When it comes to festive baking, there are few treats that can match the joy and excitement of holiday-themed cookies.

Among the favorites that are sure to capture attention during the holiday season, Red Velvet Snowball Cookies stand out for their delightful blend of rich flavor and festive color. These cookies are a twist on the traditional snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, but with a vibrant red velvet touch.

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, then these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies are the perfect choice. They’re soft, buttery, and coated with powdered sugar, offering a delightful sweetness with every bite.

They bring a splash of red and white to your holiday cookie trays, making them a perfect gift or party treat. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or simply as a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Why You Will Love These Red Velvet Snowball Cookies?

Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore these cookies:

Perfectly Festive: The bright red hue gives these cookies a festive, holiday vibe, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas or Valentine’s Day baking.

Buttery and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Like traditional snowball cookies, these have a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is perfect for those who prefer soft and buttery treats.

Easy to Make: These cookies come together in no time and require only a few ingredients, making them perfect for beginner bakers or those pressed for time.

Fun for All Ages: Kids will enjoy helping to roll the dough into balls and coat them with powdered sugar, making them a fun family activity.

The Ultimate Comfort Treat: The smooth, delicate flavor of red velvet paired with the powdered sugar coating makes these cookies an indulgent treat for any time of year.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

To make these irresistible Red Velvet Snowball Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Beat them on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar, add the egg, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. Then, add the red food coloring and mix until the dough turns a vibrant red. Don’t worry if the dough appears a little thick—that’s completely normal.
Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully combined. You should end up with a thick, but manageable dough.
Roll the Cookie Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour to help with the rolling process. Place the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the cookies appear slightly cracked on top. They should look soft but not underdone.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, place a generous amount of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each cooled cookie in the powdered sugar, coating them generously to achieve the “snowball” effect.
Let the Cookies Set: After coating them in powdered sugar, let the cookies rest for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to set. The end result will be beautiful, snowball-shaped cookies with a delicate coating of sugar.

Variations for Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

While the classic version of these cookies is already incredible, you can add a few variations to personalize them:

Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, mix finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds into the dough.
Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey twist.

Cream Cheese: Since red velvet is often paired with cream cheese, try mixing a little bit of cream cheese into the dough for a creamy, tangy flavor.
Use a Cookie Press: If you have a cookie press, you can use it to make these cookies in fun shapes, especially around the holidays!

FAQs About Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake the cookies when you’re ready.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring? Yes! Gel food coloring works just as well, and it gives a vibrant red hue without watering down the dough.
How can I make these cookies less sweet? You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar used in the cookie dough or skip the rolling step in powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet version.

How to Serve Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies make the perfect treat for holiday cookie trays, family gatherings, or as a gift for friends and loved ones. Their bright red color makes them especially great for Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a comforting treat that everyone will love.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies are an easy-to-make, festive treat that will impress your friends and family. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the sweet powdery finish makes them an irresistible holiday indulgence.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a fun treat to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!