Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Snowballs are delightful bite-sized cookies with a rich cocoa flavor and a vibrant red hue. Coated in powdered sugar while warm, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and softness that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating the warm cookies)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands.
7. Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
9. Step 9: Let the cookies cool slightly for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to create a snowy coating.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without thinning the dough.
• If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
• For a festive twist, try rolling the cookies in colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar.
• Make sure the butter is properly softened to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.

Storage

Store the Red Velvet Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the powdered sugar coating fresh, place parchment paper between layers. Reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if you want them warm again before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, you can use natural cocoa powder, but it may affect the color slightly and produce a tangier flavor. The texture will remain tender.

Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while warm?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the coating stick better and creates the signature snowy look. If coated when cold, the sugar won’t adhere as well.

Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

Delightfully soft and vibrant red velvet snowballs, these cookies combine rich cocoa flavor with a buttery texture. Coated in powdered sugar while warm, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and a festive look, ideal for holiday treats or cozy afternoons.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring

Coating

• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cookie removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to combine them evenly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This helps create a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated, achieving a bright red batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball with your hands for uniform baking.
7. Bake: Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
8. Coat Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool slightly but while still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create the signature snowball appearance and add a delicate sweetness.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
• Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the coating stick better and enhances the snowball effect.
• For a deeper red color, adjust the amount of red food coloring as needed.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Snowball Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Cocoa Cookies, Festive Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies