The Story & Intro
If there’s one treat that instantly transports me back to cozy winter afternoons, it’s Coconut Snowball Cookies. I still remember being a little girl, standing on my toes in my grandmother’s sunny kitchen in Crete, trying so hard not to drop the bowl of shredded coconut as she laughed and said, “Messy kitchens make the best memories!” That’s where my love for baking truly blossomed and where I learned that simple ingredients can create the happiest moments.
And speaking of childhood memories…
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the warm, vanilla-scented kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
So today, I’m sharing a treat that feels like a winter hug: Coconut Snowball Cookies. These little gems are soft, buttery, lightly sweet, filled with coconut flavor, and rolled in the fluffiest powdered sugar coating. They melt in your mouth like fresh snowflakes only much tastier! I love making them during the holiday season, but honestly, I bake them all year long anytime I want a little sparkle on my dessert table.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or this is your first time rolling cookie dough, these Coconut Snowball Cookies are here to make your day sweeter. They’re easy, fun, and utterly irresistible. And yes, your kitchen will get messy. But remember… that just means you’re doing it right.
Let’s bake, mon ami ❄️🥥💛
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Bake: 12–14 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds (optional but delicious)
For Rolling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional for extra texture)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth. This gives your Coconut Snowball Cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
4. Add Coconut (and Nuts, If Using)
Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts. The dough should feel soft and slightly crumbly, but it will hold together when pressed.
5. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their adorable round snowball shape.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned that keeps them tender and snowy.
8. Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for 2 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once fully cooled, roll them again for maximum snowball magic.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a mug of hot cocoa, chai latte, or warm milk.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a cozy holiday twist.
- Place them in clear bags tied with ribbon for easy edible gifting.
- Pair on a dessert board with chocolate truffles, shortbread, and fresh berries.
📝 Notes
- Want extra coconut flavor? Add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract.
- Make them nut-free by skipping the pecans still delicious!
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for 5 days.
🍽️ Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Recipe Card
Coconut Snowball Cookies ❄️🥥
Ingredients 🍪
Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, flour, salt, shredded coconut, optional nuts, powdered sugar for rolling.
Instructions 👩🍳
- Cream butter & sugar.
- Add vanilla.
- Mix in flour/salt.
- Fold in coconut & nuts.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar twice.
Time ⏱️
Prep 15m · Bake 14m · Total 1h
Notes 📝
Chill dough to prevent spreading. Add coconut extract for more flavor.
Conclusion
Baking Coconut Snowball Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, soft blanket on a chilly day. These cookies bring joy, sparkle, and a touch of childhood wonder to your table. From the coconut-studded dough to that irresistible powdered sugar finish, every bite feels like a tiny celebration.
And the best part? You didn’t just make cookies. You made memories just like I did growing up in Crete, and just like Lacamorea did in her sweet Paris-to-America cooking journey. I hope these cookies warm your home, your heart, and your kitchen… even if things get a little messy. 😉
Happy baking, mon ami! ❄️💛🥥
