Description
These Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and coated in sweet coconut for a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, cookie platters, and year-round baking.
Snowball Cookies (Coconut Snowballs)
Delicate, buttery, and beautifully coated in coconut, these Snowball Cookies are a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. Their soft, crumbly texture practically melts in your mouth, while the coconut coating adds a sweet tropical touch and a festive snowball appearance.
Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, these cookies are easy enough for everyday baking yet elegant enough for holiday cookie trays and special occasions. Whether rolled in coconut or icing sugar, they deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and rich buttery flavor.
If you’re looking for a simple homemade cookie that’s guaranteed to impress, these Coconut Snowballs are the perfect choice.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 24 Cookies
Nutrition Information
Per Cookie
Calories: 115
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Rich buttery flavor
- Easy one-bowl recipe
- Perfect for holidays
- Beautiful presentation
- Kid-friendly baking project
- Great for gifting
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (225g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (80g) desiccated coconut
For Coating
- Extra desiccated coconut
Optional:
- Additional icing sugar for rolling
Ingredient Notes
Butter
Provides the rich flavor and tender texture that make these cookies irresistible.
Desiccated Coconut
Adds flavor, texture, and the signature snowball appearance.
Icing Sugar
Creates a delicate sweetness while keeping the cookies soft and light.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Icing sugar
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Add:
- Flour
- Salt
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Add Coconut
Fold in the desiccated coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls.
Arrange on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes.
The cookies should remain pale with only slight golden coloring on the bottoms.
Avoid over-baking.
Step 8: Coat the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool for 2–3 minutes.
While still warm, roll them in:
- Extra desiccated coconut
or
- Icing sugar
for a traditional snowball finish.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.
Expert Tips
- Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Do not over-bake to maintain a tender texture.
- Roll cookies evenly for uniform baking.
- Coat while still warm so the topping sticks well.
- Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Variations
Coconut Sugar Snowballs
Roll in both icing sugar and coconut for extra sweetness.
Lemon Coconut Snowballs
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dough.
Chocolate Coconut Snowballs
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
Nutty Snowballs
Mix finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my cookies crumbly?
Snowball cookies naturally have a delicate, tender texture.
Can I use sweetened coconut?
Yes, but the cookies will be slightly sweeter.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
Do I have to use coconut for coating?
No. Traditional snowball cookies are often rolled in icing sugar instead.
Final Thoughts
These Snowball Cookies (Coconut Snowballs) are a simple yet elegant treat that combines buttery richness with sweet coconut flavor. Soft, tender, and beautifully coated, they’re perfect for holiday baking, gift boxes, tea parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. One batch is rarely enough because they’re just that irresistible.
