Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic, you’ve got to try my Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe. These little delights are bursting with citrusy sweetness, rich buttery flavor, and a perfect coconut crunch that makes them absolutely addictive. Whether you’re making these for a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just because you want a sweet pick-me-up, you’ll find that once you taste them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe is super straightforward, relying on pantry staples that work in harmony to create that rich, sweet, and tangy bite you’re craving. Here are my tips for each key ingredient so you get the best results.

• Vanilla Wafer Cookies: These form the base, and I love their sweet, crumbly texture; if you can’t find the exact size, graham crackers are a great backup.
• Pecans: Toast your pecans lightly before pulsing them for extra nutty depth, but don’t overdo it or they’ll overpower the other flavors.
• Coconut Flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened works depending on how sweet you want your snowballs; I prefer sweetened for an extra hint of sugary yum.
• Powdered Sugar: This helps bind everything gently while adding a delicate sweetness that balances the orange perfectly.
• Orange Juice Concentrate: Using mostly thawed concentrate packs in intense orange flavor, and it’s what makes this recipe so uniquely bright.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch rounds out the flavors beautifully without stealing the show.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened but not melted adds richness and helps bind the mixture smoothly.

Variations

One of the best things about this Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often tweak it depending on my mood or what I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious. Here are a few ideas to inspire your own twist.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free treat and you won’t lose the texture.
• Tropical Twist: Add a sprinkle of lime zest or swap orange concentrate for pineapple juice concentrate to surprise your taste buds.
• Chocolate Coconut Snowballs: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the finished snowballs—a major hit with my chocoholic friends!
• Lower Sugar: Use unsweetened coconut flakes and reduce powdered sugar slightly; the orange concentrate adds plenty of flavor so it’s still sweet enough.

How to Make Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Crumbs

Start by pulsing the vanilla wafers in your food processor until they turn into a very fine crumb. This step is key for that smooth texture. Transfer those crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Next, pulse the pecans until finely chopped and add them to the bowl. For the coconut, pulse just enough to coarsely chop it—you want some texture—then set the coconut aside in a shallow dish for rolling later. I learned that chopping coconut too finely can make your snowballs feel dense, so a little chunk is good!

Step 2: Mix It All Together

Add the powdered sugar, mostly thawed orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract, and softened butter to your nut and wafer mixture. Then grab your hand mixer and blend everything until combined — it should look like a sticky, moist dough. This stage is fun because you start to smell that gorgeous orange aroma filling your kitchen. If it feels too wet, toss in a little extra powdered sugar, but be careful not to add too much or the snowballs get too sweet.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into 1-inch balls. Then roll each ball in the coarsely chopped coconut, giving them a snowy, irresistible coating. Place them on a cookie sheet and pop them into the fridge to firm up — about 30 minutes to an hour usually does the trick. Cooling helps them hold their shape so they don’t turn into melty blobs when you serve them.

How to Serve Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra shredded coconut on top just before serving for that “freshly snowed” look. Sometimes a tiny wedge of candied orange peel adds an elegant touch without overpowering. If you really want to indulge, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving ups the sweetness and looks pretty on a platter.

Side Dishes

These snowballs are perfect alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. I’ve also paired them with a simple berry salad to cut through the richness, which my guests always appreciate. If you want to get fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns these into a super fun dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these snowballs in a festive bowl lined with crushed peppermint candies for a pop of color and minty freshness. I’ve also placed them in mini cupcake liners and displayed them on a tiered dessert stand—the presentation gets as much love as the flavor! It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any extra Orange Coconut Snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they keep well for up to a week. They stay firm and fresh thanks to the chilling step, so you can enjoy your batch slowly without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

Freezing is another option if you want to prep ahead of time. I wrap individual snowballs in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they taste just as good as fresh—perfect for holiday gift-giving or unexpected guests.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake and mostly cooled treats, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just bring frozen snowballs to room temperature or chill in the fridge before serving to enjoy their signature texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Orange Coconut Snowballs Recipe brings back memories of festive seasons while feeling fresh and bright. The balance of flavors and textures is just perfect, and it’s such an easy recipe that even busy folks can pull off without stress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family does — they’re truly little bites of sunshine that brighten any day. Give them a try, and I promise, they’ll soon become your go-to sweet treat too!

Print