Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Snowballs are delightful little treats that bring a touch of whimsy and sweetness to any gathering. With their rich color and soft texture, these cookies are perfect for sharing at family parties or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

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 together until the mixture is 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 into a smooth dough.
6. Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and carefully roll them into balls.
7. Step 7: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to create the signature snowball look.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the butter is properly softened for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• You can swap red food coloring with natural alternatives like beet juice for a healthier twist.
• For extra richness, consider adding 1/4 cup cream cheese to the wet ingredients.
• Roll the cookies a second time in powdered sugar after they cool for an extra snowy appearance.

Storage

Store the Red Velvet Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave to soften the cookies again, if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring works well and provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. Use about half the amount compared to liquid food coloring.

How do I prevent the cocoa from making the cookies bitter?

Using a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and balancing the recipe with enough sugar and vanilla helps keep the flavor rich but not bitter.

Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Red Velvet Snowballs are charming, soft cookies with a rich red hue and a subtle hint of cocoa, coated in a sweet layer of powdered sugar. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy afternoons, these treats combine classic red velvet flavors with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that delights every bite.

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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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure uniform distribution of the leavening and cocoa.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer or by hand until the mixture is creamy and light in texture, which helps create tender cookies.
4. Add Wet Flavorings: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully blended and the dough has a vibrant red color.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can toughen the cookies.
6. Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth balls. This helps the cookies bake evenly and develop their signature shape.
7. Bake: Arrange the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft to the touch.
8. Coat Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and while they are still warm, gently roll each one in the powdered sugar until completely coated, giving them a snowy appearance.
9. Cool: Place the coated cookies on a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing, which allows the coating to set and the flavors to meld.

Notes

• Ensure butter is properly softened for better mixing and texture.
• Red food coloring intensity can be adjusted to achieve the desired color vibrancy.
• Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the coating adhere better.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet cookies, red velvet snowballs, holiday cookies, powdered sugar cookies, soft cocoa cookies, festive treats