sugar coating after baking, making your tray extra festive.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Snowball 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: Cream the Butter and Sugar

First, I soften my butter to room temperature—this is key for that fluffy texture. Using an electric mixer, I beat the butter for about 20 seconds until it’s light, then add the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and spices. Mixing these until smooth really wakes up the gingerbread flavor in the dough.

Step 2: Add Molasses and Flour

Next, I pour in the molasses and mix it in fully before gradually adding the flour. Here’s where patience pays off—the dough looks crumbly and a bit stubborn at first, but keep mixing! After a few minutes, it magically comes together. If it feels too dry, don’t rush—just give it time with your mixer or wooden spoon.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

I use a tablespoon measure to scoop even portions of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them out to allow a little spread. Baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes is perfect—the bottoms just showing a hint of golden brown means they’re ready.

Step 4: Roll in Powdered Sugar

After pulling the cookies from the oven, I let them cool for a moment until they’re comfortable to handle—not piping hot, but still warm. Then the fun part: rolling each cookie in powdered sugar so they look like fresh little snowballs. If you want, once cooled completely, a second roll gives an extra snowy look and delightful sweetness.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few simple tricks make these cookies shine every time—especially when you’re baking lots for a gathering or gifts.

Butter Temperature Matters: Too cold and your dough won’t come together easily; too warm and it gets greasy. Aim for soft, not melted.
Mix Thoroughly: That crumbly dough stage can be frustrating, but persistence is key. Keep mixing to get a smooth dough.
Handle Warm But Not Hot: Rolling the cookies while still warm helps the sugar stick beautifully without melting away.
Double Roll for Snowy Effect: Once cookies cool, a second coating of powdered sugar amps up the festive look and sweetness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Snowball Cookies Recipe

Gingerbread Snowball Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to dust these cookies with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top for a little extra warmth and color—simple, but it makes them visually pop and taste even cozier.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a mug of hot spiced tea, hot cocoa loaded with marshmallows, or even a creamy chai latte. For a full holiday spread, try serving alongside spiced nuts or a cheese board featuring mild cheeses and dried fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting or parties, I love stacking these cookies in clear jars tied with festive ribbons—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser. You could also arrange them in a wreath shape on a platter and sprinkle with some edible glitter for a sparkly touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Gingerbread Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay soft and flavorful for up to a week. Layer them between parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well! I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Just thaw at room temp when you’re ready—they taste almost fresh-baked.

Reheating

If you want to freshen up frozen or day-old cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. It revives the softness without making them too hard or crumbly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dark molasses instead of regular?

Yes! Dark molasses will give your cookies a deeper, more robust flavor, but it might also darken the dough a bit more. I personally enjoy the richness it adds, so feel free to experiment.

How do I prevent the dough from crumbling?

The dough can seem crumbly at first, but keep mixing it patiently, preferably with an electric mixer. Sometimes letting it rest in the fridge for 15 minutes helps the flour hydrate and brings the dough together nicely.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking. I recommend blends with xanthan gum to help maintain the tender texture.

What’s the best way to store Gingerbread Snowball Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them from sticking together, layer the cookies with parchment paper or wax paper.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Snowball Cookies hold a special place in my heart every holiday season—they’re easy, nostalgic, and endlessly shareable. I encourage you to give this recipe a go; they’ll fill your home with spice and warmth while bringing smiles to anyone lucky enough to have one. Baking these is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket made of flavors—trust me, you won’t regret it.