Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
A festive twist on the classic snowball cookie, these red velvet snowball cookies feature a rich cocoa-flavored dough, a tangy cream cheese center, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifting, or winter baking days.
Equipment
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls (small, medium, large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red food gel coloring
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans optional
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- ½ cup powdered sugar or white coconut for dusting after baking
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and red food gel, mixing until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. Fold in chopped pecans if using.
- Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a small ball of chilled cream cheese filling in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling and shape into a ball.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes until the tops look dry and slightly firm. Let cool completely.
- Roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar until well coated. Dust again before serving for a snowball look.
Notes
Nutritional Information (per cookie – estimated):
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
