nowballs are one of Newfoundland’s most beloved confections, especially cherished during the Christmas season but enjoyed year-round in many homes. This no-bake treat combines rich chocolate and coconut flavors for a dessert that’s simple, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just craving a quick dessert, these snowballs are the perfect go-to.

No-Bake Treats – A Sweet Shortcut

“No-bake” doesn’t mean there’s no work involved; instead, it often entails minimal cooking with no need for an oven. These snowballs require some stovetop preparation to melt and mix ingredients, but the simplicity and delicious results make it well worth the effort.

If you love quick and creative no-bake recipes, you’ll also enjoy trying other easy-to-make holiday favorites like Chocolate Marshmallow Bars, Coconut Candy Drops, or even Peanut Butter Crispies. Each recipe brings its unique charm to the table, making them great additions to your dessert repertoire.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Coconut Snowballs

Here’s what you’ll need to craft these delightful treats:

• Butter: Use either salted or unsalted butter for this recipe. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy melting.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar works best to balance the flavors.
• Milk: Whole milk provides a creamy texture and richness.
• Coconut: Unsweetened, medium-shredded coconut is key. Too fine or too coarse will impact the texture.
• Quick Oats: These provide structure while keeping the snowballs moist and chewy.
• Chocolate Cake Mix: A boxed chocolate cake mix serves as the base for that rich, chocolaty flavor. Use it straight from the box—no baking required!

Expert Tips on Choosing Ingredients

1. Coconut Options:
For the best results, opt for medium-shredded, unsweetened coconut. Sweetened varieties can overpower the dessert, making it overly sugary. Finely shredded coconut lacks the texture, while flaked coconut can make rolling difficult.

2. Cake Mix Variations:
When selecting a boxed chocolate cake mix, you have a wide array of flavors to choose from: Dark Chocolate Fudge, Devil’s Food, or Swiss Chocolate all work beautifully. While most boxes weigh around 15 ounces, slight variations won’t affect the recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Coconut Snowballs

1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
   In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and milk. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Avoid boiling to prevent crystallization.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups of shredded coconut, the chocolate cake mix, and the oats. Reserve 1 cup of coconut for rolling later.
3. Mix Everything Together:
   Pour the melted butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, mix everything until well combined. The mixture will be sticky and gooey—a perfect texture for forming snowballs.
4. Chill the Dough:
   Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle.
5. Form and Coat:
   Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball in the reserved shredded coconut, ensuring an even coating.
6. Refrigerate or Freeze:
   Store the snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for make-ahead planning!

Why These Snowballs Are a Holiday Favorite

The combination of chocolate and coconut delivers a nostalgic flavor that appeals to all ages. Their no-bake nature and freezer-friendly quality make them an easy choice for busy holiday seasons. Plus, they’re versatile: customize the recipe with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a dash of vanilla for an extra personal touch.