Red Velvet Snowball Cookie: 7 Steps to Cookie Bliss

Name: Red Velvet Snowball Cookie: 7 Steps to Cookie Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup red food coloring; 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Posted on November 18, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies! They’re like little bites of holiday magic—soft, buttery, and coated in a dreamy layer of powdered sugar. The moment you take a bite, you get that rich cocoa flavor mixed with a hint of sweetness that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; the kids went absolutely wild for them! There’s something about the festive red color that makes them perfect for celebrations, and trust me, they always disappear faster than I can keep up. Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just because, these cookies are a delightful treat that brings everyone together. You’ve got to try them; I promise they’ll become a favorite in your home too!

Ingredients

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out that iconic flavor and texture!

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. This will give your cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
1 cup powdered sugar: This sweet dusting not only adds sweetness but also helps create that lovely soft texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted: Sifting the flour ensures there are no lumps and helps create a light, fluffy cookie.
1/4 cup cocoa powder: This adds a deep chocolatey richness, perfectly complementing the red velvet vibe.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance all those sweet flavors and enhance the cookie’s overall taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The magic ingredient that adds warmth and depth to your cookies.
1/4 cup red food coloring: This is what gives your cookies that stunning red hue! A little goes a long way, so don’t be shy.
1 cup chopped nuts (optional): If you love a bit of crunch, feel free to fold in some nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Just chop them up nicely!

How to Prepare Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly soft and chewy.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is super important because it creates the right texture for your cookies—think airy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Add Flavor and Color

Next, mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring. Make sure everything is well combined. The color should be vibrant, and the aroma from the vanilla will already have your kitchen smelling amazing!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps and everything is evenly distributed before adding them to your wet mixture.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. I like to do this in parts to make sure it all blends in nicely without overmixing. You want that dough to be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet!

Fold in Nuts

If you’re using nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, now’s the time to fold them in gently. Just use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix them in without crushing the nuts. This step is totally optional, but oh boy, it adds a delightful crunch!

Shape the Cookies

Now, it’s time to roll the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter works perfectly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between because they’ll spread a little as they bake.

Baking Time

Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be set but still soft in the center. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Rolling in Powdered Sugar

Finally, once your cookies are cool, it’s time for the fun part! Roll each cookie in powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. This gives them that signature snowball look and a sweet finish. Just be sure to let them sit for a minute after rolling before digging in—if you can resist!

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you achieve cookie greatness:

Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one, especially for the flour! Too much can lead to dry cookies.
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to roll, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and makes them easier to handle.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on those cookies! They might look a bit soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, and nobody wants that!
Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay deliciously soft that way! You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some chocolate chips to the dough for an extra twist. Just remember to adjust the dry ingredients slightly if you add more goodies.
Sharing is Caring: These cookies are a hit at gatherings and parties! Don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family—you’ll be the star baker of the day!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of Red Velvet Snowball Cookies that will impress everyone. Happy baking!

FAQs about Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Got questions about these delightful Red Velvet Snowball Cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! The chopped nuts are totally optional. If you prefer a nut-free version, just skip that step. They’ll still be deliciously soft and sweet!

How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay wonderfully soft and tasty! If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Can I use a different food coloring?
Of course! While I love the classic red, you can use any color food coloring you like. Just remember, the color will affect the overall look but not the taste!

What if I want to make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. I’ve had success with this, but make sure to choose a blend that has xanthan gum in it for the best texture!

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat. Just be mindful of the overall moisture in the dough; if you add a lot, you may need to slightly reduce the flour.

What’s the best way to roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
After the cookies have cooled for a bit, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar stick better and gives that beautiful snowball effect. Don’t forget to let them sit for a minute after rolling before serving!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling into balls to make it easier to handle.

Got more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! I love hearing from fellow bakers, and I’m here to help you make the best Red Velvet Snowball Cookies ever!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies, it’s always nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Keep in mind that these nutritional values are estimates based on the specific ingredients used, so they can vary a bit depending on what you have on hand. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delightful cookie:

Calories: 120
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g

These cookies are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your overall balanced diet. Happy indulging!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got a batch of those delightful Red Velvet Snowball Cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your cookie experience even more! These cookies are such a treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to a whole new level.

Holiday Beverages: Serve your cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a festive peppermint mocha. The rich flavors of the cocoa perfectly complement the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of cookies and milk! A tall glass of cold milk balances the sweetness and adds a creamy richness that everyone loves.
Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, try placing a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream right on top of a cookie. The warm cookie with cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven!
Fruit Compote: A dollop of berry or cherry compote can add a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cookies. It’s a fun twist that’s perfect for gatherings!
Coffee or Tea: Pairing your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea can create a cozy afternoon treat. The flavors of chai or cinnamon tea can enhance the festive vibe, too!
Cheese Plate: For a unique twist, consider adding a small cheese platter with creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone. The combination of sweet and savory is always a crowd-pleaser!

Whatever you choose to serve with your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies, just remember to enjoy every bite and share the love with those around you. Happy indulging!

Share Your Experience

I’d absolutely love to hear about your adventures in baking these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies! Did you try any fun variations or add your own twist? Maybe you went wild with the nuts or even mixed in some chocolate chips? Whatever your experience, please share it in the comments below! Your tips and stories might inspire fellow bakers to try something new.

And hey, if you’re feeling extra generous, snap a picture of your beautiful cookies and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your creations and join in on the cookie love. It’s always a joy to connect with fellow cookie enthusiasts and celebrate our baking successes together! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to read all about your delicious experiences!