This Coconut Snowman Cheese Ball is a festive, sweet dessert that brings instant holiday cheer to any table. Creamy, lightly coconut-flavored, and shaped into an adorable snowman, it’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a seasonal treat night at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to prepare, requires no baking, and uses simple ingredients you may already have on hand. The texture is rich and creamy, balanced with gentle sweetness from powdered sugar and coconut. Its playful snowman shape makes it a guaranteed conversation starter, especially for holiday celebrations with kids and guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes, plus extra for coating
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
1 whole almond (for the nose)
9 to 10 chocolate chips (for eyes, smile, and buttons)
1 piece candy rope or gummy tape (for the scarf, halal-friendly)
For serving (optional dippers):
Graham crackers
Animal crackers
Vanilla wafers
Shortbread cookies
Directions
Add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. If using coconut extract, add it at this stage. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Divide the mixture into two portions: one portion using about two-thirds of the mixture for the body and the remaining one-third for the head.
Lightly shape each portion into a rough ball using a spoon or spatula. Cover the bowl and refrigerate both portions for 1 hour to firm up.
Remove from the refrigerator. Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands. Roll each ball in sweetened coconut flakes until fully coated.
Place the larger ball on a serving platter, then gently attach the smaller ball on top to form the snowman shape. Press lightly to secure.
Decorate with chocolate chips for the eyes, smile, and buttons. Insert the almond as the nose. Wrap the candy rope or gummy tape around the neck area to create a scarf.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve, along with your favorite dippers.
Servings and timing
Servings: approximately 10 to 12 people
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
For extra coconut flavor, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract.
For a citrus twist, mix in 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon or orange zest.
For added texture, fold in 2 tablespoons finely chopped nuts into the cheese mixture.
For a different look, shape the mixture into a single large snowball instead of a snowman.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating. If prepared in advance, add decorations shortly before serving for the best appearance.
FAQs
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to two days in advance and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Does this recipe taste strongly like coconut?
The coconut flavor is mild unless you add the optional coconut extract, which makes it more pronounced.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the smoothest texture, but reduced-fat can be used if needed.
What can I use instead of coconut flakes?
Finely crushed vanilla cookies or powdered sugar can be used for coating if coconut is not preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s sweet, mild, and fun, making it very kid-friendly.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture once thawed.
What if I don’t have candy rope for the scarf?
You can use gummy tape or any soft, bendable candy that fits your preference.
Can I add coconut flakes inside the mixture?
Yes, though it will make the cheese ball sweeter and slightly textured.
How do I keep it from sticking while shaping?
Lightly chill the mixture and use clean, slightly cool hands when rolling.
What are the best dippers for this cheese ball?
Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, and shortbread cookies work especially well.
Conclusion
This Coconut Snowman Cheese Ball is a delightful combination of festive fun and creamy sweetness. Easy to prepare and irresistibly cute, it’s an ideal dessert for holiday parties or cozy seasonal gatherings. Once you set it on the table, don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than expected.
This Coconut Snowman Cheese Ball is a creamy, no-bake holiday dessert shaped like an adorable snowman, featuring sweetened coconut and cream cheese. A festive centerpiece that’s fun for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes, plus extra for coating
1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
1 whole almond (for the nose)
9 to 10 chocolate chips (for eyes, smile, and buttons)
1 piece candy rope or gummy tape (halal-friendly, for the scarf)
Optional dippers: graham crackers, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and coconut extract (if using) until smooth.
Mix in 2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes until combined.
Divide mixture into two portions: two-thirds for the body, one-third for the head.
Roughly shape each portion into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands, then coat in extra coconut flakes.
Place the larger ball on a serving platter, then gently place the smaller one on top.
Decorate with chocolate chips for eyes, smile, and buttons. Add the almond for a nose.
Wrap the candy rope or gummy tape around the “neck” as a scarf.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve with your favorite dippers.
Notes
Add lemon or orange zest for a citrus twist.
Mix in finely chopped nuts for added texture.
Shape into one large snowball instead of a snowman for simplicity.
Decorations are best added right before serving to maintain their look.
