Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls Recipe

🎄 Introduction Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls

When it comes to holiday treats, it’s hard to beat something that’s pretty, festive, no-bake, and absolutely delicious. Enter the Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls — bite-sized confections that are creamy, coconutty, and crowned with a juicy maraschino cherry, like little edible snow globes.

These treats are the perfect cross between retro charm and modern ease. They look like something straight out of Grandma’s Christmas cookie tin, but they’re easy enough to make in under an hour (most of that time is chilling). And they’re no-bake, meaning you don’t have to compete for oven space during the holiday rush.

Whether you’re building the perfect dessert platter, hosting a cookie exchange, or looking for a new holiday activity to do with the kids, these snowy coconut cherry balls deliver all the nostalgia with none of the stress.

💫 Flavor & Texture at a Glance

Imagine biting into a soft, buttery coconut truffle, just sweet enough to melt in your mouth — and then, right in the center, a burst of bright cherry flavor. The outer coconut coating gives a delicate crunch and that perfect snowy look.

Here’s what’s happening in each bite:

• Creamy from the butter and sweetened condensed milk
• Chewy from the coconut
• Bright and fruity from the cherry
• Sweet, but balanced, with a hint of vanilla and optional almond

They’re not overly sugary or heavy — just light, fun, and festive, with a lovely contrast between the soft interior and the slightly crisp coconut coating.

These are the kind of treats that make people say, “Wait, what are these? I need the recipe.

🛒 Ingredients Overview

These little snowballs come together with just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. Let’s break them down and talk about what each one does:

🥥 1½ Cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut (Plus Extra for Rolling)

Coconut is the backbone of this recipe. You’ll mix some into the dough for chewiness and texture, then roll the finished balls in more coconut for that snow-covered look.

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

Provides soft sweetness and helps create a smooth texture when creamed with butter. Powdered sugar dissolves beautifully, unlike granulated sugar which can be gritty in no-bake recipes.

½ Cup Unsalted Butter, Softened

This is your creamy base, helping bind everything while adding that classic buttery richness. Make sure it’s room temperature so it creams smoothly with the sugar.

½ Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk

The magic glue in no-bake desserts! It adds sweetness and creaminess while helping the dough hold together. Don’t substitute this — it’s essential.

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

A touch of warmth and flavor balance that enhances the coconut and cherry without overwhelming.

½ Tsp Almond Extract (Optional)

Adds a classic holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with maraschino cherries. Totally optional, but highly recommended if you like that cherry-almond combo.

🍒 16 Whole Maraschino Cherries

These are the stars — vibrant, juicy, and the perfect topper. Be sure to dry them completely before using, or they’ll make the dough soggy.

🍒 Why Maraschino Cherries Are the Star

Let’s be real — the cherry on top isn’t just a cute garnish here. It’s the centerpiece of every snowy coconut ball and the first thing people notice (and love) when they bite in.

Here’s why maraschino cherries are the MVP:

1. Iconic Color

That bright, candy-apple red against the snowy white coconut? Pure holiday magic. It adds instant visual appeal to your dessert tray.

2. Sweet, Fruity Flavor

Maraschino cherries bring a burst of syrupy sweetness that perfectly contrasts the buttery, coconut base. It’s like a tiny surprise in every bite.

3. Nostalgic Vibes

Cherries like these are found in all kinds of vintage holiday recipes — from fruitcake to trifles to Shirley Temples. Adding them here brings that same cozy, retro charm

Pro Tip: Dry Them Thoroughly

Drain your cherries and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. If they’re even slightly wet, they’ll leak juice into the dough and ruin the texture.

Want to get extra festive? Use green maraschino cherries or a mix of red and green to make your tray pop with color!

🥥 The Role of Shredded Coconut

Coconut isn’t just a flavor here — it’s the main texture, structure, and visual element that gives these cherry balls their snowy name.

Here’s why it’s essential:

1. Soft Yet Chewy Texture

When mixed into the base, sweetened shredded coconut adds a delightful chew that holds the dough together without needing flour or binders.

