Description
Delight in these Red Velvet Snowballs, soft and moist cocoa-infused cookies with a striking red hue, coated with a sweet powdered sugar layer creating a festive and delicious treat. Perfect for holiday celebrations or as a charming dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and cocoa.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns creamy and pale, creating a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the egg and evenly distribute the vibrant red color.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands, ensuring uniform size for even baking.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Remove the warm cookies from the oven and gently roll each one in powdered sugar while still warm, allowing a delicate sugary crust to form.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely to set their shape and texture before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and better dough consistency.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted based on desired color intensity.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and slightly chewy inside.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar adhere better, creating the signature ‘snowball’ appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet, Snowball Cookies, Cocoa Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Festive Dessert, Powdered Sugar Cookies
