Velvet Snowball Treats

Featured in Sweet Treats You'll Actually Make Twice.

Rethink snowball treats with velvet cookies, hiding a gooey chocolate center and dressed in coconut for a snowy vibe.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:58:35 GMT
Close look at velvet cookie balls with white coconut coating, showing creamy chocolate filling. Pin it
Close look at velvet cookie balls with white coconut coating, showing creamy chocolate filling. | cookbybook.com

Taking one bite of these Crimson Snowball Cookies brings me straight back to those frosty winter afternoons spent in my grandma's warm kitchen. These deep ruby treats covered in a fine dusting of powdered sugar look exactly like miniature snowballs, and when you chomp down, that smooth white chocolate middle just melts away in your mouth. It's winter wonderland magic transformed into a sweet treat.

Delightful Winter Memories With Each Nibble

I whipped these cookies up during a snowy day while watching my children frolic outside. Something about their pink, cold-kissed faces coming back indoors got me thinking about mixing traditional snowball cookies with decadent red velvet and a hidden white chocolate surprise. They now ask for these treats whenever the first flakes start drifting down.

What Makes These Cookies Stand Out

  • Stunning Appearance: The beautiful ruby color showing through that snowy powdered sugar coating makes everyone grin when they first see them.
  • Hidden Treasure: That white chocolate middle transforms into a creamy delight with every warm mouthful.
  • Simple Process: They're so straightforward that my high schooler now bakes them without any help.
  • Great For Giving: You'll see smiles bloom when you bring these to cookie exchanges or wrap them up as presents.

My Top Baking Tips

  • Cool The Mixture: Stick it in your fridge for smoother shaping—you'll be glad you did.
  • Use Gel Coloring: This gives that amazing ruby shade without messing up your dough consistency.
  • Go For Good Chocolate: Spend a bit more on fancy white chocolate chips—you won't regret it.
  • Frosty Covering: Don't skimp when rolling cookies in sugar and coconut until they look like perfect snowballs.
A platter of red velvet cake balls dusted with powdered sugar, some of which are cut open to reveal a creamy filling. Pin it
A platter of red velvet cake balls dusted with powdered sugar, some of which are cut open to reveal a creamy filling. | cookbybook.com

Ways to Savor

Get yourself a steaming cup of hot chocolate and snuggle up with these treats when it's chilly outside. I enjoy putting them in cute boxes tied with ribbons for gifts to teachers. They also always grab all the attention on my holiday cookie trays.

Making Memorable Moments

I treasure the times spent making these cookies with my kids. The way they light up when they find that gooey center always makes me smile. Cooking together turns regular afternoons into special memories we'll keep forever.

Your Shopping List

  • All-Purpose Flour: Go with new flour—it really changes how your cookies feel and taste.
  • Cocoa Powder: Rich cocoa creates that can't-resist red velvet taste.
  • Gel Food Coloring: My trick for getting that perfect holiday red without ruining your dough texture.
  • Butter: Make sure it's sitting out awhile for the softest cookie feel.
  • Sugar: Plain white granulated does the job just right.
  • Buttermilk: This adds that zingy flavor that makes red velvet so good.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Buy the nice ones—they're what makes these cookies amazing.
  • Powdered Sugar and Coconut: For that snow-like outer layer that brings joy to everyone.

Step By Step Guide

Prepare Your Mixture
Beat your butter and sugar till light and fluffy, drop in your coloring, then add your dry stuff and buttermilk. Let the dough take a quick rest in the fridge.
Form Your Treats
Shape small balls from your dough, push a white chocolate chip inside, and roll again till smooth.
Into The Oven
Cover them well with powdered sugar and coconut before they go into a 350°F oven for roughly 10 minutes.
Nearly Done
Let them cool just enough so that melty center won't burn your mouth.

Keeping Your Treats Tasty

Keep your cookies in a box with a snug lid and they'll stay yummy for 5 days on your kitchen counter. Want to make them early? Toss them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just warm them to room temperature before you serve them.

Fun Twists To Try

  • Change The Middle: I sometimes put cream cheese filling inside when I want something with more tang.
  • Leave Out Coconut: Some folks don't care for coconut—just use extra powdered sugar coating instead.
  • Make Them Small: Try mini versions for parties—they'll vanish even quicker.

Sharing Cookie Happiness

I really love giving these cookies away. Box them up for teachers, folks next door, or friends. Whenever someone takes their first bite and spots that surprise inside, their face just lights up. That's what makes holiday baking so worthwhile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should the dough rest?
Letting it chill keeps it less sticky and stops the baking cookies from spreading all over.
→ Can I switch the filling?
Of course! Dark chocolate chunks or candy melts work. Just cover the filling fully with dough.
→ Why add water or syrup?
It makes the coconut stick better and keeps it looking fresh and white.
→ Can these be prepped early?
Yep! Keep them sealed in a container for up to 5 days. The center will stay soft without melting.
→ What coconut type is best?
Shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened, works perfectly—but skip flaked ones. Finer textures stick better!

Velvet Snowball Treats

Soft velvet cookies bursting with creamy white chocolate and dressed in snowy coconut flakes for a fun twist.

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

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F and lay some parchment onto the baking sheet.

Step 02

Stir together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.

Step 03

Whip the softened butter with sugar for 2-3 minutes till it’s light and fluffy.

Step 04

Stir in the egg, vanilla, and food dye until smooth.

Step 05

Alternate between adding the dry mix and buttermilk to the batter.

Step 06

Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 07

Shape the dough into balls, press in chocolate, seal it up, and roll smooth.

Step 08

Pop the cookies into the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes. Edges should look firm.

Step 09

While still warm, coat cookies in syrup and roll them in coconut.

Notes

  1. Enjoy them warm for gooey centers.
  2. These can be prepped in advance.
  3. Pick finely shredded coconut for best texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • A baking sheet.
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Has 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