If you love a festive treat that combines classic flavors with a delightful twist, these Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Surprise Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite baked goodies. Imagine soft, chewy red velvet cookies hiding a luscious white chocolate center, all wrapped in a snowy coat of shredded coconut for that perfect winter vibe. Whether you’re baking for holiday celebrations, gifting to friends, or simply craving a cozy snack, this recipe delivers an irresistible blend of flavor, texture, and color that’s sure to warm any heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward nailing this recipe. Each component plays a key role in achieving the soft texture, vibrant red color, and that decadent white chocolate surprise that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base of the cookie dough for a tender crumb.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds depth to the red velvet flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Ensures a slight rise for a soft but firm cookie.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies just right.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant undertone.
- 1 tbsp red food coloring gel or liquid: Brings the signature red velvet hue to life.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Introduces a slight tang and makes cookies tender.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (for filling): The luscious surprise that melts inside each cookie.
- Sugar syrup or water (for coating): Helps the shredded coconut stick perfectly.
- ½ cup shredded coconut (for coating): Gives a wintry, snowball effect and subtle texture contrast.
How to Make Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Surprise Recipe
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 flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This dry mix will be the foundation of your cookie’s flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential because it creates air pockets that help your cookies rise and develop a perfect tenderness.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Red Coloring
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until everything is combined evenly. You’ll see that gorgeous red hue coming to life, making these cookies not just tasty but visually stunning as well.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gently fold the dry flour mix into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is combined for the softest cookies possible.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up so rolling out into balls is easier and the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 6: Form Balls and Add the White Chocolate Surprise
Take about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place 2 to 3 white chocolate chips in the center. Carefully seal the dough around the chips, then roll your creation into a smooth ball. This hidden treasure will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still soft to the touch. This timing is key for that ideal chewy texture with a gooey white chocolate core.
Step 8: Brush with Syrup and Roll in Coconut
While the cookies are still warm, gently brush each one with sugar syrup or water to help the shredded coconut stick. Roll the cookies in the coconut until fully coated. Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes before indulging.
How to Serve Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Surprise Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top, or dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar to enhance that snowy effect. Adding a few edible glitter flakes can transform them into sparkling holiday treats!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. The warm drinks complement the sweet richness and the slight tang of the red velvet, making every bite a cozy experience perfect for chilly days.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting. You can also create a dessert platter by alternating these red velvet snowballs with peppermint bark or gingerbread for a colorful holiday assortment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Surprise Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their softness and prevents the coconut coating from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve, and they’ll taste just as fresh!
Reheating
Reheat leftover cookies in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to warm the white chocolate filling and bring back that soft texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the coconut coating from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use white baking chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes! White baking chocolate works well and will give you the same creamy surprise inside the cookies. Just chop it into small pieces and use the same amount.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute?
An easy substitute is to mix 1/4 cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, then use it as buttermilk. It provides the same tang and tenderness.
How do I prevent the red coloring from staining my hands?
Using gel food coloring is less messy than liquid, but wearing disposable gloves while mixing will keep your hands clean and prevent staining.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
With a few swaps, yes. Use a vegan butter substitute, a flaxseed or chia egg in place of the egg, vegan white chocolate chips, and plant-based milk turned into ‘buttermilk’ with lemon juice.
Is it okay to skip the coconut coating?
While the coconut adds that classic snowball look and a lovely texture, the cookies taste wonderful without it. You could try rolling them in powdered sugar instead for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
These Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Surprise Recipe are a magical way to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. The combination of the vibrant red dough, melty white chocolate center, and the snowy coconut finish creates an irresistible treat that always brings smiles. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and share a little extra warmth and happiness with everyone you love!
Print
Red Velvet Snowball Cookies with White Chocolate Surprise Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy Red Velvet Snowball Cookies filled with a white chocolate surprise center and rolled in shredded coconut for a festive, wintry touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights by the fire, these easy-to-make cookies combine classic red velvet flavors with a delightful white chocolate filling and a sweet coconut coating.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Filling
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Coating
- Sugar syrup or water (for coating)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring gel or liquid until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to shape the cookies.
- Form Cookies with Filling: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take 1 tablespoon of chilled dough and roll into a ball. Press your thumb into the center and place 2–3 white chocolate chips inside. Seal the dough around the filling and roll it again into a smooth ball.
- Bake: Place the filled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are set but still soft in the center.
- Coat with Coconut: Immediately after baking, brush each warm cookie lightly with sugar syrup or water, then roll them in shredded coconut to coat evenly.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without altering the dough texture.
- Make sure to seal the white chocolate chips well inside the dough to prevent leakage during baking.
- Chilling the dough is essential to keep the cookies soft and to hold the shape while baking.
- Sugar syrup can be made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, lightly heated; it helps the shredded coconut stick better than plain water.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

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