Every Christmas, our kitchen becomes a flurry of flour, sugar, and laughter. And right in the center of the holiday chaos? These Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies. They’ve been part of our family cookie platter for as long as I can remember — soft, buttery bites rolled in fluffy coconut that look just like little snowballs from the North Pole.

The first time I made these with my grandmother, she told me they were Santa’s favorite. Whether that was true or just a sweet trick to get me baking, I didn’t care — I believed her. We rolled dozens of them, our fingers covered in powdered sugar and coconut, sneaking bites while holiday music played in the background.

They’re melt-in-your-mouth tender, just sweet enough, and filled with comforting vanilla and buttery coconut flavor. Best of all? They’re so easy to make — no chilling, no decorating, just scoop, roll, and bake.

Whether you’re making them for cookie swaps, gifting, or your Christmas Eve dessert tray, these snowball cookies bring that nostalgic magic with every bite. They look like they belong in a snowy fairytale — and taste even better.

The Story Behind Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies

Grandma’s cookie tray and Christmas magic

Some of my most vivid holiday memories live in my grandmother’s cookie trays. She made at least six kinds every year — spiced, iced, dipped, and rolled. But it was always the Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies that I reached for first.

We made them together one snowy afternoon, snowflakes outside and Bing Crosby on the record player. She let me roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and sweet coconut flakes, telling me that if I got just the right coating, they’d sparkle like real snow. I was hooked.

That year, I must’ve eaten half the batch before they even made it to the tray.

These cookies became our tradition — soft, buttery, rolled while still warm, and dusted in coconut for that perfect snow-kissed finish.

Why they’re a must on every Christmas platter

These Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies are more than just pretty. Their texture is delicate and tender, almost shortbread-like but creamier, thanks to butter and a touch of powdered sugar in the dough.

The shredded coconut not only adds holiday charm, but it gives each bite a soft chew and light sweetness that sets them apart from other cookies. They’re quick to make, don’t need chilling, and travel well — making them ideal for swaps, gift boxes, or cozy nights by the tree.

Their snowy look brings whimsy to every dessert table, and their flavor? It’s pure Christmas comfort.

Ingredients & How to Make Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies

Sweet, simple, and coconut-kissed

These cookies come together with just a handful of pantry staples and shredded coconut for that soft, snowy finish. No fancy mixers or long prep needed — just classic holiday magic.

Ingrédients :

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup finely shredded sweetened coconut (plus extra for rolling)
½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Tip: For the best texture, use finely shredded coconut. If using larger flakes, pulse in a food processor.

Method – From dough to snowballs in under an hour

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Stir in 1 cup shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are just set (don’t let them brown).
Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar mixed with a bit of extra coconut.
Cool completely on a wire rack, then roll again for that perfect snowy finish.

These cookies are best enjoyed with hot cocoa, holiday lights, and carols in the background.

Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies – Soft, Sweet, and Snowy

These buttery Coconut Snowball Cookies are a festive holiday classic — soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture rolled in coconut and powdered sugar. A snow-kissed delight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1½ tsp vanilla extract
– 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup finely shredded sweetened coconut plus extra for rolling
– ½ cup powdered sugar for coating

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Mix in vanilla.
Add flour and salt, mix to form dough.
Stir in 1 cup coconut.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on tray.
Bake 12–14 mins, until just set.
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar + coconut.
Cool, then roll again for a snowy finish.

Notes

Toast the coconut for a deeper flavor.
Roll cookies while still warm for better coating.
Great for gifting or freezing!

Flavor Variations & Storage Tips for Coconut Snowball Cookies

Add your twist – festive flavor spins

These Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies are delicious as-is, but a few simple swaps or additions can make them uniquely yours for any holiday table.

Almond Joy Snowballs: Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract and a few mini chocolate chips for a candy-inspired twist.
Lemon Coconut Snowballs: Add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright citrus lift.
Toasted Coconut Snowballs: Toast the extra coconut used for rolling for a nutty flavor and golden color.
Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a cozy winter flavor.
Dipped Snowballs: Half-dip each cooled cookie in melted white or dark chocolate, then sprinkle with coconut.

They’re endlessly adaptable — and perfect for cookie exchanges when you want to offer something playful yet elegant.

Storage – Make ahead and gift with confidence

One of the best things about these cookies is how well they keep. You can make a big batch and enjoy them all season long.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Add parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 10–12 days by storing in a cool place — perfect if you’re prepping ahead.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (fully cooled) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the dough and bake fresh later.

Tip: If gifting, roll in powdered sugar just before packaging for the freshest look..

FAQ – Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies

What are Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies made of?
They’re made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, flour, salt, and sweetened shredded coconut. Rolled twice in sugar for that classic snowy finish.

Can I make snowball cookies with sweetened coconut?
Yes! Sweetened coconut adds softness and flavor. For best results, use finely shredded coconut.

Do coconut snowball cookies need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. They store well at room temperature, but refrigerating extends freshness if making ahead.

How long do snowball cookies stay fresh?
They’ll last up to 1 week in an airtight container, or up to 2 months frozen.

Conclusion

There’s something timeless and cozy about Coconut Snowball Christmas Cookies. They’re soft, sweet, and full of holiday spirit — the kind of treat that disappears fast from every tray. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or reviving an old one, these cookies bring joy in every bite.

Simple to make, easy to love, and always ready to sparkle on your Christmas table.