Gingerbread bliss balls recipe delivering a soft, chewy, aromatic holiday treat with warm spices, rich molasses, honey, nuts, and dates. These no-bake gingerbread balls capture the flavour profile of real gingerbread, not only from the spices but from the deep caramel notes of molasses and honey, creating a festive treat perfect for the season.
Hey, folks – I hope you all are doing well!
Today I am bringing you a wonderfully cozy holiday treat that is incredibly easy yet full of festive character. These festive no-bake bites are quick to prepare, lovely for gifting, and perfect for snacking throughout December. (Well, as you can see, Daisy disapproves as they are not her cup of tea LOL.) So, let’s dive into these gingerbread bliss balls.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Bliss Balls Recipe
- Authentic gingerbread flavour. Thanks to molasses, honey, and warm spices, these treats truly taste like traditional gingerbread, not just another spiced energy ball.
- No-bake and quick. Everything comes together in minutes, making this ideal for busy holiday seasons.
- Festive. A beautiful treat to enjoy throughout December or to share as part of a holiday dessert board.
- Flexible. Simple to adjust sweetness, texture, or spice levels; plus an easy vegan option.
- Perfect for gifting. These keep well and pack beautifully for holiday treat boxes.
Flavour and Texture Profile
These bliss balls offer a soft, chewy, slightly sticky texture with warm, aromatic gingerbread flavour. The richness of molasses and honey adds depth and a caramelized sweetness, while warm spices, dates, and nuts create both structure and complexity. Optional crystallized ginger adds a bright, chewy pop.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Gingerbread Bliss Balls Recipe
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients, which together create a classic gingerbread flavour profile thanks to molasses, honey, and a generous mix of spices:
- Medjool dates for natural sweetness and binding.
- Mixed nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts for structure and richness.
- Molasses, essential for authentic gingerbread character.
- Honey to complement the molasses with warm, caramel-like notes.
- Ginger as the primary spice for heat and warmth.
- Cinnamon for sweetness and balance.
- Cardamom for subtle floral notes.
- Clove for deep, earthy spice.
- Star anise or a pinch of anise for aromatic complexity.
- Allspice to round out the gingerbread flavour.
- Crystallised ginger (optional) for extra punch and chew.
- Gingerbread snaps for coating and even more gingerbread character, or simply increase the nuts to keep the recipe vegan.
Possible Additions and Variations
Although these holiday bliss balls are already delicious, you can always customize the recipe.
- Chocolate-dipped. Dip half of each ball in melted dark chocolate for a decadent variation.
- Extra spice. Increase ginger, cinnamon, or clove for stronger warmth.
- Citrus notes. Add orange zest for a brighter festive accent.
- Coating options. Roll in cocoa, coconut, or finely crushed gingerbread cookies.
Storing and Freezing
These gingerbread bliss balls store exceptionally well. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; the flavours deepen over time, becoming even more gingerbread-like after the first day. If you have coated the balls in crushed gingerbread snaps, keep the container slightly vented or line layers with parchment to prevent the coating from softening too much. For longer storage, freeze the balls uncoated for up to two months, then roll in crushed snaps or other coatings once thawed. Thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
More Holiday Sweet Bites and Snacks
Are you looking for more easy holiday sweets ideas just like this Gingerbread bliss balls recipe? Be sure to check more recipes below:
- Date Chestnut Bliss Balls with Clove and Orange
- Stovetop Gingerbread Candied Nuts – A Festive Stovetop Recipe
- Festive Toffee Orange Brandy Pecans – Easy Stovetop Recipe for the Holidays
- Easy Holiday Candied Chestnuts – Quick Festive Treat
- Festive Chestnut Chocolate Truffles
I’d love for you to try this Gingerbread bliss balls recipe. If you give these festive holiday bites a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!
Cheers!
Gingerbread Bliss Balls – Festive No-Bake Christmas Recipe
Gingerbread bliss balls recipe featuring dates, molasses, honey, and warm spices for a festive no-bake treat with true gingerbread flavour.
20-24
balls15
minutes30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
200 g (about 8-10 large and pitted) Medjool dates, pitted
always keep few extra dates on hand for adjusting the consistency if needed1.5 cups (about 200 g) unsalted roasted mixed nuts
always keep an extra handful on hand for adjusting the consistency if needed2 tbsp. (40 g) molasses
1 tbsp. (20 g) honey
optional or replace with more molasses for vegan version1 tsp. (2 g) ground cinnamon
1 tsp. (2 g) ground ginger
½ tsp. (1 g) ground cardamom
¼ tsp. (0.5 g) allspice and clove, each
a tiny pinch of star anise
2–3 tbsp. (15–20 g) crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
40–50 g crushed gingerbread snaps
used for coating; substitute crushed nuts for vegan optiona small pinch of salt
Directions
- Crush the gingerbread snaps (or nuts for a vegan version) into a very fine crumb and set aside.
- Add the mixed nuts and pitted Medjool dates to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the molasses, honey, salt, and spices then blend until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
- Check the consistency: if the mixture feels too soft, add a few more nuts; if too dry, add an extra date or a small drizzle of honey. The mixture should hold together easily when pressed. Mix in the optional crystallized ginger.
- Scoop out portions of about 20 g each (roughly 1 tablespoon), then roll into balls with your hands. You should get about 24 bliss balls.
- Roll each ball in crushed gingerbread snaps (or additional finely chopped nuts for a vegan version). Chill for 30 minutes before serving to help them firm up. Enjoy!
