There is something utterly delightful about the ease and flavor of the No Bake – Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs Recipe. These little bite-sized treats combine the creamy tang of cream cheese with the sweet, tropical crunch of shredded coconut, all rolled into perfect snowy orbs. They are a show-stopping dessert that requires no oven time, just a bit of mixing and chilling, making them ideal for busy days or last-minute guests. If you love simple, luscious sweets that taste like a little snowy holiday in your mouth, these snowballs are about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and textured flavor in these snowballs. From the richness of cream cheese to the tropical essence of coconut, each component is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in the final treat.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides the smooth, tangy base that makes the snowballs rich and creamy.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon, softened): Adds extra richness and helps the mixture set beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, fragrant sweetness that enhances the flavor.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the dough without graininess, ensuring a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (2 cups plus more for rolling): Gives the snowballs their signature snowy appearance and tropical crunch.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds a delightful nutty texture and depth of flavor, or omit for a nut-free treat.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make No Bake – Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Cream Together the Base Ingredients
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step is important as it ensures your snowballs will have that luscious, silky texture you’re craving.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sugar
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mixing slowly allows the sugar to blend evenly, giving you that thick, dough-like consistency essential for forming snowballs.
Step 3: Fold in Coconut and Nuts
Once your base is perfect, gently fold in the shredded coconut and the chopped nuts if you’re using them. This mixture will be sticky but manageable, laden with the flavors and textures that make these snowballs so irresistible.
Step 4: Form the Snowballs
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in extra shredded coconut to coat fully—this gives the snowballs their beautiful, snowy look and adds extra texture.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and refrigerate them for at least one hour. The chilling firms them up perfectly, making them easy to handle and ensuring that every bite is satisfying and cool.
How to Serve No Bake – Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. You could also drizzle a bit of melted white or dark chocolate over the snowballs for a sophisticated twist that pairs beautifully with the coconut’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
These coconut snowballs shine best as a standalone sweet bite but pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a lightly sweetened fruit compote. For parties, serve alongside other no-bake treats to wow your guests with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your snowballs in little cupcake liners or serving them on an elegant platter garnished with fresh mint leaves. You can also stack them into a pyramid shape for a striking centerpiece that immediately grabs attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover snowballs in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for your busy schedule.
Freezing
If you want to keep these snowballs longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
Because these are no bake and best served chilled, simply thaw frozen snowballs in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying. There’s no need to reheat, as they’re meant to be enjoyed cool and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make these snowballs nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the nuts from the recipe, and you’ll still get that wonderful coconut and cream cheese flavor with a smooth texture perfect for all palates.
Is it necessary to chill the snowballs before serving?
Yes, chilling helps the snowballs firm up so they hold their shape and develop that satisfyingly creamy bite. At least an hour in the fridge is ideal.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
You can, but the texture and richness might be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and creaminess for these snowballs.
How long do these snowballs last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh and tasty for about one week.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with zest from lime or lemon, mini chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon for a custom twist on the classic No Bake – Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, the No Bake – Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs Recipe is your golden ticket. They’re creamy, sweet, and perfectly coconutty, capturing a little bit of magic in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try these and share them with your loved ones—they truly are little snowy gems that brighten any day!
Print
No Bake – Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 snowballs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These NO BAKE Cream-Cheese Coconut Snowballs are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven, these bite-sized snowballs are rolled in extra coconut for a snowy finish and chilled to set. With optional nuts for added crunch and versatility to omit them for a nut-free version, they offer a creamy, coconutty flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (plus more for rolling)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. This creates the rich base that holds the snowballs together.
- Add Flavor and Sweetness: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and a thick dough forms, ensuring the mixture is sweet and thick enough to hold shape.
- Incorporate Coconut and Nuts: Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough to add texture and extra coconut flavor.
- Form the Snowballs: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball in additional shredded coconut to coat completely, giving the treats their signature snowy appearance.
- Chill and Firm Up: Place the coconut-coated snowballs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to allow the snowballs to firm up, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- Store these coconut snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts from the recipe.
- For an indulgent twist, dip the snowballs in melted white chocolate before rolling them in shredded coconut.
