Dessert

Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe

ByZoe Lane January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Introduction

Red Velvet Snowballs are soft, cake-like cookies with a rich cocoa flavor and a vibrant red color. Coated in powdered sugar, these treats are perfect for festive occasions or a cozy dessert any time of year.

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

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.
Step 3: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
For a more intense red color, add an extra teaspoon of red food coloring.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist.
Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Storage

Store the cooled Red Velvet Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in a microwave or allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

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 use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder. Just keep in mind that the flavor and acidity may be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious.

Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while warm?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar stick to the surface, creating the classic snowball effect and adding a sweet coating to each bite.