No-Bake Coconut Snowball Treats for Your Holiday Gathering

There’s something so magical about a holiday dessert that looks beautiful but doesn’t require you to turn on the oven, don’t you think? Between wrapping gifts and decking the halls, our time is precious. That’s why I absolutely adore these No-Bake Coconut Snowball Treats. They’re the perfect little bites of sweet, chewy, coconutty joy that come together in minutes. Honestly, they’re one of my favorite simple Christmas desserts to make when I want that festive feeling without any of the fuss. So grab a mug of something warm, and let’s make some magic together.

Top Reasons To Make It

You’ll love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s a true no-bake situation, which is a lifesaver when your oven is already full of other holiday baking projects. Second, they are incredibly easy to make with the kids—my little ones love rolling the mixture into balls. Third, they look so elegant and wintry, like little snowballs dusted with fresh powder. They’re the perfect last-minute Christmas treat that everyone will assume you worked on all day. And the best part? Just a few simple ingredients and you’re done.

Ingredients

• 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided (for that classic flavor and snowy coating)
• 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs (creates the perfect soft, crumbly base)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (adds sweetness and helps bind everything)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (gives richness and holds the balls together)
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adds moisture for the perfect consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a warm, cozy flavor boost)
• A tiny pinch of salt (balances all the sweetness perfectly)

Instructions

1. First, take 2 cups of the shredded coconut and the vanilla wafer crumbs and add them to your food processor. Pulse them a few times until the mixture is finely ground and well combined.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.
3. Pour your coconut and crumb mixture into the bowl with the butter and sugar. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and that tiny pinch of salt. Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon until a thick, cohesive dough forms. If it seems a little dry, you can add one more teaspoon of milk.
4. Place the remaining 1 cup of shredded coconut on a plate or in a shallow bowl. This is for rolling.
5. Now, scoop out about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it between your palms into a 1-inch ball. Then, roll the ball in the reserved coconut until it’s fully coated. Place it on a baking sheet or plate. Repeat with all the dough.
6. Pop the tray of snowballs into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up. This makes them so much easier to handle and eat. And that’s it! You’ve made the easiest, most delightful Christmas party dessert.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a nutty twist, replace 1/2 cup of the vanilla wafer crumbs with finely ground almonds or pecans. If you’d like a dairy-free version, a plant-based butter works beautifully. You could even dip the finished snowballs halfway in melted chocolate for an extra-decadent holiday treat. For a different flavor, try swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract. So many fun Christmas food ideas start with a great base recipe like this one.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These little snowballs are perfect arranged on a pretty platter as part of a dessert table. They pair wonderfully with a plate of Christmas cookies or a rich chocolate yule log. For a cozy drink pairing, I love serving them with a hot mug of cocoa or peppermint tea. They also make lovely edible gifts when placed in a festive cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. A perfect, sweet holiday treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store your snowball treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. There’s no need to reheat—just let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or so before serving.

Tips For Success

• Make sure your butter is properly softened to room temperature. This makes it so much easier to cream with the sugar and prevents a crumbly dough.
• If the mixture is too sticky to roll, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Cold dough is much easier to handle.
• For a extra-snowy look, you can use some unsweetened shredded coconut for the outer roll. It’s a little whiter and provides a nice texture contrast.
• Get the kids involved! Rolling these is a fantastic, no-mess job for little helpers.
• If you don’t have a food processor, you can crush the vanilla wavers by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling them with a rolling pin.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use something other than vanilla wafers? Absolutely! Graham cracker crumbs are a great substitute and will work just as well for these easy Christmas treats.
• My mixture is too crumbly. What did I do wrong? It likely just needs a bit more moisture. Add another teaspoon of milk and mix again. It should come together nicely.
• Are these a make-ahead holiday dessert? They are one of the best make-ahead Xmas desserts! The flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge as everything melds together.
• Can I toast the coconut? You can, but it will change the color and flavor. Toasted coconut will give you a golden-brown snowball with a nuttier taste, which is also delicious.