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
Susan Hutchinson
I’ve got a similar recipe except you bake them, like macaroons. The kids LOVE them! I’m going to try this one too since it leaves out the baking step! Simple! 😉
Jill @ Jill's Home Remedies
These look great!! I will definitely have to try these!
Katie @ This Chick Cooks
Your take turned out delicious looking and the calling them snowballs is a lovely idea 🙂 Have a blessed day, Jacqueline!
Katie
Lindy Thomason
Lovely recipe! Thanks for sharing! Do you mind sharing the blender (?) that appears in the photo with the mix for the Snowballs? Almost looks like a small food processor… Thanks for taking the time to do your blog, it is a great blessing to me and am sure for many others!
Jacqueline
Hello, Lindy,
I am sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I looked on the hand-held piece, and it says ‘House & Home’. Distributed by Wholesale Merchandisers, Inc, but we’ve had it for many years. I think we got it at Target, but would not swear to it. I’m sorry I am not much help.
Blessings!
Sue
Made these tonight–delicious! I substituted almond flavoring for the vanilla–tasty! Thanks!
Linda Bolt
These look interesting, and I hope to try them. I pinned the link to Pinterest. I just wanted you to know that when I pinned it, there’s not credit showing for your photo, so I wrote on my pin where it was from. But there is a way to get all your photos labeled, so when they are pinned, your link comes up right on them. I don’t know exactly how to do that myself, but I know that a lot of bloggers do that. That way, when people Pin, the photo credit shows, and people are directed right back to your blog.
What Joy Is Mine
Jacqueline…I saw this post while I was in CA this last week and am looking forward to trying it. I decided when I read it that it would be one of my features this week and so it is. Thank you for sharing it at WJIM. Have a excellent week friend.
Veronica
Thank you for this lovely recipe! Just what my heart and sweet tooth need tonight! ( I have a feeling my kids will not complain either. 🙂 ) Both name and picture are perfect. Love it!
Sweet regards
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
Oh Jacqueline! These sound absolutely MA’VELOUS!!! My eldest is a coconut lover so I think I’ll try these when she and her FIANACE come for Christmas!! But, of course, now I’m craving this — I can smell my coconut oil in the kitchen and it’s really making me hankering these.
Kimberley
I made these for a dear friend, who is allergic to almost everything! She LOVED them, and it was so nice for her to have something she could really enjoy without suffering later. Thank you for sharing.
Jacqueline
Yay! Kimberley, I am so glad 🙂
That is a neat Christmas gift to me to be able to be a part of helping her! You are a really dear friend to look for something that she can eat. Thank you for letting me know~
Debbie Gunnell
Do the coconut snowballs need to stay in the frig or can they be stored on the counter after freezing? Thank you…
Jacqueline
Hi, Debbie 🙂
I keep them in the fridge…they retain good shape for a bit but are best when chilled right before serving. Enjoy!
Erin
Hi! I have a Vitamix… Would this do better in a food processor in that case? Just wondering if the coconut should become like butter or if it’s just all kinda mixed together. Thanks!
Jacqueline
I think a Vitamix would work, Erin. I would pulse it, though, instead of a long blast. It will be a bit harder to get out, but it is SO worth it 🙂 Have fun and enjoy the season 🙂
Blessings!
Emily
If I add cocoa powder, does the finished product still look like a snowball?
Jacqueline
Hi, Emily,
I wonder if it might look brown under the shredded coconut…I’d try it and see. It sounds awesome with cocoa 🙂 Merry Christmas to you!
Leslie
Can these coconut balls be made ahead of time and frozen?
Jacqueline
Yes, I have done it twice, and they are delicious! Happy, healthy snacking!
Helen
These are wonderful! I used only half the amount of honey called for as we’re not big on really sweet things and they turned out great! They’re a little crumbly maybe because of less honey but still oh so yummy. I had to make a second batch because we ate them all before the company arrived 🙂 I’ve shared the recipe with lots of my friends. Thank you!
Jacqueline
Haha!!! Helen, you made my day! Sooo glad you like them, too!!
Blessings!
Dianne looos
If I were to use monk fruit how much should I use? They look wonderful! Great for little gifts!
Jacqueline
Hi, Dianne! I have not made them with monk fruit and would have to experiment and do it “to taste”. I am thinking that it may be equal yo or a bit more than the amount of stevia, bc I don’t think monk fruit is as sweet as stevia.
Enjoy! ~J