There’s nothing quite like the sight of bright red velvet snowball cookies, rolling out of the oven, dusted with powdered sugar like a fresh snowfall on a cozy winter morning. Their soft, tender texture and sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone feel like they’ve just stumbled upon a secret stash of holiday magic. Delightful Red Velvet Cookies You can already imagine sinking your teeth into one, the rich chocolate flavor mingling with a hint of vanilla and that delightful sweetness that makes every bite feel like a hug.
But it’s not just about the taste; these cookies have a backstory too! Picture this: it was a chilly December day when I whipped up my first batch of red velvet snowball cookies for a family gathering. As I presented these little gems, I realized I had unwittingly become the favorite relative. Festive Peppermint Cookies My cousin’s eyes lit up as he took a bite, declaring them “life-changing,” while my Aunt Carol attempted to discreetly swipe two more from the plate. Let’s just say these cookies turned an ordinary evening into an unforgettable cookie showdown!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These red velvet snowball cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort
- Their rich flavor profile combines chocolatey goodness with buttery softness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience
- The vibrant red color makes them visually stunning, perfect for festive occasions or simply to brighten any day
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round or dressed up for special events
When I first made these cookies, my friends went wild over them, asking for the recipe before they were even finished with their first cookie. Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-purpose flour: Use unbleached flour for better flavor and texture; it’s your cookie’s backbone.
- Cocoa powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds depth without unnecessary sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweeten those beauties up; it’s essential for achieving that perfect balance of flavors.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise control over saltiness; it gives the cookies their rich creaminess.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
- Red food coloring: The star of the show! Choose gel color for more vibrancy without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Powdered sugar: For that iconic snowy finish; it adds sweetness and looks oh-so-pretty on top.
- Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all flavors; make sure you use pure vanilla for the best results.
- Baking soda: This little guy helps your cookies rise perfectly without becoming cakey.
- Salt: A pinch boosts all flavors; don’t skip it even if you think you’re not a salt fan!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake those beauties.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy and creamy—about 3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well blended. This step brings richness that makes each bite heavenly.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients until combined—don’t overmix!
Add Food Coloring : Pour in red food coloring until your dough reaches that gorgeous crimson hue—this is where the magic happens! Mix gently until evenly colored.
Scoop and Shape Cookies : Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Roll each ball lightly between your palms for extra smoothness.
Bake Cookies : Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until slightly firm around the edges but still soft in the center—your kitchen will smell divine!
Cool and Dust : Allow cooling on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar—the final touch that transforms them into snowballs!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful red velvet snowball cookies! You might want to keep them hidden from family members who may try to sneak seconds… or thirds!
You Must Know
- The Red Velvet Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional snowball cookies
- Their vibrant red hue makes them festive, while the flavor is pure bliss
- Ensure you chill the dough properly for the best texture and flavor
Perfecting the Cooking Process
When making Red Velvet Snowball Cookies, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the dry ingredients and cocoa powder for a perfect blend. Fun Grinch Sugar Cookies This sequence ensures even incorporation, leading to delightful cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute nuts for chocolate chips or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These options can elevate your cookies and give them a unique flair that suits your taste buds perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this double chocolate cookies recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, making them soft again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your butter at room temperature for easier creaming; it will make mixing effortless
- Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cookies tender
- Chill the dough before baking for perfectly shaped cookies that won’t spread too much
Baking these cookies reminds me of my friend’s holiday party last year. Everyone raved about them, and I couldn’t help but feel like a cookie genius when they asked for the recipe!
FAQ
What makes Red Velvet Snowball Cookies different from other cookies?
These cookies have a unique red color and buttery texture with a hint of cocoa. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
Can I freeze Red Velvet Snowball Cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well; just ensure they are in an airtight container.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour for delicious results!
Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Red Velvet Snowball Cookies, where vibrant red meets a rich chocolate flavor. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are dusted with powdered sugar, resembling a fresh snowfall. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family moments, their enchanting taste will leave everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Mix in the red food coloring until dough is evenly colored.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks and dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Chill the dough for an hour before baking for perfectly shaped cookies that don’t spread too much. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
