Picture this: soft, melt-in-your-mouth coconut snowballs topped with glossy maraschino cherries. Just looking at them brings holiday magic to the table! These Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls are everything you want in a no-bake Christmas treat—easy to make, deliciously creamy, festive-looking, and ready in under two hours with minimal effort.
They’re perfect for cookie swaps, Christmas dessert trays, or just cozy evenings with a hot cup of cocoa. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, these little coconut gems will quickly become your go-to holiday dessert. And let’s be honest, anything topped with a shiny cherry is basically Christmas cheer in edible form, right?
What Are Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls?
These snowy balls are bite-sized, no-bake confections made from a soft coconut dough, rolled in extra shredded coconut for a “snowy” look, and finished off with a juicy maraschino cherry pressed right on top. The texture? Soft and chewy with a bit of crunch from the coconut flakes. The flavor? A dreamy mix of sweet coconut, creamy butter, vanilla, and a hint of almond.
They look like little snowballs plucked right out of a winter wonderland—each one crowned with a cherry that gleams like Rudolph’s nose. And while they might look fancy, they’re surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love These Coconut Cherry Balls
Let me count the ways:
- No oven needed – Yep, they’re 100% no-bake.
- Quick to make – Just a bit of chilling and you’re good to go.
- Holiday-ready look – The snowy coconut and shiny red cherry scream festive!
- Make-ahead friendly – These store beautifully in the fridge.
- Customizable – Change the flavors or decorations to suit any occasion.
Whether you’re short on time or just don’t want to fire up the oven, these treats are perfect for a stress-free holiday dessert.
Perfect Occasions to Serve These Treats
These sweet coconut cherry balls are the ultimate multitaskers. You can bring them to:
- Christmas parties
- Holiday cookie exchanges
- Baby showers
- New Year’s celebrations
- Snow day treats with the kids
- Gifting in treat boxes or tins
Trust me, they’ll steal the show wherever they go.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the texture, flavor, and beautiful appearance. Let’s break it down:
Sweetened Shredded Coconut
This is your main ingredient and the backbone of the recipe. It gives structure, texture, and a ton of flavor. You’ll need some for the dough and some for rolling, giving that snowball look.
Tip: Go for the fine kind if you want a fluffier snowball finish, or use medium shred for more texture.
Powdered Sugar
This blends easily with the butter to create a smooth, creamy base. It’s lighter than granulated sugar, so the texture of the dough stays soft and not grainy.
Softened Unsalted Butter
Butter adds that dreamy, rich taste and helps hold everything together. Be sure it’s softened (not melted), so it creams well with the sugar.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Thick, sweet, and essential for the chewy texture. It acts as a glue and adds irresistible sweetness. You don’t need a lot, just enough to bind the dough.
Vanilla & Almond Extract
Vanilla is a must for cozy flavor. Almond extract is optional but adds a nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherry and coconut. Go light on it—it’s strong!
Maraschino Cherries
These vibrant red cherries are more than just a pretty topping. They bring moisture, tangy sweetness, and major holiday vibes.
Make sure to dry them well—any extra liquid will mess with the dough and prevent them from staying in place.
Choosing the Right Cherries for the Top
Stick with whole maraschino cherries—the kind you find in jars in the baking or cocktail aisle. You want them juicy but not dripping.
After draining them, use a paper towel to gently blot them dry. This helps them stick to the dough better and prevents unwanted moisture that could make your snowballs soggy.
The Secret to the Creamy Texture
What makes these so irresistibly soft and creamy? It’s the combo of:
- Butter + powdered sugar (fluffy base)
- Sweetened condensed milk (chewy, dense binding)
- Shredded coconut (texture and bite)
This trio creates a dough that holds together beautifully while staying melt-in-your-mouth soft once chilled.
How to Make Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls
Let’s walk through each step so you can make these just like the image shows—fluffy snowballs with a cherry crown.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup powdered sugar for about 2 minutes. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon with some elbow grease. You’re looking for a light, fluffy mixture.
Step 2: Add the Sweetness
Next, add in:
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
Mix until it’s all fully blended. The texture should now be creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Bring in the Coconut
Stir in 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut. Mix until it forms a soft dough. If it feels too sticky, add another 1–2 tablespoons of coconut.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes. This firms it up so it’s easier to shape. Don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Dry the Cherries
While the dough chills, drain and dry 16 maraschino cherries. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
This step is important—if they’re wet, they’ll slide right off the balls or make the dough soggy.
Step 6: Roll into Balls
Once chilled, scoop about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. You should get 12–16 balls, depending on size.
Step 7: Crown with Cherry
Gently press a cherry on top of each ball. Push just enough so it sticks but don’t submerge it—you want the cherry to sit pretty on top, just like in the picture.
Step 8: Snowball Coconut Coating
Roll each ball in shredded coconut, coating the sides and bottom only. Leave the cherry top exposed for that picture-perfect look.
Place them on a parchment-lined tray as you go.
Step 9: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the finished balls for at least 1–2 hours to firm them up. They’re ready once they’re no longer sticky and hold their shape when touched.
Tips to Make the Best Cherry Coconut Balls
Want your snowy balls to look and taste bakery-perfect every time? Here are some tried-and-true tips that’ll take your treats from good to great:
- Dry the cherries really well. This is the golden rule. If they’re even slightly wet, they’ll create a watery ring around the top and mess up your perfect snowy look.
