Ginger Snowballs

Are you looking to add a touch of festive charm to your Christmas baking repertoire this year? Look no further than these delightful Ginger Snowballs! This traditional United Kingdom recipe combines the warmth of ginger with the sweetness of icing sugar, creating a delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. These bite-sized delights are not only easy to make but also make for a wonderful gift or party treat. Let’s get started on making these scrumptious Ginger Snowballs!

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup icing sugar, divided
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
– Additional icing sugar for coating

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/4 cup of icing sugar until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Stir in the chopped crystallized ginger until well incorporated.
6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
7. Bake the ginger snowballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until set but not browned.
8. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
9. Place the remaining 1/4 cup of icing sugar in a shallow bowl. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the icing sugar until completely coated.
10. Transfer the coated ginger snowballs to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, roll the cookies in the icing sugar again to give them a snowy finish.

These Ginger Snowballs are the perfect festive treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or to share with loved ones during the holiday season. Their delicate crumbly texture and the sweet warmth of ginger are sure to be a hit with everyone. Feel free to package them in pretty boxes or jars tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. So, gather your ingredients, put on some holiday tunes, and let the scent of ginger fill your kitchen as you bake up a batch of these delicious Ginger Snowballs. Happy baking!