Introduction
Gingerbread snowballs are delightful treats that capture the essence of the holiday season. These soft, spiced cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they offer a wonderful blend of flavors that will warm your heart and home during the colder months.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– All-purpose flour: 2 cups
– Ground ginger: 1 tablespoon
– Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
– Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
– Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
– Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
– Unsalted butter: 3/4 cup, softened
– Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
– Molasses: 1/2 cup
– Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
– Powdered sugar: for rolling (about 1 cup)
Prep Time
The preparation time for gingerbread snowballs is approximately 15 minutes. This allows you to easily gather your ingredients and combine them into a delicious dough that captures the spirit of the holidays.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (including prep and baking time)
Yield: This recipe yields about 24 snowball cookies, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices and dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vanilla and Egg
Add the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Step 4: Blend in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Coat the Cookies
Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives them a festive, snowball-like appearance.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store the gingerbread snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra twist on this classic recipe.