2. Beautiful Snowy Finish

Rolling the finished balls in a second round of coconut makes them look like they’ve just been rolled through fresh powder. It gives that whimsical, wintry feel that turns a simple candy into a showpiece.

3. Sweetness Without Sugar Overload

Sweetened coconut is mildly sugary, adding natural sweetness without being too intense.

What Type to Use:

• Sweetened shredded coconut (not flakes or desiccated)
• Avoid unsweetened unless you’re adjusting the sugar elsewhere
• If your coconut seems too long or coarse, pulse it in a food processor a few times for a finer texture that sticks better to the balls

🍬 Using Powdered Sugar for Soft Sweetness

Powdered sugar is ideal for no-bake treats because it blends smoothly without leaving gritty residue. In this recipe, it:

• Creams easily with butter for a smooth base
• Dissolves evenly without heat
• Adds a soft texture that holds the dough together

Using granulated sugar would create a gritty, unpleasant texture — not what you want in these silky, snowball-like bites.

🥫 All About Sweetened Condensed Milk

Ah, sweetened condensed milk — the secret weapon in so many no-bake desserts.

Why it works so well here:

• Acts as both a binder and sweetener
• Brings creaminess to balance the texture of coconut
• Keeps the dough moist without needing cream or eggs

You don’t need a whole can, so save the extra for hot cocoa, fudge, or coffee!

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🌰 Flavor Boosters: Vanilla & Almond Extract

While the main flavors are coconut and cherry, a splash of extract goes a long way.

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Vanilla Extract

• Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness
• Always use pure vanilla if you can

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Almond Extract (Optional)

• Just ½ tsp adds a holiday twist
• Boosts the cherry flavor naturally
• A little goes a long way — don’t overdo it!

If you want to get fancy, try swapping almond extract for:

• Orange extract for a tropical twist
• Coconut extract for extra richness

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

These Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls come together in under an hour and require no baking, no stovetop, and no candy thermometer. Here’s how to make them like a holiday pro:

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1. Cream Butter & Sugar (⏱️ 2 minutes)

In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth, fluffy, and creamy.

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. Scrape down the sides as needed.

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2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk & Extracts (⏱️ 1 minute)

Pour in:

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

Mix until everything is fully combined and creamy.

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3. Stir in Shredded Coconut (⏱️ 1 minute)

Add 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut to the bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until a soft dough forms.

If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to roll, add a little more coconut, 2–3 tablespoons at a time, until it’s firm but still pliable.

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4. Chill the Dough (⏱️ 30 minutes)

Cover and refrigerate until the dough is firm enough to handle. This step makes rolling easier and helps the flavors blend.

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5. Prep the Cherries (⏱️ 3 minutes)

While the dough chills:

• Drain the maraschino cherries (about 16)
• Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid soggy spots

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6. Roll Dough into Balls (⏱️ 8 minutes)

Scoop out 1 to 1½ tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls. You should get around 16–18.

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7. Add the Cherry (⏱️ 5 minutes)

Press one cherry gently into the top center of each ball. The goal is to nestle it in without covering it entirely — it should still be visible, like a red jewel on top.

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8. Roll in More Coconut (⏱️ 5 minutes)

Roll the sides and bottom of each ball in a shallow bowl filled with additional shredded coconut (about 1–1½ cups). Leave the cherry top exposed for that beautiful contrast.

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9. Chill Until Set (⏱️ 1 hour)

Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm and set.

✅ Tips for Perfect Texture & Form

Even though these Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls are incredibly easy to make, a few smart tips can take your batch from good to absolutely flawless:

1. Chill Is Key

If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it longer. Cold dough is easier to roll and helps the cherry stay centered2. Dry Cherries = No Soggy Surprises

Use paper towels to thoroughly dry maraschino cherries before adding them. Any moisture will leak into the dough and mess up the texture.

3. Don’t Overpack the Coconut

Roll gently — you want the coconut to stick without compacting the ball or covering the cherry.

4. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizing

A 1 tablespoon cookie scoop gives you uniform balls, making them look pro and ensuring they set evenly.

