Christmas Snowballs
Nothing brings the holiday spirit into my kitchen quite like making Christmas Snowballs. I remember the first time I baked these delightful treats with my family. We gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as we rolled the dough into little spheres, ready to be covered in a snowy blanket of coconut. The joy of creating these sweet bites together became a cherished tradition. Each time I present the Christmas Snowballs to friends and loved ones, it’s a reminder of those warm, joyous moments spent together, and the sparkle in their eyes as they take that first bite is priceless.
Recipe Snapshot
10 mins
10 mins
0 mins
Easy
150 kcal
3 g
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free
9 g
Mixing Bowl, Blender, Food Processor
The Appeal of This Christmas Snowballs
A Sweet Holiday Tradition
Making Christmas Snowballs is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming tradition that brings everyone together. The moment you roll the dough into little balls, you can feel the excitement in the air. It’s a fantastic way to involve kids, allowing them to get their hands sticky and creative.
Simple Yet Delightful
This recipe requires minimal ingredients, making it incredibly simple yet utterly delightful. The combination of dates, oats, and cocoa powder creates a rich flavor that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Each bite is a heavenly mix of sweetness and texture, making it hard to eat just one.
Healthy and Guilt-Free
If you’re looking for a healthier holiday treat, these Christmas Snowballs fit the bill. With no refined sugars and nourishing ingredients like oats and dates, you can indulge without the guilt. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy something sweet without compromising their health.
Customizable Goodness
One of the best parts of making Christmas Snowballs is the ability to customize them to your liking. You can adjust the sweetness, add nuts, or even experiment with different toppings. Want a festive touch? Roll them in crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles! The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique treat every time.
Perfect for Gifting
These treats also make wonderful gifts, packaged up in a cute box or jar. Friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a homemade gift, and they’ll love the deliciousness of these Christmas Snowballs. It’s a heartfelt gesture that spreads joy during the holiday season.
A Treat for Everyone
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, Christmas Snowballs are the ideal treat. They cater to various dietary needs, making them suitable for everyone. It’s a recipe that truly brings people together over something sweet and wholesome.
Shopping List for Christmas Snowballs
The ingredients for Christmas Snowballs are not only wholesome but incredibly synergistic. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a treat that’s balanced in flavor and texture. The oats provide a hearty base, while the dates add natural sweetness. The cocoa powder introduces a rich chocolate flavor, making these bites irresistible. Lastly, the coconut adds a delightful crunch and a tropical twist.
- Medjool Dates: 9 each – These dates are not only sweet but also rich in nutrients, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture that binds the ingredients together.
- Old Fashioned Oats: 1/3 cup – A great source of fiber, oats give the snowballs their structure while also contributing to their wholesome character.
- Cocoa Powder: 3 tbsp – This adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that elevates the overall taste of the snowballs.
- Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup – A creamy ingredient that brings everything together and adds a nutty richness.
- Vanilla: 1/2 tsp – A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Coconut Flakes: 1/3 cup – These flakes provide a snowy coating that makes the treats festive and delightful.
How to Cook Christmas Snowballs
Creating Christmas Snowballs is a fun and straightforward process. It’s all about combining the ingredients in a way that brings out their best flavors. As we dive into the steps, remember that this is a chance to get creative and enjoy the process!
Start by placing the old fashioned oats in a food processor. Blend them until you achieve a fine flour-like consistency. This should take a few minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the oats look powdery and soft.
Next, transfer the ground oats to a mixing bowl. In the same food processor, add the Medjool dates (ensure they are pitted). Blend them until a sticky paste forms. This is the glue that holds your snowballs together, so blend well.
Once your date paste is ready, add it to the mixing bowl with the oats. Now, incorporate the cocoa powder, peanut butter, and vanilla. This mixture will start to come together; use your hands to combine all the ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive dough.
Once mixed, gently shape the dough into small balls, each using about two tablespoons of the mixture. You’ll want them to be uniform in size to make them visually appealing.
Now comes the fun part! Place the coconut flakes in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball into the coconut until they are evenly coated. This will give them the snowy appearance that inspired their name.
After rolling all the balls, place them on a serving plate. Enjoy your Christmas Snowballs immediately, or store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.
Things Worth Knowing
- Consistency is Key: Ensure that the oat flour is fine to help the mixture bind properly.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
- Storage: Keep the snowballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestion: These treats are great as a snack during the holidays or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter.
How to Switch It Up
If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your Christmas Snowballs, here are some creative variations and tips to consider. These suggestions can help you customize the recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.
- Storage: These snowballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week while maintaining their deliciousness.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Just layer them in a container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking, and they can last for up to three months.
- Pairing: Serve these snowballs alongside a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to substitute almond butter for peanut butter or use different nuts for added crunch.
- Serving Ideas: They make a great addition to holiday gift baskets or as a sweet treat at family gatherings.
Great Combinations for Christmas Snowballs
When serving Christmas Snowballs, consider these delightful combinations to elevate your holiday festivities:
- Festive Drinks: Pair your snowballs with hot chocolate or spiced cider for a cozy, holiday vibe.
- Dessert Platters: Include them as part of a dessert platter alongside cookies, fruit tarts, and other festive treats.
- Parties: Perfect for holiday parties, serve them on a decorative platter for guests to enjoy.
- Gift Giving: Package them in decorative jars for a homemade gift that friends and family will love.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Ideal for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, or any holiday event.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Christmas Snowballs are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. Their wholesome ingredients make them a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. I encourage you to try making these sweet bites and share them with your loved ones this festive season; you won’t be disappointed!
Christmas Snowballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the old fashioned oats in a food processor. Blend them until you achieve a fine flour-like consistency. This should take a few minutes, and you'll know it's ready when the oats look powdery and soft.
- Next, transfer the ground oats to a mixing bowl. In the same food processor, add the Medjool dates (ensure they are pitted). Blend them until a sticky paste forms. This is the glue that holds your snowballs together, so blend well.
- Once your date paste is ready, add it to the mixing bowl with the oats. Now, incorporate the Cocoa Powder, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla. This mixture will start to come together; use your hands to combine all the ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive dough.
- Once mixed, gently shape the dough into small balls, each using about two tablespoons of the mixture. You’ll want them to be uniform in size to make them visually appealing.
- Now comes the fun part! Place the Coconut Flakes in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball into the coconut until they are evenly coated. This will give them the snowy appearance that inspired their name.
- After rolling all the balls, place them on a serving plate. Enjoy your Christmas Snowballs immediately, or store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later.
