Red Velvet Snowballs: My Favorite Holiday Cookie

Name: Red Velvet Snowballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 tbsp red food coloring (optional)

Red Velvet Snowballs were the first cookie I tested for holiday baking this year, and I fell head over heels instantly. (1) I remember experimenting late one night, and since then I have been tweaking the texture and sweetness so you get the softest, melt-in-your-mouth cookie possible. (2) If you love cocoa, powdered sugar dusting, and a touch of festive red, then these are for you. (3)

What Is Red Velvet Snowballs?

Red Velvet Snowballs are tender, cocoa-kissed cookies rolled in powdered sugar so they look like tiny winter snow mounds. (4) They sit somewhere between a shortbread and a cake-like cookie, and yet they stay delightfully crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside. (5) Many people make them for holiday cookie exchanges, but honestly I bake them year-round because they make everyone smile. (6)

Ingredients Overview for Red Velvet Snowballs

All-purpose flour — provides structure; you can swap half for whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier note. (7)
Unsweetened cocoa powder — gives that subtle chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed works well, but natural cocoa is fine. (8)
Baking powder — light lift; if you only have baking soda reduce amount slightly and add a teaspoon of cream of tartar. (9)
Kosher salt — balances sweetness; table salt will work, just use a pinch less. (10)
Unsalted butter — for richness; you can use salted butter and omit added salt. (11)
Powdered sugar — part goes inside the dough, then again for rolling; confectioners sugar is perfect. (12)
Granulated sugar — adds structure and a slight crisp edge; coconut sugar is a swap but expect a deeper color. (13)
Vanilla extract — warms the flavor; you can use a little almond extract instead for a twist. (14)
Buttermilk — keeps cookies tender; if you do not have it, mix regular milk with a tablespoon vinegar and let sit for five minutes. (15)
Red food coloring — optional for classic color; you can use beet powder for a natural hue but expect less vibrancy. (16)

How To Make Red Velvet Snowballs

Step 1: Prep and chill
Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt into a bowl, and then set aside. While you’re doing that, chill the butter so it stays firm while creaming. (17)

Step 2: Cream butter and sugars
Beat butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, and next add some powdered sugar and vanilla. Make sure to scrape the bowl so everything mixes evenly. (18)

Step 3: Combine wet and dry
Add buttermilk and red coloring to the butter mixture, and then slowly add the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms, but do not overmix. (19)

Step 4: Shape the cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, then roll into balls. If the dough feels sticky, chill for ten minutes so the shapes hold. (20)

Step 5: Bake quickly
Place balls on a lined sheet, then bake at 350 F for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges set. They may look slightly underbaked; that is perfect. (21)

Step 6: Powder sugar finish
Let cookies cool for five minutes, and then roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar. For a heavier snow look, roll again once fully cooled. (22)

Serving Ideas for Red Velvet Snowballs

Serve these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, warm cocoa, or a glass of milk for dipping. They also make charming little dessert plates alongside mini cheesecakes because their red hue pops beautifully. For gift boxes, stack them with parchment between layers so they do not stick, and then tie with ribbon for a festive touch.

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Tips For The Perfect Red Velvet Snowballs

Chill the dough: chilling firms it up so your balls keep their shape and bake evenly.
Use fresh cocoa: it brightens the chocolate note; stale cocoa can make cookies flat.
Double roll in powdered sugar: for a true snowball effect roll once warm and once after cooling.
Size matters: keep scoops uniform so they bake at the same rate; a small cookie scoop helps.
Watch the bake time: remove when edges set but centers still look soft; they finish cooking off the tray.
Store properly: in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze for longer.

Q&A Section

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can mix the dough and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, and then shape and bake when you are ready. This actually improves flavor because it lets the ingredients meld. (24)

Q: Are these cookies cakey or crisp?
A: They are soft and slightly cakey inside, with a tender crumb, while the outer layer becomes lightly crisp. If you want crunch, bake a minute or two longer. (25)

Q: How can I make them without food coloring?
A: You can omit dyes and still have delicious cocoa-flavored snowballs; or use natural beet powder for color, but expect a muted shade. (26)

Q: Can I freeze baked cookies?
A: Absolutely, freeze cooled cookies in a single layer on a sheet, then transfer to a bag; re-roll lightly in powdered sugar after thawing if needed. (27)

Why You’ll Fall For These Cookies

You will love these because they are festive, fun to make, and crowd-pleasing. They pair well with many flavors, and you can dress them up for parties or keep them simple for cozy nights at home. I like that they look fancy but are actually easy; plus, friends always ask for the recipe when I bring a batch. (28)

Behind-the-Recipe: My Test Kitchen Story

When I first tried making these, my cookies spread too thin and looked more like pancakes, so I added a bit more flour and chilled the dough. That small change saved the texture, and later I learned that rolling twice in powdered sugar gives that classic snowy finish that everyone loves. I also once swapped butter for coconut oil and learned that the flavor changes significantly, so now I stick with butter for the best result. (29)

Conclusion

If you want variations and tested recipes for inspiration, check out this lovely Red Velvet Snowball Cookies guide from Cookies and Cups: Red Velvet Snowball Cookies | Holiday & Christmas Baking. For a video walk-through and step photos that are super helpful when you are shaping each cookie, try this detailed recipe: Snowball Cookies Red Velvet – (THE BEST) w/ Video. Finally, if you want another tried and true version that many bakers love, visit this classic take on the cookies: Red Velvet Snowball Cookies | The Kitchen is My Playground. (30)