5. Adjust Coconut for Consistency

If the dough is:

• Too sticky? Add more shredded coconut.
• Too dry? Add a splash more condensed milk.

Keep tweaking until the dough is soft, pliable, and slightly sticky, but holds its shape.

6. Store Properly

Keep them cold so they stay firm. If left out too long, the butter can soften and make the balls lose their shape.

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls are fantastic for prepping in advance, and they store beautifully — which makes them perfect for the crazy-busy holiday season.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Keep chilled for up to 1 week.

They taste even better after a day or two, once the flavors have melded!

Freezer Storage

• Flash freeze on a tray until firm (30–60 minutes).
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To serve: thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or on the counter for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Label your container with the date and contents — because once frozen, everything starts looking like cookies. 😉

🎁 Presentation Ideas

Want to wow friends, neighbors, or coworkers? These cherry balls are gifting gold.

1. Mini Cupcake Liners

Place each ball in a festive liner for easy handling and pretty presentation.

2. Holiday Tins or Boxes

Layer them in a cookie tin with parchment paper between rows. Add a handwritten tag that says:
“May your days be merry and bright — and filled with cherry delight!”

3. Mason Jars

Fill a small jar with 6–8 cherry balls, add a fabric scrap under the lid, and tie with twine or ribbon.

4. Christmas Cookie Platter

These snowballs pop next to:

• Chocolate crinkle cookies
• Peppermint bark
• Sugar cookies
• Truffles or fudge

The bright red cherry and snowy white coconut make them a visual standout.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Holiday Activity

These no-bake cherry balls are perfect for making with kids!

Little hands can:

• Mix the dough
• Roll the balls
• Press in cherries
• Roll in coconut (aka the “snow”)

Set up a holiday treat-making station with all the supplies and let kids decorate and package their creations.

Put on some Christmas music, sip hot cocoa, and you’ve got an instant family tradition.

🌈 Flavor Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on these snowy treats? Here are a few creative variations:

1. Chocolate-Dipped Cherry Balls

• Dip the bottom half of each ball in melted chocolate
• Let set on parchment paper
• Optional: drizzle with white chocolate for a tuxedo look

2. Nutty Crunch

• Add finely chopped pecans or almonds to the dough
• Roll the balls in a coconut-nut blend for extra texture

3. Cherry Bomb Surprise

• Hide the cherry inside the ball instead of on top
• Roll dough around each cherry and then coat with coconut

4. Tropical Snowballs

• Add 1–2 tbsp crushed pineapple (well drained) to the dough
• Use coconut extract instead of almond
• Garnish with toasted coconut

5. Candy Cane Snowballs

• Mix crushed peppermint into the coconut coating
• Add a hint of peppermint extract to the base

These variations let you customize your batch for different themes, flavors, or dietary needs.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These are perfect little bites for just about any festive occasion. Serve them:

• On a dessert tray at holiday parties
• With coffee or hot cocoa after dinner
• At a cookie exchange
• As a DIY edible gift
• For a midnight snack (yes, really!)

They hold up well at room temp for a couple of hours, so they’re great for gatherings and open houses.

🎉 Conclusion

Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just a cozy night in with your favorite holiday movie, Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls are the ultimate feel-good treat.

They’re:

• ❄️ No-bake
• 🍒 Festive
• 🧈 Rich and creamy
• 🥥 Perfectly coconutty
• ❤️ Topped with a sweet cherry surprise

These sweet little snowballs are beautiful to look at, easy to make, and impossible to stop eating. Go ahead — double the batch. You’ll thank yourself later.

❓FAQs About Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls

1. Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will change. You may need to adjust the sugar to keep the dough sweet enough

2. My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
Add more shredded coconut, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s firm enough to roll. Don’t skip the chilling step!

3. Can I skip the cherry?
Totally! They’re still delicious without it. Or, try placing a mini chocolate kiss or dried cranberry on top instead.

4. How long do these last?
Stored in the fridge, they stay fresh for up to 1 week. In the freezer, they can last 2 months.

5. Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes — use vegan butter and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (available at many stores or online). They’ll still turn out delicious!

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