Name: Snowy Red Velvet Snowballs That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (You can use gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free option.); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (Dutch-processed cocoa enhances the chocolate’s depth.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (No direct substitutions available.); ½ teaspoon salt (No direct substitutions available.); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) (Dairy-free butter or coconut oil works well for a dairy-free alternative.); 1 cup granulated sugar (No direct substitutions available.); 1 large egg (Flax egg or unsweetened applesauce can serve as a vegan option.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (No direct substitutions available.); 1 tablespoon red food coloring (Adjust the amount to achieve your desired color intensity.)

There’s something about those vibrant red hues that can instantly elevate any gathering, don’t you think? Enter Red Velvet Snowballs, soft and whimsical cookies that not only bring a splash of color to your dessert table but also deliver a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Made with everyday ingredients and perfect for those moments when you crave homemade treats, these cookies offer a unique twist on holiday favorites. The added perk? They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Imagine serving these to family and friends while sharing a warm cup of tea—how inviting does that sound? Ready to dive into the joy of baking these festive delights? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Festive Appeal: With their vibrant red color, these cookies instantly add cheer to any gathering, making them a showstopper on your dessert table.
Easy to Make: Using everyday ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious treats without hassle.
Irresistible Texture: Each bite offers a soft, chewy indulgence that truly melts in your mouth, leaving everyone wanting more.
Versatile and Fun: Feel free to personalize with mix-ins or a cream cheese frosting drizzle—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are not only delightful for yourself but also great for gifting or sharing with friends over a warm cup of tea, just like our delightful Red Velvet Strawberry or Red White Blue treats.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy afternoon snack, Red Velvet Snowballs are your delicious answer to sweet cravings!

Red Velvet Snowballs Ingredients

• Dive into the delightful world of Red Velvet Snowballs with these simple, everyday ingredients.

For the Cookies

All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cookies. You can use gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free option.
Cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa enhances the chocolate’s depth.
Baking powder – Functions as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise. No direct substitutions available.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. No direct substitutions available.
Unsalted butter (softened) – Adds moisture and richness. Dairy-free butter or coconut oil works well for a dairy-free alternative.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and impacts the texture. No direct substitutions available.
Large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. Flax egg or unsweetened applesauce can serve as a vegan option.
Vanilla extract – Brings a depth of flavor to the cookies. No direct substitutions available.
Red food coloring – Delivers that iconic vibrant red hue. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired color intensity.
Powdered sugar – Used for the sweet coating while warm, adding a lovely finish. No direct substitutions available.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Velvet Snowballs

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This preparation is essential for achieving the perfect texture for your Red Velvet Snowballs, ensuring they bake evenly and don’t cling to the pan.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This combination of dry ingredients forms the foundation for your cookies. Whisk until well combined, as this helps distribute the leavening agent evenly and ensures your Red Velvet Snowballs rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for incorporating air into the batter, making your cookies soft and tender. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 4: Add Egg and Flavoring
Next, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of red food coloring to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth. The red food coloring is what gives your Red Velvet Snowballs their iconic hue, making them visually appealing and festive—perfect for the holiday season!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want a cohesive dough that holds together but is still a little soft. At this stage, your dough should be rich and vibrant in color, resembling a red velvet cake batter.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. The anticipation of baking your Red Velvet Snowballs is palpable at this moment, as you can already envision the delightful treats that await!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they appear slightly firm to the touch. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Keep an eye on them, as they should not brown; you want that beautiful soft texture to shine through in your Red Velvet Snowballs!

Step 8: Cool and Coat
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, ensuring they’re well coated. This step is what makes them a snowy delight! Once coated, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, letting the sweetness of the sugar meld beautifully with the soft cookie texture.

What to Serve with Red Velvet Snowballs?

