Snowball Candy is the epitome of winter magic wrapped into a bite-sized treat. With creamy white chocolate, crunchy almonds, and a snowy coating of coconut, these delightful confections bring a festive touch to any holiday gathering. Sweet, rich, and perfectly textured, they’re a hit among both kids and adults.
When I first made Snowball Candy, it was for a holiday potluck. My daughter loved rolling the coconut-covered “snowballs,” giggling as powdered sugar dusted her hands. Everyone at the party raved about them, with one friend jokingly asking, “Are these edible snowflakes?” Since then, they’ve become a family favorite during the Christmas season!
Why Our Snowball Candy Is the Best
Our Snowball Candy recipe is a true showstopper. It’s a blend of creamy white chocolate, nutty almonds, and a hint of warmth from bourbon or rum. Its snowy coconut coating makes it as festive as it is delicious. Perfect for sharing, these candies are easy to customize and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Notes for Snowball Candy
Each ingredient in this Snowball Candy recipe works together to create its signature taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz. white chocolate chips: Creates the creamy base for the candies. Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and ensures the chocolate melts smoothly.
- 1¼ cups slivered almonds (6 oz.), very finely ground: Provides a nutty crunch that balances the sweetness. Use a food processor for a fine grind.
- 2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum: Adds a subtle, warm depth of flavor. Omit for a kid-friendly version and replace with 2 additional tablespoons of cream or milk.
- 1½ cups flaked coconut: Creates the signature snowy appearance while adding a light, tropical note.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Snowball Candy
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Food processor or blender (for grinding almonds)
- 8-inch square pan
- Sharp knife
- Large plate or tray for rolling the candies
How to Make Snowball Candy
Making these festive treats is as fun as it is simple. Follow these steps to create the perfect Snowball Candy:
1. Melt the Chocolate
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of hot (not boiling) water, combine 12 oz. white chocolate chips and ¼ cup heavy cream.
- Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the Almonds and Flavor
- Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and stir in 1¼ cups finely ground slivered almonds and 2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum (or milk/cream for a kid-friendly version).
- Mix well to combine.
3. Chill the Mixture
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill uncovered for about 1 hour, or until firm.
4. Roll into Balls
- Remove the chilled mixture from the fridge and cut it into 64 squares.
- Roll each square into a ball using your hands.
5. Coat with Coconut
- Roll each ball in 1½ cups flaked coconut, pressing gently to ensure the coconut sticks.
- Chill the finished snowballs until ready to serve.
How to Store Snowball Candy
Keep your Snowball Candy fresh and delicious with these storage tips:
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
- In the freezer: Place the snowballs in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Snowball Candy Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: Dip the coconut-covered snowballs halfway into melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace almonds with crushed graham crackers or finely chopped dried fruit for a nut-free version.
- Cranberry Twist: Add finely chopped dried cranberries to the mixture for a festive, tangy flavor.
- Peppermint Snowballs: Mix in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of bourbon or rum for a refreshing holiday twist.
What to Serve With Snowball Candy
Pair these elegant candies with a mug of hot cocoa, a glass of chilled eggnog, or even a creamy Baileys cocktail for an extra festive flair. For dessert tables, arrange them alongside other Christmas treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread men to create a magical winter-themed spread.
Top Tips for Perfect Snowball Candy
- Use high-quality white chocolate: This ensures the best flavor and smoothest texture.
- Grind the almonds finely: A food processor works best for a uniform, smooth texture in the candy mixture.
- Chill thoroughly: The mixture must be firm before rolling into balls to make the process easier and less messy.
- Press the coconut gently: Roll the balls firmly in the coconut to create a beautiful, even coating.
- Customize flavors: Experiment with extracts like almond, orange, or peppermint to match your holiday theme.
Helpful Notes
- If the chocolate mixture seems too soft to roll after chilling, return it to the fridge for another 15 minutes.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the coconut before rolling the candies in it.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use room-temperature cream when melting chocolate to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Nigella Lawson: Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Mary Berry: For perfectly shaped balls, lightly coat your hands with powdered sugar before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Snowball Candy can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I substitute the alcohol?
A: Absolutely. Replace the bourbon or rum with 2 additional tablespoons of cream or milk for a kid-friendly option.
Q: How can I prevent the coconut from falling off?
A: Roll the candies gently but firmly in the coconut, ensuring they’re fully coated. Chilling them afterward helps the coating stick better.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of white?
A: Yes! It will create a richer, less sweet flavor profile, but it works beautifully.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan to chill the mixture.
More Delicious Snowball Recipes
- Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
- Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies
- Raspberry-Filled Almond Snowball Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Snowball Candy
Ingredients
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 6 cups powdered sugar
- – 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- – 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, until a thick dough forms.
- If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pour the shredded coconut into a shallow dish. Roll each candy ball in the coconut, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate the snowballs for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- For a festive twist, tint the coconut with food coloring to match holiday themes.
- Store snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor.