Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party
Embrace the magic and joy of the season with Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party, a dessert that combines classic flavors, captivating appearance, and irresistible texture.
Red velvet, with its rich cocoa undertones and velvety smooth crumb, is a true holiday favorite that dates back to the Victorian era, though its popularity soared in the mid-20th century across the United States.
Its signature ruby hue and slight tang from buttermilk have made it a staple at festive gatherings and celebrations.
In this recipe, we elevate the classic cake into bite-sized snowballs—moist, melt-in-your-mouth morsels rolled in a snowy coconut finish, perfect for sharing with loved ones and adding a vibrant touch to your dessert table.
These playful treats are also ideal for making ahead, easy enough for novice bakers, and sure to be a showstopper at any holiday event. If you’re searching for an original idea to delight your family and friends, Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party are it.
These impressive confections bring together flavor, nostalgia, and contemporary flair. For more insight into the history of red velvet, check out this feature from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-untold-history-of-red-velvet-cake-56390463/
Ingredients for Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, finely chopped (plus extra for coating)
- Optional: festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions for Making Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and beat just until incorporated.
- Mix in the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Blend until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- While cakes are cooling, prepare the filling: beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Once cakes are cool, crumble them into a large bowl. Add the cream cheese filling and mix with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a clean baking sheet.
- Roll each ball in the finely chopped coconut (and sprinkles, if using) to coat. For a snowy effect, roll in extra coconut.
- Transfer the Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each Red Velvet Snowball for Your Christmas Desserts Party is a delectable treat, and like most festive desserts, should be enjoyed in moderation.
A single snowball (estimating the recipe makes about 24) has approximately 110-130 calories, with 6 grams of fat, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein.
The dessert provides a delicate balance of fats from the cream cheese and butter, and quick-releasing carbohydrates to give you an energy boost during festive gatherings. With a small amount of cocoa, red food coloring, and shredded coconut, these snowballs offer flavors that are both unique and nostalgic.
For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to substitute lower-fat cream cheese or opt for a sugar alternative. Shredded coconut provides some dietary fiber and beneficial fats, which support healthy digestion and give these snacks a modest nutritional boost.
For full nutritional breakdowns of ingredients like coconut, visit resources such as the USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/. Remember, festive desserts are meant to be savored as part of a balanced celebration.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party
Pairing Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party with a complementary beverage can enhance the experience. A classic choice is a glass of cold milk, which balances the sweetness and richness of the snowballs.
If you prefer something more festive, serve with a warming mug of chai tea or hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. For adults, a glass of ruby port or sweet sherry adds an elegant touch.
Sparkling wine or a fruity Moscato d’Asti works beautifully for those who enjoy light, bubbly drinks with dessert. To keep in line with Christmas spirit, consider a peppermint mocha or eggnog cocktail for a truly decadent treat.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To make the perfect Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party, start by sifting your flour and cocoa for an ultra-smooth batter. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper color and a more pronounced chocolate note.
Chilling the formed cake balls before rolling them in coconut helps them firm up and maintain a round, uniform appearance. When working with red food coloring, gel-based products offer the brightest color with less risk of staining your hands and mixing equipment.
To avoid sticky hands when shaping the snowballs, lightly grease your palms with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. Personalize your snowballs by adding mini chocolate chips or swapping the coconut for finely chopped nuts or festive holiday sprinkles.
For a gluten-free twist, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour. These snowballs also freeze exceptionally well—store them in single layers in airtight containers for up to one month, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for your Christmas party.
For more creative holiday baking ideas, check out King Arthur Baking: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/collections/christmas-recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party are designed to delight and impress at holiday gatherings. Present these confections on a large platter lined with festive parchment paper, or in mini cupcake liners for a dainty and polished look.
For larger parties, arrange the snowballs in concentric circles or a snowflake pattern, garnishing with additional coconut flakes for a frosty effect. These treats are best served chilled, as the cool temperature enhances the creamy interior and helps the coconut adhere beautifully.
Offer alongside a selection of other miniature desserts, such as truffles or cookies, to create an inviting dessert buffet. For an interactive twist, set up a Red Velvet Snowball decorating station, allowing guests to roll their own balls in various coatings such as colored sugar, chopped nuts, or edible glitter.
This not only pleases the palate but also brings friends and family together in a joyful, collaborative activity. Don’t forget to keep a few snowballs aside for Santa—these treats are sure to become a Christmas tradition.
Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party Health Benefits
Although Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party are an indulgence, they do offer a few mild health benefits. Shredded coconut provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and supporting gut health. Coconut also contains medium-chain triglycerides, a beneficial type of fat that may support energy levels.
Using buttermilk in the batter imparts a slight tang while supplying small amounts of calcium and protein. If you opt for reduced-fat cream cheese, you can enjoy the same delicious creaminess with lower saturated fat.
For guests watching their sugar intake, consider substituting the granulated and powdered sugars with a suitable alternative like Stevia or erythritol. Moderation is key when enjoying these festive treats, as they are best consumed as part of a balanced diet.
The focus is on sharing joy and flavor with loved ones while savoring the spirit of the season.
FAQs About Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party
Can I make Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party in advance?
Yes, these snowballs can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for longer storage. Simply thaw in the fridge and roll in fresh coconut before serving, if desired.
What type of red food coloring works best for this recipe?
Gel-based red food coloring provides the most vibrant color with less liquid, preventing the batter from getting overly thin. Liquid colors also work but may be less intense.
Can I substitute the shredded coconut for something else?
Absolutely! Consider using powdered sugar, finely chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles as alternative coatings for your Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party.
Are these snowballs suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, you can make gluten-free Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party.
How do I store leftover Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze in single layers for up to a month to maintain freshness.
Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party capture the essence of holiday baking—a blend of beloved flavors, stunning presentation, and the warmth of sharing something special. Whether enjoyed as part of a festive dessert spread or packaged up as homemade gifts, these magical morsels promise to enchant both young and old. The combination of velvet-soft cake, creamy filling, and a snowy coconut coat makes these snowballs a go-to recipe for bringing smiles and festive cheer. So, gather your loved ones, put on your favorite holiday music, and start baking a batch of Red Velvet Snowballs for Your Christmas Desserts Party this season. They are sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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3In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, buttermilk, and red food coloring until combined.
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4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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5In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten in your hand, add 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese mixture in the center, and roll into a ball sealing the filling inside.
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6Roll each ball in shredded coconut and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until set. Cool before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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