Newfoundland Snowballs are delightful winter treats that capture the essence of holiday joy. Made with oats, coconut, and cocoa, these sweet concoctions offer a chewy texture and a rich, chocolatey flavor that is simply irresistible. As a traditional dessert from Newfoundland, these snowballs bring warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings, making them a staple on holiday tables. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, learning how to make Newfoundland snowballs is a must!
Why You’ll Love This Newfoundland Snowballs
There are so many reasons to love these delightful treats! First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy holiday seasons. Second, they bring a unique twist to traditional sweets, standing out among typical holiday cookies. Third, these snowball cookies are vegetarian-friendly, accommodating various diets. Fourth, the combination of oats and coconut adds a delightful texture that you won’t find in many desserts. Fifth, they can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for meal prep. Lastly, the cultural significance of Newfoundland snowballs makes them a fun conversation starter at any gathering. These snowball desserts from Newfoundland are sure to impress!
Ingredients for Newfoundland Snowballs
Gather these items:
- 600 g granulated sugar
- 170 g unsalted butter, melted
- 310 ml whole milk
- 240 g large rolled oats
- 80 g unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 90 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 120 g unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, for rolling
How to Make Newfoundland Snowballs Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, add granulated sugar, melted butter, and whole milk. Choose a pot with ample space to prevent foaming over during boiling.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once a full rolling boil is reached, continue boiling without stirring for 5–6 minutes or until the temperature registers 107–110°C on a candy thermometer.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, 80 g coconut, and cocoa powder evenly.
- Step 4: Pour the hot boiled mixture over the oat, coconut, and cocoa blend. Stir until fully combined. The mixture will be soft and loose initially.
- Step 5: Allow the mixture to cool to almost room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until very well chilled and firm, preferably overnight.
- Step 6: With chilled hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 4 cm balls. Roll each ball in the reserved coconut to coat thoroughly.
- Step 7: Transfer the finished snowballs to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator to maintain texture. For long-term storage, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer container.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Newfoundland Snowballs
Keep these in mind:
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy when boiling.
- Let the mixture cool completely before rolling to avoid stickiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or vanilla extract to the mixture.
- These snowball treats can be customized with different toppings, such as chopped nuts or sprinkles.
Best Ways to Serve Newfoundland Snowballs
Enjoy these treats in various ways:
- Serve them on a festive dessert platter alongside other Newfoundland holiday treats.
- Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Gift them in decorative boxes as homemade Newfoundland snowball gifts for loved ones.
How to Store and Reheat Newfoundland Snowballs
For optimal freshness, store your snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before placing them in a freezer container. This method preserves their texture and flavor. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newfoundland Snowballs
What are Newfoundland snowballs?
Newfoundland snowballs are no-bake desserts made primarily of oats, coconut, and cocoa, resembling small round treats. Their chewy texture and sweet taste make them a holiday favorite.
Can I make Newfoundland snowballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these snowball cookies taste even better after resting in the fridge overnight. Just prepare them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Newfoundland snowballs?
To avoid stickiness, ensure the mixture is adequately chilled before rolling. Additionally, measure ingredients accurately to maintain the right consistency. Following the Newfoundland snowball recipe carefully will lead to delicious results!
Variations of Newfoundland Snowballs You Can Try
Explore these delightful variations:
- Incorporate chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Try using shredded almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
- Experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, for unique flavors.

For more delicious recipes, check out chocolate oatmeal bars or mini cranberry cheesecakes!
These snowballs are not only a treat but also a part of Newfoundland’s rich culinary heritage. For more on traditional recipes, visit caramel apple cheesecake bars.
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Delicious Newfoundland Snowballs: 7 Steps to Joyful Treats
- Total Time: Overnight chilling time plus 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 snowballs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfect Newfoundland Snowballs are delightful winter treats made with oats, coconut, and cocoa, offering a sweet and chewy texture that is perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 600 g granulated sugar
- 170 g unsalted butter, melted
- 310 ml whole milk
- 240 g large rolled oats
- 80 g unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 90 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 120 g unsweetened fine desiccated coconut, for rolling
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add granulated sugar, melted butter, and whole milk. Choose a pot with ample space to prevent foaming over during boiling.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once a full rolling boil is reached, continue boiling without stirring for 5–6 minutes or until the temperature registers 107–110°C on a candy thermometer.
- In a separate large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, 80 g coconut, and cocoa powder evenly.
- Pour the hot boiled mixture over the oat, coconut, and cocoa blend. Stir until fully combined. The mixture will be soft and loose initially.
- Allow the mixture to cool to almost room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until very well chilled and firm, preferably overnight.
- With chilled hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 4 cm balls. Roll each ball in the reserved coconut to coat thoroughly.
- Transfer the finished snowballs to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator to maintain texture. For long-term storage, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer container.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and Refrigeration
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snowball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Newfoundland Snowballs, winter treats, holiday desserts