There’s nothing quite like pairing these delightful cookies with complementary treats to create a truly memorable experience.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creaminess of hot chocolate balances the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite even more indulgent. The warmth enhances the festive mood while providing a cozy treat option.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a lovely contrast to the soft, chewy texture of Red Velvet Snowballs. The cold creaminess is a delightful complement that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a tart and refreshing note that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Their bright colors also harmonize beautifully with the red hue of the cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: A cup of rich coffee brings out the chocolatey notes in the cookies. The bitterness of the coffee pairs exceptionally well with the sweet powdered sugar coating for a perfect afternoon treat.
Almond or Hazelnut Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provides a lovely textural contrast to the softness of the Red Velvet Snowballs, making for a delightful dunking experience. The nutty flavors can enhance the overall dessert spread.
Lemonade or Sparkling Water: A refreshing drink like lemonade or sparkling water can cleanse the palate, making it a great companion for these richer cookies. The citrus notes from lemonade add a zesty accompaniment to the sweetness.
Mini Cheesecake Bites: These bites offer a tangy contrast that pairs well with the sweet cookies, creating a balanced dessert spread. Their creamy texture can complement the soft chew of the Red Velvet Snowballs entertainingly.
Cheese Platter: Include a selection of soft cheeses, like goat cheese or brie, alongside some nuts or dried fruits. This savory option contrasts brilliantly with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Pecan Pie Bars: A nutty and sweet dessert like pecan pie bars can provide a wonderful texture and flavor contrast, forming a delectable union of flavors that’s perfect for any gathering.
Glazed Donuts: Offering a range of flavors—vanilla, chocolate, or even matcha—glazed donuts can add variety to your dessert table while still harmonizing well with the Red Velvet Snowballs.

Red Velvet Snowballs: Flavorful Twists Await!

Want to make these delightful cookies even more uniquely yours? Here are some fun variations to inspire your creativity in the kitchen!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delightful cookies everyone can enjoy. The texture will still be soft and satisfying!
Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough. This added crunch will elevate the flavor and give each bite a delightful surprise.
Cocoa Boost: Swap regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of rolling in powdered sugar, top each cookie with a swirl of cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat reminiscent of a classic red velvet cake.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. These spices can create a delightful harmony with the sweetness of the cookies!
Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday version. The cool flavor perfectly complements the rich red velvet.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate on top for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal, creating a delightful contrast against the red!
Dried Fruits: Mix in some dried cranberries or cherries. They’ll add a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s rich texture.

Feel free to express your own culinary creativity with these variations! You might even find inspiration from delightful recipes like Red Velvet Strawberry or a festive treat from our Red White Blue series, making your baking experience even more delightful. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Red Velvet Snowballs are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. For optimal quality, roll the dough into balls before refrigerating; this helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together. When you’re ready to bake, just take the dough out of the fridge and place it on a baking sheet, allowing a few extra minutes for baking. With these make-ahead options, you’ll enjoy warm, soft cookies that are just as delightful as freshly made, all without the last-minute rush!

Storage Tips for Red Velvet Snowballs

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and delightful.

Fridge: If storing longer, keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies wrapped individually in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy the Red Velvet Snowballs warm, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through—perfectly soft and delicious!

Expert Tips for Red Velvet Snowballs

Mix Wisely: Avoid overmixing the dough to ensure your Red Velvet Snowballs remain soft and chewy. A gentle hand goes a long way!
Perfect Timing: Keep a close eye on baking time; cookies will firm up while cooling. Aim for a slight firmness when pulling them out!
Warm Sugar Coating: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This not only helps the sugar stick but enhances the delightful snowy look!
Storage Solutions: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, preserving their freshness and softness.
Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to personalize! Add chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist that complements the Red Velvet Snowballs beautifully.

Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Red Velvet Snowballs?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, ensure your butter is softened at room temperature, which typically takes about 30 minutes after removing it from the fridge. Fresh large eggs should be used—check for a clean, uncracked shell. As for the red food coloring, opt for a high-quality product that doesn’t have an expiration date approaching to ensure the colors are vibrant.

What is the best way to store Red Velvet Snowballs?
To keep your Red Velvet Snowballs fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before indulging for the best soft texture!

Can I freeze Red Velvet Snowballs, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Red Velvet Snowballs, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up—so soft and delicious!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find your cookies spreading too much, it might be due to your butter being too soft or not enough flour in the dough. To troubleshoot, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking; this allows the cookies to hold their shape better. Ensure you measure your flour accurately—too little can lead to spreading. Use a kitchen scale for precision if you have one!

Are there any dietary considerations for Red Velvet Snowballs?
Very! For a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil. You can also replace the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for a vegan alternative. Always check the labels of your ingredients for allergens, especially the powdered sugar, as it may contain cornstarch sourced from corn.