A Festive, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Christmas Cookie Everyone Loves

When the holidays arrive, there’s one thing every dessert table needs: cookies that look magical and taste unforgettable. Red Velvet Snowball Cookies are exactly that. They combine the classic tenderness of traditional snowball cookies with the subtle cocoa flavor and rich color of red velvet, all wrapped in a generous coating of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and delicate, with a texture that practically disappears as soon as you bite into them. They’re elegant enough for holiday parties, simple enough for beginner bakers, and perfect for cookie boxes, gift tins, and Christmas gatherings.

Unlike overly sweet cookies, red velvet snowball cookies strike the perfect balance — lightly chocolatey, gently sweet, and irresistibly festive. They also store well, freeze beautifully, and taste even better the next day, making them a holiday baking essential.

Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas cookie exchange, decorating a dessert table, or baking with family, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why Red Velvet Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Bake

Red velvet has long been associated with celebration and warmth. Pairing it with the classic snowball cookie creates something special:

Beautiful snow-dusted appearance
Festive red color hidden inside
Soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Perfect for gifting and make-ahead baking
Ideal for Christmas, winter parties, and cookie trays

These cookies look delicate and impressive, but they’re surprisingly easy to make — no chilling required and no complicated steps.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon red food coloring
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing until evenly combined and vibrantly colored.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
If using, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Scoop or roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned.
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating.

Texture, Flavor & Baking Tips

Texture: Soft and crumbly, not dry
Flavor: Mild cocoa with rich buttery notes
Color Tip: Use gel food coloring for deeper red without altering texture
Nut-Free Option: Simply skip the pecans — the cookies remain perfect
Extra Snowy Look: Roll twice in powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
Roll in powdered sugar again after thawing for a fresh look

These cookies are ideal for preparing ahead of busy holiday schedules.