- Chill the dough before rolling. Warm dough will stick to your hands and be impossible to shape. That short chill time makes a big difference.
- Use a cookie scoop. Want uniform balls like the ones in the image? A small cookie scoop ensures consistency and keeps your hands clean.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Once the coconut is added, stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the dough greasy or too soft.
- Serve them chilled. They’re firm, creamy, and hold their shape best when served cold—plus, that cherry shines brighter when it’s cold!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These treats are simple, but a few slip-ups can make a mess. Let’s steer clear of these:
- Using melted butter – It makes the dough greasy and loose.
- Skipping the chill time – You’ll end up with sticky, hard-to-roll dough.
- Not drying cherries – We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: dry those cherries!
- Overusing almond extract – It’s powerful. A little adds elegance; too much tastes like perfume.
- Storing at room temperature – They can soften too much and become sticky.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
One of the best parts about this recipe? You can make these ahead of time and store them like a pro. Here’s how:
- Refrigerator: Place them in an airtight container in a single layer (or separated by parchment paper). They’ll stay fresh for 5–7 days.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them! Flash freeze the balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
They taste just as dreamy chilled as they do freshly made, so go ahead and get ahead of the holiday chaos.
Can You Freeze Coconut Cherry Balls?
Absolutely! These treats are very freezer-friendly. If you’re prepping for a party or gifting in bulk, make them weeks in advance and freeze. Here’s how:
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Freeze for about 1 hour, until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, layering with parchment paper.
- Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours. They’ll be just as perfect as the day you made them—soft, sweet, and cherry-topped!
Fun Variations to Try
Want to switch things up a little? Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate before chilling.
- Toasted Coconut: Roll in lightly toasted coconut for a golden touch.
- Nutty Surprise: Add a roasted almond inside each ball for a hidden crunch.
- Tropical Vibes: Mix in a little crushed pineapple (drained well!) to the dough.
- Festive Colors: Use colored coconut (tint with food coloring) for themed parties.
The base recipe is flexible—get creative!
Print
Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert • No-Bake • Holiday Treat • Coconut Treats
Description
❄️ These creamy, coconut-coated snowballs topped with glossy maraschino cherries bring sweet holiday magic in every bite! Soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and irresistibly festive. 🎄🍒✨
Ingredients
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
16 whole maraschino cherries, well drained and dried
1–1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
Instructions
Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until fully combined. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded coconut until a soft, rollable dough forms. Add more coconut if needed. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Refrigerate the dough to firm it up before rolling. ❄️ (⏱️ 30 minutes)
Dry the maraschino cherries completely so they sit well on top of the snowballs. 🍒 (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Roll 1–1½ tablespoon portions of dough into smooth, even balls. (⏱️ 8 minutes)
Press one cherry on top of each ball, leaving it visible and centered. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Roll each ball in shredded coconut, coating the sides and bottom only. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Refrigerate until firm and fully set. ❄️ (⏱️ 1 hour)
Notes
Make sure the cherries are completely dry so they don’t make the coconut balls soggy.
Chill the dough well — it makes rolling much easier and keeps the shape firm.
You can add more coconut if the mixture feels too soft.
Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely bakery-style flavor.
Store in the fridge for the best texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12–16 balls
- Calories: 145 kcal
What to Serve These With
These little bites of holiday heaven pair wonderfully with:
- Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha
- Holiday punch or eggnog
- A plate of assorted cookies and confections
- As a sweet gift in holiday tins or jars
They also look stunning on a dessert charcuterie board alongside truffles, fudge, and candy canes. Add a little rosemary or pine sprig for presentation and you’ve got a winter wonderland centerpiece!
You may like also :
The Absolute BEST Coconut Cream Pie
Coconut Christmas Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Festive)
Nutrition Info (Per Ball)
Here’s a rough idea of the nutrition breakdown for one Snowy Coconut Cherry Ball (assuming you make 16):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 25mg |
These are indulgent treats, so enjoy mindfully—and maybe don’t count while eating during Christmas week. 😉
Conclusion: A Cherry-Topped Celebration
If you’re looking for a treat that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious, Snowy Coconut Cherry Balls check every box. They’re:
- Incredibly easy to make
- Perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking
- No-bake and quick to prepare
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike
Plus, they look like little edible snowballs, and that maraschino cherry on top? Total holiday magic. ❄️✨
Whether you’re making them with your kids, for your coworkers, or just as a sweet moment for yourself, these cherry coconut balls are the perfect winter treat. Wrap them up, gift them, or line them on your cookie tray—you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Similar recipes :
Christmas Cherry Balls: A Magical Holiday Treat That Looks as Sweet as It Tastes
Creamy Coconut Cake
FAQs
1. Can I make these without condensed milk?
You can try using cream cheese or a mix of butter and powdered sugar to create a dough, but the sweetened condensed milk gives the best creamy texture and flavor.
2. How long do they last in the fridge?
These will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days if stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Fresh cherries have too much moisture and are less sweet. Maraschino cherries are the best for this recipe due to their bright color and sweet flavor.
4. Is there a vegan alternative?
Yes! Use vegan butter and sweetened condensed coconut milk. Choose vegan-friendly maraschino cherries (some are dyed with animal-based coloring).
5. Can kids help make these?
Absolutely! Rolling the balls and pressing in the cherries are perfect tasks for little hands. Just make sure they don’t eat all the cherries before decorating!
