Dreamy Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Recipe: Winter Magic

Chilly winter afternoons spark magic with these delightful red velvet snowball cookies that melt hearts instantly.

Sweet crumbles dance between cocoa and cream cheese nuances.

Powdered sugar coating creates a mesmerizing winter landscape on each perfectly round treat.

Delicate textures promise comfort in every single bite.

Subtle hints of vanilla complement the rich red hue beautifully.

Lightweight and irresistible, these cookies invite warm moments of pure indulgence.

You’ll want to savor each morsel and share the delectable joy with everyone around.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookie Ideas

• Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Red Velvet Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based food coloring for a dairy-free alternative.
• Nut-Free Holiday Cookies: Eliminate pecans or walnuts, and substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch and added texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and reduce powdered sugar coating for a diabetic-friendly treat.

FAQs

• What gives red velvet snowball cookies their distinctive color?

The red food coloring creates the vibrant red hue, transforming traditional snowball cookies into a festive red velvet version that’s perfect for Christmas.

• Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can easily skip them if you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free cookie. The recipe works perfectly without adding pecans or walnuts.

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

Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to develop and creates a better texture.

• How do I get the perfect powdered sugar coating?

Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm from the oven, and then roll them again once they’re completely cool. This double coating ensures a thick, snowy white layer that’s characteristic of snowball cookies.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Make Holiday Baking Extra Fun

• Speedy Holiday Delight: Whip up these red velvet snowball cookies in under an hour, perfect for last-minute cookie cravings.
• Festive Family Fun: Create memorable moments together by rolling cookies in powdered sugar, making baking a delightful family activity that kids will love.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Impress guests with a stunning dessert that combines the rich flavor of red velvet with the classic snowball cookie texture, guaranteed to be a holiday hit.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean even novice bakers can confidently create these beautiful, delectable treats without stress.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookie Ingredients

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Creamy foundation for rich, sweet cookie texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.

• Egg, Vanilla Extract, Red Food Coloring: Add moisture, depth of flavor, and signature red color. Pure vanilla extract provides best taste.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder, Salt: Create cookie structure and deep chocolate undertone. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for authentic flavor.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Add crunch and nutty dimension. Toast nuts lightly for enhanced flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides classic snowball cookie finish. Fresh, sifted powdered sugar gives smoothest coating.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Holiday Bake Steps

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and super fluffy.

Use an electric mixer to make this process quick and smooth.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the egg, vanilla extract, and vibrant red food coloring.

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients blend into a beautiful crimson-colored mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix the dough.

Step 4: Optional Nut Addition

If you love some crunch, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes them easier to handle.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small, round balls about one inch in diameter.

Place them on the prepared baking sheets, keeping some space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

The cookies should look set but not browned.

Step 9: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes.

While still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar.

Once completely cool, give them a second roll for an extra thick, snowy coating that looks like winter magic.

Holiday Baking Tips for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a more intense red hue without altering the cookie dough's consistency.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature and softened for smooth, crack-free cookie texture that holds its shape perfectly.
• Swap pecans or walnuts with white chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a classic snowball cookie experience.
• Refrigerate dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and create compact, well-formed cookies that maintain their round shape during baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and powdery soft.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Leftover Help

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, keeping them flat and separated, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating for extra sweetness.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious.

Christmas Sips for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

• Pair Holiday Warmth with Festive Beverages: Creamy hot cocoa complements the rich red velvet flavor, creating a cozy Christmas moment.
• Enhance Cookie Experience with Nutty Companions: Toasted almonds or candied pecans provide delightful texture contrast and amplify the cookie's subtle nuttiness.
• Elevate Dessert Presentation with Sparkling Drinks: Champagne or prosecco add elegant fizz that beautifully balances the cookie's sweet, velvety profile.
• Create Flavor Symphony with Spiced Teas: Cinnamon or chai tea offer warm, aromatic notes that harmonize perfectly with the red velvet's subtle chocolate undertones.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Red Velvet Snowball Cookies bring winter magic to classic holiday treats, melding rich cocoa and powdered sugar in one delightful bite. Crumbly, crimson-hued cookies roll in delicate white sugar will charm guests and spark sweet celebration memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Flavor and Color Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (12 g / 0.4 oz) cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Finishing:

• 1/2 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g / 6.3 oz) powdered sugar, for rolling
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes.
2. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, blending thoroughly until the ingredients form a uniform, vibrant mixture.
3. In a separate mixing vessel, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
4. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
5. If desired, delicately fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing the ingredients to meld and the dough to firm up for easier handling.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
8. Using clean hands, shape the chilled dough into uniform 1-inch spheres, placing them approximately 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they appear set but not darkened or overly browned.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
11. While still slightly warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar, creating an initial delicate coating.
12. Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them a second time in powdered sugar to achieve a thick, snow-like exterior.

Notes

• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a more compact, perfectly shaped cookie that holds its snowball form.
• Opt for gel food coloring for intense red color without thinning the dough, ensuring a vibrant festive appearance.
• Toasting nuts before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and provides a delightful crunch to the cookies.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 188
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 52mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg