Coconut snowballs are a festive confection that melt in your mouth. When I make up a batch, I automatically think of powdery snow, sleigh bells, and George Winston or Mannheim Steamroller music anytime of the year.
Huge fluffy snowflakes are drifting down lazily this morning outside my window, and it puts me in the mood to whip up something sparkling and fun, reflective of the change of seasons.
I’m dreaming of glittering white powder blanketing the earth and dusting tree boughs as the wan sun melts down over the woodlands and fields. But, even if it has never once snowed in your neck of the woods and there are palm trees and sandy beaches outside your doors, coconut snowballs are perfectly delectable and a great seasonal conversation starter! Perfect to spark a holiday mood.
One of my favorite healthy recipe resources is Katie at This Chick Cooks. I saw the recipe for her Crack Balls, and knew I had to make them. They are so quick and easy to make – only 10 minutes – so I bookmarked them for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The recipe makes about 24-28 balls, so you’ll have plenty to last for awhile or you can double the recipe like we do. Keep them in the freezer to grab at a moment’s notice for a quick dessert or on-the-go snack.
Coconut oil is one of those healthy nutrient-dense foods that we can’t get enough of, but coconut is not the star performer here. The secret, in my opinion, is the real Madagascar Vanilla Bean Extract!
Vanilla has the top note and lingers marvelously on your tongue!
Coconut Snowballs Recipe
Ingredients with ketogenic option:
- 2 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (or use honey to be GAPS-friendly – I use raw honey)
- OR to make these no-carb, ketogenic, start with 1/8 tsp. (4 doonks) THM Pure Stevia Extract Powder (adjust the sweetener level to your liking; as some may like it sweeter)
- 4 TBSP virgin coconut oil
- 1- 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract (to make your own)
- 1/4 tsp. sea salt for added trace minerals and depth of flavor
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in any blender and process until well mixed and the mixture sticks together. Form into 1″ balls.
- Finally, lightly roll these in coconut shreds to look like little snowballs, and chill on wax paper for at least an hour.
- Makes 24-28 balls.
- I double the recipe and freeze some.
Notes:
- You could also press the mixture into a well greased or parchment-lined bread pan and cut into bars once thoroughly chilled.
- You will likely wish to double or triple the recipe for a gathering
- I use unsweetened coconut shreds. Whole Foods-type supermarkets and Amazon carry Let’s Do Organic and other brands. One 8 oz. bag holds 2 2/3 cups.
These are absolutely perfect as a little ‘Thank You’ for your mailman, prettily wrapped party favors, or as a brilliant snowy-day housewarming or hostess gift. It also would make a healthy and sweet lunchbox treat to say ‘I Love You’.
To create ‘first snow’ memories, put on that quintessential December music by pianist George Winston and delight your family. Serve these little snowballs with hot tea or cocoa but serve them cold.
Beware, for they will ‘melt’ just like a real snowball if you hold them in your warm hands too long!
Join us and make coconut snowballs an annual tradition!
“She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.” ~Proverbs 31: 21
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