Ah, Newfoundland snowballs! These delightful treats are a perfect fusion of coconut, sweetness, and nostalgia, bringing a taste of the Newfoundland kitchen to your own. Having spent many a winter’s day enjoying these snowy bites, I can confidently say they are easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Sweetened coconut meets a smooth, creamy filling, offering a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.
- Nostalgic Sweet Treat: These snowballs are a cherished tradition in many Newfoundland homes, making them a sweet reminder of home for many.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, even novice cooks can successfully whip these up.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon snack, snowballs fit right in!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors or coatings to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Personally, I love experimenting with different fillings for a fun twist!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time not included)
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus cooling
- Servings: 12 snowballs
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Chilling (no baking involved)
Now, let’s dive into the sweet adventure of making perfect Newfoundland snowballs!
My Experience Making This Recipe
Creating Newfoundland snowballs in my kitchen brought back cherished memories of family gatherings. Initially, I faced the challenge of getting the filling just right—not too runny, and not too firm. Through a bit of trial and adjustment, I discovered that chilling the filling simplifies rolling and coating the snowballs!
How to Make Perfect Newfoundland Snowballs
Making these snowballs involves mixing a delicious creamy center and rolling it in sweetened coconut. You begin by preparing the filling, allowing it to chill until it’s firm enough to shape, and then rolling the morsels in coconut flakes. It’s a straightforward process that yields satisfying results—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill Your Filling: Ensure the filling is well-chilled—this makes rolling the snowballs easier and keeps their shape.
- Use Fresh Coconut: If possible, use fresh grated coconut for a burst of flavor. Otherwise, opt for good quality sweetened coconut flakes.
- Dampen Your Hands: Lightly wetting your hands before rolling can prevent sticking and keep the snowballs looking smooth.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add extracts like vanilla or almond to the filling for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make Ahead: These snowballs can be made in advance, making them perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
How to Serve Perfect Newfoundland Snowballs
- Individual Treats: Serve them on a decorative platter as bite-sized delights at gatherings.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: They make a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon beverage.
- Gift Giving: Package some in a nice box or tin for a heartfelt homemade gift!
- Fun Presentation: Use colorful sprinkles or drizzle some chocolate on top for added flair.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftover snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them, separating layers with parchment paper; they can last for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes—they’ll delight your taste buds once more!
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or non-dairy alternatives for the filling to make them dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Flavor Twists: Add crushed nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the filling for an innovative taste.
- Chocolate Coated: Dip the finished snowballs in melted chocolate, then roll in coconut for a decadent twist.
Nutritional Highlights
These snowballs provide a delightful treat without overwhelming guilt. They offer a good source of energy from the coconut, and with moderate portion sizes, they can fit into a balanced diet. Be mindful of the sugar content, especially for those watching their sugar intake.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Filling Too Soft: If your filling is too runny, try adding more coconut to absorb excess moisture.
- Coconut Doesn’t Stick: Dampen the snowballs slightly before rolling them in coconut; this helps the flakes adhere better.
- Hard to Shape: If the filling is too firm to shape easily, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes until it softens slightly for easier handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes?
- Yes, you can, but be aware that your snowballs will be less sweet. You may want to add a bit of powdered sugar to the filling to compensate.
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Can I make these in advance?
- Absolutely! Snowballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.
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What’s the best way to store them?
- Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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Can I add other flavors to the filling?
- Yes, get creative! You can incorporate peanut butter, chocolate spread, or even flavored extracts to enhance the taste.
Enjoy making your perfect Newfoundland snowballs! With every bite, you’re not just savoring a delicious treat, but also a piece of Newfoundland tradition.
Print
Newfoundland Snowballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 snowballs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful coconut treats that bring a fusion of sweetness and nostalgia from the Newfoundland kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate for coating (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, use your hands to form small balls of the mixture.
- Roll the balls in sweetened coconut flakes until fully coated.
- Place the coated snowballs on a tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For variations, try adding crushed nuts or flavor extracts to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snowball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg