Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Recipe for Sweet Holidays

These melt-in-your-mouth red velvet snowball cookies bring festive cheer to any holiday gathering.

Soft cocoa-infused dough swirled with red velvet magic creates an irresistible treat.

The classic cookie receives a delightful seasonal twist that sparkles with rich flavor.

Powdered sugar coating gives each bite a delicate, snow-dusted appearance.

Crumbly and tender, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Bakers of all skill levels can create these elegant desserts with simple ingredients.

Serve these stunning snowball cookies and watch smiles spread across every face.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

  • Transform ordinary cookies into a stunning red velvet masterpiece that screams holiday cheer and captures everyone's attention.
  • Stuff these cookies with chocolate centers, creating a delightful surprise that makes each bite more exciting and personal.
  • Mix, chill, and bake with minimal steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious treat without complicated techniques.
  • Soft, sweet, and visually appealing cookies that work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where you want to impress guests.

Gather the Goods for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep red color to the red velvet cookies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature red velvet color.
Filling and Coating Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips, Buttermilk: Adds moisture and chocolate flavor to the cookie interior.
  • Simple Syrup, Shredded Coconut: Provides a sweet glaze and crisp coconut coating for the finished cookies.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour and cocoa powder.
  • Electric mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for precise ingredient amounts.
  • Baking sheet: Lined with parchment for easy cookie baking.
  • Spatula: Great for scraping bowl and mixing dough.
  • Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
  • Small bowl: Useful for preparing syrup and coconut coating.

Let’s Bake Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie release.

Step 2: Create Dry Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Blend until they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Use an electric mixer to cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar

Beat until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Color and Flavor

Mix in these wet ingredients:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring

Stir until the batter transforms into a gorgeous deep red shade.

Step 5: Build the Perfect Dough

Slowly alternate adding:
  • Dry ingredient mixture
  • Buttermilk

Mix gently until everything comes together smoothly without overmixing.

Step 6: Chill and Relax

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

This helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 7: Shape Delightful Surprises

Create cookie balls with a secret chocolate center:
  • Make a small indent in each dough ball
  • Tuck a chocolate piece inside
  • Seal the dough completely
  • Gently roll into perfect spheres

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for set edges and a slightly soft center.

Step 9: Final Magical Touch

While cookies are still warm:
  • Brush with light syrup.
  • Roll in shredded coconut.
  • Let cool completely.

Tricks to Master Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

  • Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain the perfect cookie shape during baking.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without adding extra liquid that might affect cookie texture.
  • Create a delightful center by carefully inserting a small chocolate piece in each cookie before sealing and rolling.
  • Ensure cookies are warm when rolling in coconut for better adhesion and a more even, delicious finish.
  • Use room temperature buttermilk to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a tender, moist cookie texture.

Creative Spins on Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the soft, crumbly texture.
  • Vegan Red Velvet Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based food coloring for a dairy-free option.
  • Chocolate Lover's Variation: Increase cocoa powder amount and add dark chocolate chips inside the cookie for an extra rich chocolate experience.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the cookie's delightful red velvet flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Red Velvet Snowball Cookies at Any Table

  • Winter Holiday Gathering: Serve these festive cookies on a decorative silver platter surrounded by pine sprigs and twinkling candles for a magical winter dessert presentation.
  • Chocolate Lover's Delight: Pair with rich hot chocolate or espresso to complement the deep red color and enhance the chocolate undertones of the cookies.
  • Dessert Table Centerpiece: Create a stunning display by arranging cookies in a pyramid shape, dusted with extra coconut and garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
  • Gift-Worthy Treats: Package in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for a charming homemade holiday gift that looks professionally crafted.

Saving and Storing Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date.
  • Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore softness and refresh coconut coating.

FAQs

  • What gives red velvet snowball cookies their distinctive red color?

The red food coloring is added to the wet ingredients, creating the classic vibrant red hue that defines red velvet baked goods.

  • Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but the cookies will lose their signature red velvet appearance and look more like traditional chocolate cookies.

  • Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent spreading, allows flavors to develop, and makes the dough easier to handle when forming the cookies with chocolate centers.

  • Is buttermilk essential for this recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tanginess characteristic of red velvet recipes, but you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a little vinegar if needed.

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Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Recipe

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 57 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Red velvet snowball cookies delight dessert enthusiasts with their cocoa-infused charm. Powdered sugar coating and crimson crumb create a festive treat that melts in your mouth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (40 grams) shredded coconut

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) buttermilk

Dry and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Sugar syrup for coating

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cookie placement.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
  3. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until fully integrated and vibrant.
  5. Gradually blend dry ingredients and buttermilk into butter mixture, alternating to maintain smooth consistency.
  6. Chill prepared dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavor and ease of handling.
  7. Shape chilled dough into uniform balls, creating a small indent, inserting chocolate chip, then sealing and rolling.
  8. Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing for even baking.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges appear set and slightly firm.
  10. While cookies are still warm, delicately brush with light syrup and roll in shredded coconut for festive coating.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant red color without affecting dough consistency.
  • Ensure butter is room temperature for smoother creaming and better cookie texture.
  • Toast coconut briefly for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier coating.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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