Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Transform classic snowball cookies with red velvet flavor, hiding a white chocolate surprise inside and coating them in coconut for a snowy finish.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:27:21 GMT
A close-up image of red velvet cake balls coated in white sugar, revealing a creamy filling inside. Save it
A close-up image of red velvet cake balls coated in white sugar, revealing a creamy filling inside. | myhomemaderecipe.com

One bite of these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies takes me back to snowy winter days in my grandmother's kitchen. The deep red cookies dusted with powdered sugar look just like tiny snowballs and when you bite into one that creamy white chocolate center melts in your mouth. Pure winter magic in cookie form.

Sweet Winter Memories in Every Bite

I created these cookies one snowy afternoon while watching my kids play outside. Something about their rosy cheeks coming in from the cold inspired me to combine classic snowball cookies with rich red velvet and a surprise white chocolate center. Now they beg for these every time snowflakes start falling.

What Makes These Cookies Special

  • Festive Look: That gorgeous red color peeking through snowy powdered sugar makes everyone smile at first sight.
  • Surprise Filling: The white chocolate center melts into pure creamy bliss with each warm bite.
  • Easy to Make: My teenage daughter makes these by herself now—they're that simple.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Watch faces light up when you bring these to cookie swaps or package them as gifts.

My Best Baking Secrets

  • Chill That Dough: Pop it in the fridge for easier shaping—your hands will thank me later.
  • Gel Food Coloring: This gives you that stunning red color without making the dough weird.
  • Quality White Chocolate: Splurge on good white chocolate chips—trust me on this one.
  • Snow Bunny Coating: Really roll those cookies in powdered sugar and coconut until they look like perfect little snowballs.
A platter of red velvet cake balls dusted with powdered sugar, some of which are cut open to reveal a creamy filling. Save it
A platter of red velvet cake balls dusted with powdered sugar, some of which are cut open to reveal a creamy filling. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Ways to Enjoy

Pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa and curl up with these cookies on a cold day. I love tucking them into pretty boxes with ribbon for teacher gifts. They always steal the show on my holiday cookie platters too.

Creating Kitchen Magic

Some of my favorite memories are making these cookies with my kids. The way their eyes light up when they discover that melty center never gets old. Baking together turns ordinary afternoons into treasured moments.

Everything You Need

  • All-Purpose Flour: Start with fresh flour—it makes such a difference in texture and taste.
  • Cocoa Powder: Dark cocoa gives these that irresistible red velvet flavor.
  • Gel Food Coloring: My secret for that perfect holiday red without messing up the dough.
  • Butter: Always use room temperature butter for the dreamiest cookie texture.
  • Sugar: Regular granulated works perfectly here.
  • Buttermilk: This gives that classic red velvet tang I crave.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Get good quality ones—they're the star of the show.
  • Powdered Sugar and Coconut: For that snowy coating that makes everyone smile.

Putting It All Together

Mix Your Dough
Cream that butter and sugar until fluffy, add your color, then mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk. The dough needs a quick nap in the fridge.
Create Your Snowballs
Roll small dough balls, push in a white chocolate chip, and roll again until smooth.
Time to Bake
Give them a good coating of powdered sugar and coconut before popping in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
Almost Ready
Let them cool just enough so you don't burn your tongue on that melty center.

Keeping These Little Treasures Fresh

Store your cookies in a container with a tight lid and they'll stay perfect for 5 days right on your counter. Want to make them ahead? Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them come to room temp before serving.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

  • Switch the Center: Sometimes I use cream cheese filling when I want something tangy.
  • Skip the Coconut: Not everyone loves coconut—just double up on that powdered sugar coating.
  • Tiny Treats: Make them bite-sized for parties—they disappear even faster.

Spreading Cookie Joy

Nothing makes me happier than sharing these cookies. Pack them up for teachers, neighbors, or friends. Every time someone takes that first bite and finds the surprise center, their whole face lights up. That's what holiday baking is all about.

A close-up of a red velvet dessert ball coated with white crumbs, partially cut open to reveal creamy filling inside. Save it
A close-up of a red velvet dessert ball coated with white crumbs, partially cut open to reveal creamy filling inside. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill the dough?
Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
→ Can I use different filling?
Yes, try dark chocolate chips or even candy melts. Just ensure the filling is completely enclosed in dough.
→ Why brush with water or syrup?
The moisture helps the coconut stick to the cookies while keeping the coating fresh and white looking.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, store in an airtight container up to 5 days. The center will remain soft but not melted.
→ What type of coconut works best?
Use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut, not flaked. Finely shredded coconut adheres better.

Red Velvet Snowball Cookies

Cocoa-rich red velvet cookies filled with white chocolate and rolled in coconut for a festive snowball effect.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
03 1 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
06 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
07 1 large egg.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 1 tablespoon red food coloring.
10 1/4 cup buttermilk.
11 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
12 1/2 cup shredded coconut.
13 Sugar syrup for coating.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 02

Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 03

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Mix in egg, vanilla, and food coloring.

Step 05

Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.

Step 06

Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.

Step 07

Make indent in dough balls, add chocolate, seal and roll.

Step 08

Bake 10-12 minutes until edges set.

Step 09

Brush warm cookies with syrup, roll in coconut.

Notes

  1. Serve warm for melted centers.
  2. Can be made ahead.
  3. Use fine shredded coconut.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g