Dessert

Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe

ByVictor Layne January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

Red Velvet Snowballs are soft, cocoa-spiced cookies with a vibrant red hue, coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. They offer a delightful combination of tender crumb and a sweet, festive finish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The image shows several round red truffles with a rough outer layer resembling crushed red crumbs. One truffle is cut in half, revealing a smooth, creamy white filling inside. The truffles are arranged closely together on a white marbled surface, with some red crumbs scattered around them. The colors stand out strongly, with the bright red outer coating contrasting with the soft white inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined into a smooth dough.
Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball.
Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool slightly, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm to create the signature snowball coating.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving to let the coating set.

Tips & Variations

Use gel-based red food coloring for a more vibrant color without thinning the dough.
For a hint of spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if it feels too soft or sticky.
Try coating the cookies in a mix of powdered sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store the cooled Red Velvet Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the powdered sugar coating fresh, layer the cookies with parchment paper. Reheat slightly in a microwave or enjoy at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows several round cake balls covered in bright red crumbs. Each cake ball has a smooth, creamy white filling inside, which looks soft and thick. One cake ball is cut in half and stacked on top of an uncut one, showing clearly the two layers: the outer crumb layer is rough and bright red, while the inside is smooth and white. The cake balls sit on a clean white marbled surface with a few red crumbs scattered around. The lighting highlights the texture and colors, making the red look rich and the cream filling look fresh and soft. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze Red Velvet Snowballs?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then roll them in powdered sugar again if needed.

Why are my cookies not bright red?

The color depends largely on the amount and type of red food coloring used. Gel-based food coloring often gives a more vivid red without affecting the dough’s texture. Adjust the quantity if you want a deeper color.