Name: Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp red food coloring gel or liquid; ¼ cup buttermilk; ½ cup white chocolate chips (for filling); Sugar syrup or water (for coating); ½ cup shredded coconut (for coating)

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If you are dreaming of the perfect festive treat, look no further than these delightful Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays. Soft, chewy, and bursting with that iconic red velvet flavor, each bite holds a luscious surprise of white chocolate that melts in your mouth. Rolled in snowy shredded coconut, these cookies bring a magical winter vibe to your holiday gatherings, making them irresistible to serve and share with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays lies in their simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the rich cocoa powder enhancing the velvety flavor to the shredded coconut adding that signature snowy coating. These essentials work together to create the perfect balance of texture, color, and taste.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies their soft yet chewy structure.
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that deep red velvet chocolate undertone without overpowering sweetness.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender.
¼ tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to a delicate crumb.
1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds softness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
1 tbsp red food coloring gel or liquid: Creates the vibrant festive red hue essential for holiday flair.
¼ cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that complements the cocoa.
½ cup white chocolate chips (for filling): The sweet surprise that melts inside each cookie.
Sugar syrup or water (for coating): Ensures the coconut sticks perfectly to the cookie.
½ cup shredded coconut (for coating): Gives a snowy, wintry look and a lovely texture contrast.

How to Make Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution, which is crucial for that consistent red velvet flavor in every cookie.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender crumb, and the fluffiness will help the cookies bake evenly while contributing a pleasing texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Red Coloring

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure everything blends smoothly for that gorgeous, festive red color that makes these cookies a standout on any Christmas cookie tray.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients with Buttermilk

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, adding the buttermilk to keep the dough soft and moist. Be careful not to overmix here; just combine until you see no streaks of flour. This delicate balance ensures your cookies stay tender and chewy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This resting period is essential as it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies retain their shape during baking.

Step 6: Roll, Fill, and Seal the Cookies

Take small tablespoons of chilled dough and roll into balls. Gently press 2 to 3 white chocolate chips into the center of each ball, then carefully seal the dough around the filling and roll again so the white chocolate is completely enclosed. This step adds the surprise melty center that everyone will rave about.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the cookies to be set on the edges but still soft in the center, guaranteeing that pleasant chewy texture.

Step 8: Coat with Sugar Syrup and Coconut

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, brush them lightly with sugar syrup or water. Then, roll each cookie in the shredded coconut to coat them completely. Let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before transferring. This final touch creates the gorgeous snowy “snowball” effect that’s perfect for holiday displays.

How to Serve Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays

Garnishes

For an extra festive flair, consider dusting the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a few edible silver pearls here and there. These subtle touches enhance the snowy appearance and make your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays look even more irresistible at a glance.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a creamy peppermint mocha. Both drinks complement the rich chocolate and velvety textures in the cookies, making them a cozy companion for winter afternoons or holiday parties.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays on decorative holiday plates, or stack them in clear jars tied with a festive ribbon for gift-giving. You can also serve them nestled among pine branches and holly on a cookie tray for an eye-catching, natural holiday centerpiece that guests will admire before grabbing a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days. Keeping them away from heat and humidity is key to preserving that chewy texture and preventing the coconut from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls wrapped individually on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, fully baked cookies can be frozen in airtight containers with parchment layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To bring the freshness back to your stored cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This quick reheating refreshes their softness without drying them out, making every bite taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the white chocolate filling with something else?

Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate chips, cream cheese, or even a flavored jam as a surprise center. Just be sure the filling isn’t too liquidy to avoid leakage during baking.

Is it okay to use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, regular liquid food coloring works fine, but you might need a bit more to achieve the same vibrant red, which could slightly affect the dough’s moisture. Gel coloring is more concentrated and preferred for this reason.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With a few swaps like plant-based butter, a flax egg, and coconut or almond milk instead of buttermilk, you can certainly create a vegan version. However, white chocolate filling may need a vegan alternative or omit if desired.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling firms the dough so it’s easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also enhances the flavors as they meld together.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays stay fresh for about 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies for Christmas Cookie Trays. They bring such a joy to the holiday season through their striking color, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and snowy coconut coating. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting neighbors, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies promise to brighten your Christmas celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch them become a much-loved holiday tradition!