No Bake Coconut Snowballs — A Christmas Candy Recipe
Every Christmas I make a few no-bake recipes, and these coconut snowballs are always asked for every year. They remind me of the old-fashioned candies my mom used to make, soft and chewy with that unmistakable coconut flavor. I started adding an almond in the center years ago for a bit of crunch, and it turned out to be everyone’s favorite part. Thankfully, they’re easy to make, and you don’t even have to melt any candy coating. These no-bake coconut snowballs taste like little coconut truffles, sweet and creamy, perfect for Christmas dessert trays or candy tins.
Coconut Balls Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 can (300 ml/10 oz)sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp icing sugar(powdered sugar)
- 4 tbsp instant milk powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whole natural almonds, roasted (for the centers)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
- Pretty candy cup paper liners (optional for serving)
How to Make No-Bake Coconut Snowballs
These no-bake coconut snowballs have a soft, chewy texture with a crunchy almond in the center. The instant milk powder and icing sugar thicken the mixture so it holds its shape while staying smooth and creamy.
This is a no-boil candy recipe, so there’s no need for a thermometer or stove. Just mix, roll, and chill.
1. Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, icing sugar, instant milk powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
2. Add the Coconut
Mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut. (Don’t substitute sweetened coconut or the mixture will be too soft.) Stir until evenly blended.
3. Scoop
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop portions of the coconut mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Add the Almonds
Press one roasted almond into the top of each mound.
5. Shape
With lightly greased hands, pinch the mixture closed over the almond and roll into smooth balls.
6. Coat
Place a 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut in a small bowl. Roll each ball until fully coated, then set into a paper candy cup or mini liner.
7. Chill
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
These candies stay solid at room temperature once chilled, making them ideal for dessert trays, cookie exchanges, or edible Christmas gifts.
How to Store Coconut Snowballs
These no-bake coconut snowballs are firm enough to serve at room temperature once chilled, making them great for gifting or dessert trays.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, layer the coconut balls between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
They’ll keep well frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, remove them from the freezer and let them sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. The centers soften slightly as they warm, while the almond stays crisp for that perfect bite.
If you’d like to save this recipe for later, go ahead and pin it to your Christmas baking or no bake treats board. These easy coconut snowballs are one of those recipes you’ll want to make again every year.
No Bake Coconut Snowballs — A Christmas Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk 300 mL / 10 oz
- 2 tbsp Icing sugar powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp Instant milk powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Pinch Salt
- 24 Whole natural almonds roasted (for centers)
- ½ cup Unsweetened shredded coconut for rolling
- 24 Paper candy cups or mini liners optional
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed milk, icing sugar, instant milk powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add the coconut: Stir in ½ cup of unsweetened coconut until evenly blended.
- Scoop: Drop small portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add the almonds: Press one roasted almond on top of each mound.
- Shape: With lightly greased hands, pinch the mixture closed over the almond and roll into smooth balls.
- Coat: Roll each ball in additional unsweetened coconut and place into paper liners if using.
- Chill: Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm.
Notes
Life is different when you mother all boys. When I first made this recipe years ago, my boys jokingly called them snowball farts, and the name stuck for a while. Whatever you decide to call them, these no-bake coconut snowballs are easy, sweet, and still bring a little Christmas laughter to the kitchen.
Happy Christmas Baking! Leanna
More No-Bake Christmas Recipes
If you enjoy easy no-bake Christmas desserts, here are a few more recipes your family might love to make and share this holiday season.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
An easy-to-make peanut butter coconut cookie recipe. A sweet treat with lots of texture and peanut butter flavor. I like using it as a Christmas treat for those who can’t eat chocolate.
Extra Special Layered Rice Krispie Treats
This recipe for layered rice krispie treats is extra special with loads of marshmallows and a crunchy marshmallow almond center.
No-Bake Pineapple Dessert
An easy-to-make pineapple dessert you can serve for dessert or as squares. It has a graham cracker crust, marshmallow, mandarin orange, and pineapple filling, and it’s topped with whipped cream and, you guessed i,t coconut.