Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe
Introduction
Red Velvet Snowballs are delightful little treats that bring a touch of whimsy and sweetness to any gathering. With their rich color and soft texture, these cookies are perfect for sharing at family parties or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. They’re easy to make and sure to impress.
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 (Ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (For vibrant color.)
- 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 together until creamy and smooth.
- Step 4: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to form a smooth dough.
- Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands.
- Step 7: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
- Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Step 10: While still warm, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated to create the signature snowball look.
- Step 11: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without altering the dough’s texture.
- If you prefer, swap half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a subtle molasses flavor.
- For an extra festive touch, add white chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Make sure the butter is fully softened but not melted to achieve the best cookie texture.
Storage
Store the cooled Red Velvet Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If desired, refresh by warming them gently in the oven for a few minutes to soften the coating and intensify the flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?
Yes, you can use natural cocoa powder, but it may affect the color and slightly alter the flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer, smoother taste and deeper color, which works best for this recipe.
What can I substitute for red food coloring?
You can try using natural alternatives like beet juice or powder to achieve a red hue, though the intensity may be milder. Keep in mind these natural options can slightly change the flavor and moisture of the dough.
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Red Velvet Snowballs Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Red Velvet Snowballs are delightful, soft cookies that combine the rich flavor of cocoa with classic red velvet hues. Coated in a sweet powdered sugar dusting while still warm, these treats offer a perfect balance of mild cocoa taste and sweetness, making them ideal for parties, tea time, or festive occasions.
Ingredients
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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and light in texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix thoroughly until the red color is evenly incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until all components are fully combined into a smooth cookie dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet with some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly but while still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar so they get coated with the sweet snowfall effect.
- Cool Completely: Allow the snowball cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before serving to ensure they set properly and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better cookie texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm helps the sugar stick better to the surface.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Red food coloring can be adjusted to achieve desired vibrancy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Cookies, Snowball Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Soft Cookies, Cocoa Cookies, Festive Treats
