White Chocolate Coconut Snowball Truffles

Coconut Snowball Truffles

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There's something magical about biting into a Coconut Snowball Truffle – that moment when the soft, sweet coconut melts in your mouth and transports you to a winter wonderland of flavor. These delightful no-bake treats not only look like miniature snowballs but taste like a dream with their rich coconut flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

I discovered these little treasures at a holiday gathering years ago and have been perfecting my recipe ever since. The beauty of these coconut snowballs lies in their simplicity – just a handful of ingredients transforms into an impressive dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Coconut Snowball Truffles make a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table

Why You'll Love These Coconut Snowball Truffles

Whether you're an experienced baker or a complete novice in the kitchen, these coconut truffles will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. They require no baking, minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in advance – perfect for busy holiday seasons when oven space is at a premium.

Children love helping roll these little snowballs, making this recipe a wonderful family activity during the winter months. The finished truffles make thoughtful homemade gifts, elegant party desserts, or special treats to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate on a cozy evening.

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of these Coconut Snowball Truffles comes from their simple ingredient list. You'll likely have most of these items in your pantry already!

• 3 cups (240g) shredded coconut - plus extra for coating
• 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup (57g) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz (225g) white chocolate (optional, for coating variation)

For the best results, use sweetened shredded coconut (sometimes called angel flake coconut). If you prefer a less sweet version, you can use unsweetened desiccated coconut, but you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to achieve the right consistency.

Equipment You'll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or tray
• Parchment paper
• Small cookie scoop or tablespoon (for uniform sizing)
• Airtight container (for storage)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be sticky but hold together when pressed.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle.

Shape the Truffles

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove the coconut mixture from the refrigerator.
3. Slightly dampen your hands with water to prevent sticking.
4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls.
5. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet.

Coat and Finish

1. Place additional shredded coconut in a shallow dish.
2. Roll each ball in the coconut, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
3. Return the coated truffles to the baking sheet.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Pro Tip for Perfect Truffles

For the best texture and flavor, make sure your coconut mixture is well-chilled before rolling into balls. If the mixture becomes too soft while you're working with it, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before continuing.

Delicious Variations to Try

White Chocolate Dipped

Melt white chocolate with 1 tablespoon of shortening. Dip each truffle halfway into the chocolate, then roll the undipped portion in coconut. Allow to set on parchment paper.

Citrus Infused

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the coconut mixture before chilling. The citrus brightens the flavor and pairs beautifully with the sweet coconut.

Almond Joy Inspired

Press a whole toasted almond into each ball before coating. Dip in melted dark or milk chocolate instead of rolling in coconut for an Almond Joy-inspired treat.

Flavor Additions

Get creative with your Coconut Snowball Truffles by adding these flavor enhancers to the base mixture:

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons rum or coconut rum (reduce condensed milk slightly)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, or pineapple)
• 2 tablespoons matcha powder for a green tea twist

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Coconut Snowball Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer Storage

These truffles freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months.

Thawing Instructions

When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen truffles in the refrigerator overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead for Holidays

These truffles are perfect for preparing in advance of holiday gatherings! Make them up to 3 days before your event and store in the refrigerator, or freeze them up to 3 weeks ahead. This makes holiday entertaining much less stressful.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Occasions

Holiday Gatherings

Arrange on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats. Their snow-white appearance makes them perfect for Christmas, New Year's, or winter celebrations.

Homemade Gifts

Package in decorative boxes or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten tag with storage instructions for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Afternoon Tea

Serve with hot tea or coffee for an elegant afternoon treat. Their small size makes them perfect for a dessert buffet or tea party.

Pairing Suggestions

These coconut treats pair beautifully with:

• Hot chocolate or warm milk with a cinnamon stick
• Coffee or espresso
• Chai tea or other spiced teas
• Dessert wines like Moscato or Ice Wine
• Champagne or Prosecco for celebrations

Tips for Beautiful Truffle Photography

Want to share your coconut snowball creations on social media? Here are some tips for capturing these beauties in all their glory:

• Natural lighting - Position your truffles near a window for soft, natural light
• Textured backgrounds - Use linen napkins, wooden boards, or marble surfaces
• Festive props - Add pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or holiday ornaments
• Depth - Arrange truffles at different distances from the camera
• Close-ups - Capture the detailed texture of the coconut coating

Coconut Snowball Truffles Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours

Yield: 24 truffles

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

4.8

User Rating

Ease

4.8

Taste

4.9

Appearance

4.7

Ingredients

• 3 cups (240g) shredded coconut, plus extra for coating
• 1 can (14 oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup (57g) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz (225g) white chocolate (optional, for coating variation)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. With slightly dampened hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place additional shredded coconut in a shallow dish.
6. Roll each ball in the coconut, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.
7. Return the coated truffles to the baking sheet.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

• For best results, use sweetened shredded coconut (angel flake).
• If the mixture is too sticky to handle, refrigerate for an additional 15-30 minutes.
• For a less sweet version, use unsweetened desiccated coconut and add 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
• Let truffles sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

"These coconut snowball truffles have become our family's holiday tradition. They're so simple to make but look incredibly impressive on a dessert platter!"

— Happy Home Baker

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these truffles without sweetened condensed milk?

Yes! You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with 1 cup of thick coconut cream mixed with 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. You may need to adjust the amount of shredded coconut to achieve the right consistency.

Why are my coconut truffles too soft to hold their shape?

If your truffles aren't holding their shape, the mixture may be too warm or wet. Try refrigerating the mixture for longer before rolling, or add a bit more coconut to absorb excess moisture. Also, make sure you're using the correct type of coconut – desiccated coconut is drier than shredded coconut and may help with firmer truffles.

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of coconut oil for the butter. This will enhance the coconut flavor even more! Just be aware that coconut oil melts at a lower temperature than butter, so you may need to keep the truffles refrigerated until shortly before serving.

How far in advance can I make these for a party?

These truffles are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator, or freeze them for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Ready to Make Your Own Coconut Snowball Truffles?

These Coconut Snowball Truffles are more than just a dessert – they're little bites of joy that bring people together. Whether you're making them for a holiday celebration, packaging them as heartfelt gifts, or simply treating yourself to something special, these no-bake treats are sure to delight everyone who tries them.

The simple combination of coconut, condensed milk, and a few other pantry staples creates something truly magical. And the best part? You can customize them in countless ways to suit your taste preferences or the occasion.

I'd love to hear how your Coconut Snowball Truffles turn out! Did you try one of the variations? Did you come up with your own creative twist? Share your experience in the comments below!

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