Indulge in the festive flavors of Red Velvet Snowball Cookies! These delightful treats are a seasonal favorite, combining the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Coated in powdered sugar, they resemble freshly fallen snow, making them perfect for your holiday dessert table or as a sweet gift.
For more cookie ideas, explore Caramel Apple Cookies, another seasonal delight that pairs beautifully with these snowballs.
What Are Red Velvet Snowball Cookies?
Red Velvet Snowball Cookies are a holiday twist on classic snowball cookies, featuring the subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet and a festive, powdered sugar coating. These bite-sized treats are as visually stunning as they are delicious, perfect for adding a pop of holiday cheer to your celebrations.
If you enjoy creative cookie recipes, try Pumpkin Bread Truffles for another unique take on classic treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: Their bright red hue and snowy coating make them a festive standout.
- Rich and Buttery: The classic red velvet flavor shines in every bite.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in holiday tins or boxes for a thoughtful gift.
If you love seasonal cookies, you’ll also enjoy Grandma’s Snickerdoodles, another timeless holiday favorite.
Why Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
These cookies combine festive flair with classic red velvet flavor, making them a standout addition to any holiday dessert spread. Whether you’re serving them at a party, including them in a cookie exchange, or enjoying them with family, they’re guaranteed to bring joy and sweetness to the season.
For more holiday inspiration, explore Perfect Apple Pie or Strawberry Meringue Roulade to round out your dessert table.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
For the Cookies
- Butter: Unsalted, softened for a tender, buttery base.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides the subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect crumbly texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: Gives the cookies their signature red hue.
The Coating
- Powdered Sugar: The snowy coating that makes these cookies so festive.
For additional tips on holiday baking, visit What Can I Decorate My Cookies With?.
How to Make Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing well.
- Gradually incorporate the flour until the dough comes together.
2. Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into small, walnut-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12–15 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
4. Coat in Powdered Sugar
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar for the first coating. Once fully cooled, roll them again to ensure a thick, snowy layer.
For more tips on cookie preparation, check out What Is the Best Way to Store Baked Cookies?.
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
- Use High-Quality Butter: Ensures the cookies have a rich, buttery flavor.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
- Double-Coat in Sugar: Roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy finish.
For more cookie-making insights, visit The 6 Types of Cookies: A Guide to Baking Perfection.
Serving Suggestions for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
Enhance the enjoyment of your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with these serving and presentation ideas:
- Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange these cookies alongside other festive treats like Caramel Apple Cookies or Pumpkin Bread Truffles.
- Hot Beverage Pairing: Serve with spiced chai, eggnog, or hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
- Gift Packaging: Pack them in decorative holiday tins with festive tissue paper for a thoughtful edible gift.
Variations of Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
Get creative with these variations to suit different preferences or dietary needs:
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a double-chocolate twist.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for everyone.
- Peppermint Flavor: Add a drop of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor.
For more unique cookie ideas, try Keto Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies for a low-carb option.
How to Store and Freeze Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
Storage Tips
- At Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: While not necessary, refrigeration can extend freshness to about 7 days.
Freezing Tips
- Unbaked Dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar before serving.
For more storage tips, check out How to Freeze and Store Cakes, which provides similar guidance for baked goods.
Creative Garnishing Ideas for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
Enhance your cookies with these festive garnishing tips:
- Edible Glitter: Dust with red or silver edible glitter for a sparkling, holiday-inspired finish.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or red and green sugar crystals for a playful look.
- Drizzle of White Chocolate: Lightly drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for a gourmet touch.
For more decorating ideas, visit What Can I Decorate My Cookies With?.
Pairing Ideas for Your Holiday Table
Serve your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies alongside other holiday treats to create a delightful dessert spread:
- Classic Pairings: Complement these cookies with a warm drink like Homemade Eggnog or spiced hot cider.
- Festive Cookie Exchange: Include them in a cookie platter with Grandma’s Snickerdoodles and Caramel Apple Cookies.
- Gifting Presentation: Place the cookies in a decorative holiday tin lined with festive parchment paper for a thoughtful, edible gift.
FAQs About Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
1. Can I Use Natural Food Coloring?
Yes, natural red food coloring made from beetroot or plant-based alternatives can work, though the hue may be less vibrant.
2. What’s the Best Way to Keep the Powdered Sugar Coating Intact?
Roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar—once while warm and again after cooling. This ensures a thick, even coating.
3. Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based powdered sugar.
4. How Do I Prevent the Cookies from Crumbling?
Ensure the dough is well-mixed and avoid over-baking. Chilling the dough before shaping also helps maintain structure.
For more tips on baking success, visit Common Baking Mistakes and How to Fix Them.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
These cookies are not only festive but also versatile, making them a go-to for any occasion. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your holiday repertoire:
- Beautiful Presentation: Their snowy appearance adds a touch of holiday magic to any table.
- Quick and Easy: The straightforward recipe ensures great results, even for novice bakers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The classic red velvet flavor paired with a soft, crumbly texture is universally loved.
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Snowball Cookies are the perfect blend of elegance and comfort, capturing the holiday spirit in every bite. Their rich, buttery flavor and striking appearance make them a must-bake for the festive season.
With easy-to-follow steps, customizable variations, and versatile serving ideas, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking. Pair them with a warm drink, share them with loved ones, and celebrate the season with sweetness.
Happy baking and enjoy your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies!