There’s just something about peppermint and chocolate that screams holidays, right? Imagine biting into a soft, creamy truffle-like snowball that starts off cool and minty, then melts into a luscious chocolate-peppermint dream. Now imagine you didn’t even have to turn on your oven to make it. That’s the magic of No-Bake Peppermint Bark Snowballs—an easy, festive, and downright addictive treat that will become the shining star of your dessert table.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Snowballs
Let’s be real—holiday treats are everywhere during the season, but these little snowballs? They’re next-level. Here’s why you’re going to obsess over them:
- Flavor Explosion: The bold peppermint pops beautifully against rich chocolate, balanced by the smooth tang of cream cheese.
- Perfect Texture: The inside is soft, slightly fudgy, with little crunchy surprises from candy canes. The outside? Peppermint-crusted and full of holiday sparkle.
- Holiday Charm: These look like they came straight from Santa’s kitchen. With crushed candy canes dusted on top, they’re festive, fun, and photogenic (as you saw in the picture).
These aren’t just treats. They’re bite-sized moments of joy.
What Are No-Bake Peppermint Bark Snowballs, Exactly?
Think of them as the lovechild of peppermint bark and chocolate truffles. They’re no-bake dessert bites made with a mix of cream cheese, chocolate cookie crumbs, chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, and powdered sugar. Rolled into balls, chilled until firm, and coated in crushed candy canes, these snowballs are soft, creamy, and refreshingly minty—basically the taste of December in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the full list of what goes into these minty morsels:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This gives the base its rich, creamy texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the mixture.
- 1 tsp peppermint extract – Brings that signature cool, minty zing.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes – For both texture and flavor (plus that festive look).
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1½ cups crushed chocolate graham crackers or chocolate cookies – This holds the whole thing together.
- Extra crushed candy canes – For rolling the snowballs at the end.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutes:
- No chocolate graham crackers? Use crushed Oreo cookies (filling removed) or any chocolate wafer cookies.
- Mini chocolate chips can be swapped for chopped dark chocolate if you want a richer taste.
- Feel free to use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed—just keep the consistency firm.
Let’s Talk About Texture: What Makes These Snowballs Melt-in-Your-Mouth
The texture is what makes these little guys irresistible. The base is creamy, slightly fudgy, with that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The mini chocolate chips and crushed candy canes bring the crunch, making each bite a perfect mix of smooth and snappy.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cold, velvety chocolate core with cool peppermint swirls—and then, suddenly, that candy cane crunch. It’s like biting into a snow-dusted truffle kissed by the North Pole.
The Role of Peppermint: Not Just for Flavor, But for the Vibe
Peppermint isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a mood. It’s the scent of freshly unwrapped candy canes and the taste of winter air. That’s why it’s key to this recipe. The peppermint extract gives the base a cool chill that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate, while the crushed candy canes add texture, sweetness, and of course—holiday flair.
If you’re not big on mint, don’t worry. The extract is subtle, and you can easily tone it down. But if you’re here for that full holiday experience, peppermint is your best friend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can get snowballing.
- Beat the Cream Cheese
- Use a hand or stand mixer to beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- This step is key—no lumps allowed!
- Add Powdered Sugar & Peppermint
- Mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of peppermint extract.
- Beat until smooth and creamy. It should look like peppermint frosting at this point.
- Stir in the Good Stuff
- Add 1 cup crushed candy canes, 1 cup mini chocolate chips, and 1½ cups crushed chocolate graham crackers.
- Fold everything in with a spatula. The mixture will be thick but soft.
- Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- This firms up the dough so it’s easier to roll into balls.
- Shape Into Snowballs
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into bite-sized balls.
- Roll them between your palms until smooth. (If it’s too sticky, chill a bit longer or lightly coat your hands with powdered sugar.)
- Coat in Crushed Candy Canes
- Roll each snowball in a shallow bowl of crushed candy canes. Press gently so the peppermint sticks.
- This step makes them look like they’re dusted in candy snow!
- Chill Again
- Store the snowballs in the fridge until serving. They’re best served chilled.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Soft dough? Chill longer—don’t rush it.
- Want smaller bites? Use a mini cookie scoop.
- Messy coating? Slightly dampen the outside of the balls before rolling in peppermint for better stick.
Pro tip: Crush your candy canes fine, like snow. Big chunks can be too hard to chew and mess with the texture.
Customization Ideas for Your Snowballs
Want to put your own twist on this recipe? Here’s how:
- Add crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for extra richness.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for that peppermint bark vibe.
- Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peppermint chips.
- Mix in marshmallow fluff (just a spoonful) for a fluffier center.
You can even dip them in melted white chocolate for a shell-like coating—just like the ones in the photo!
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Too soft to roll? Chill longer. You can even pop the mixture in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Not sticking together? Add a little more powdered sugar or cookie crumbs.
Peppermint overload? Reduce crushed candy canes to ½ cup in the mix and just sprinkle on top.
Kid-Friendly and Party-Perfect
These snowballs aren’t just tasty—they’re a fun family activity! Kids can help with mixing, rolling, and coating. And since there’s no oven involved, it’s safe and easy for little hands.
They’re also ideal for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or as edible gifts in cute tins or jars. One batch makes 20 bite-sized snowballs—plenty to share.
How to Store and Freeze Your Peppermint Snowballs
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- In the freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. They last up to 2 months! Let thaw in the fridge before serving.
These also make a great “make-ahead” option when you’re prepping for a big holiday gathering.
Why These Treats Are Perfect for Last-Minute Holiday Magic
Let’s face it—December is chaos. Between the decorating, shopping, wrapping, and socializing, who has time to bake for hours? That’s why these no-bake snowballs are a lifesaver. In under an hour, you’ve got a festive, decadent dessert that looks (and tastes) like it took a lot more effort than it did.
They’re the holiday version of “set it and forget it.” Only with a peppermint twist.
Print
No-Bake Peppermint Bark Snowballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: No-Bake Holiday Desserts / Christmas Treats
Description
❄️ These creamy, chocolatey peppermint snowballs melt as soon as they hit your tongue! A festive, cozy holiday treat that brings winter magic to every bite. 🎄✨
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
1 cup crushed candy canes
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1½ cups crushed chocolate graham crackers or chocolate cookies
Additional crushed candy canes (for rolling)
Instructions
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. 😊
⏱️ Duration: 2 minutesAdd powdered sugar and peppermint extract, mixing until creamy and well blended.
⏱️ Duration: 1 minuteStir in crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, and crushed chocolate cookies until fully combined. 🍫❄️
⏱️ Duration: 2 minutesCover the mixture and refrigerate until firm enough to scoop.
⏱️ Chill Time: 30 minutesRoll the chilled mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
⏱️ Duration: 3 minutesCoat each snowball in crushed candy canes for a frosty festive finish. 💗❄️
⏱️ Duration: 2 minutesKeep chilled until serving to maintain the perfect creamy texture.
Notes
For best texture, keep the snowballs chilled until serving—they soften quickly at room temperature.
Crushing the candy canes very finely helps them stick better to the outside.
You can swap chocolate graham crackers for Oreos (cream removed) for a richer chocolate flavor.
These make perfect additions to holiday cookie boxes or dessert platters.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20 snowballs
- Calories: ~120 kcal
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve Alongside
Pair your snowballs with:
- Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and peppermint sticks
- A cold glass of milk or almond milk
- Peppermint mochas or lattes
- Holiday cookie platters for a stunning dessert spread
You may also like :
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Christmas Peppermint Meltaway Candy Blossoms (With Speckled Flower Molds)
Let’s Recap: Why You Need These in Your Holiday Dessert Rotation
- No-bake, no stress
- Ready in under an hour
- Rich, minty, chocolatey goodness
- Visually stunning
- Great for gifts, parties, or midnight snacks
Honestly, what more could you want from a holiday treat?
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, no-bake dessert that delivers holiday cheer in every single bite, No-Bake Peppermint Bark Snowballs are your go-to treat. They’re creamy, crunchy, cool, and crazy easy to whip up—even at the last minute. From the first peppermint pop to the chocolatey finish, they capture the spirit of the season without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
These little snowballs don’t just taste like winter—they feel like it too. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, sneaking one (or three) while watching Christmas movies, or boxing them up as gifts, they bring joy and sweetness wherever they go.
So grab those candy canes, fire up your mixer, and let’s make this the most deliciously peppermint-y season yet. Your dessert table—and your taste buds—will thank you.
Similar recipes :
Peppermint Chocolate-Dipped Sandwich Cookies
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These snowballs actually taste even better after chilling for a few hours. Make them a day ahead, store in the fridge, and serve cold.
2. How long do these peppermint snowballs last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 7 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months!
3. What can I use instead of chocolate graham crackers?
You can use crushed Oreo cookies (filling removed), chocolate wafer cookies, or even brownie brittle for a deeper chocolate base.
4. Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free chocolate chips, and make sure your cookies and candy canes are vegan-friendly. It’s a very flexible recipe.
5. Are these safe for young kids to eat?
They sure are! Just make sure the candy canes are crushed finely to avoid hard chunks, and always supervise very young children during prep and eating.
