Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are a delightful winter treat that bring a whimsical touch to any dessert table. These soft, fluffy cookies feature a gooey marshmallow center wrapped in a tender chocolate or vanilla dough, then rolled in shredded coconut to resemble snowy little snowballs.
With their sweet, chewy texture and charming appearance, they’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire. Easy to make and fun to share, these cookies combine nostalgic flavors with playful presentation.
Whether you’re baking for kids or grown-ups, Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are sure to add a magical bite to the season.
If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland in cookie form, these Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat. With a soft chocolatey cookie wrapped around a gooey marshmallow center and rolled in powdered sugar or coconut flakes, these cookies look like miniature snowballs and taste like childhood joy.
Perfect for Christmas cookie platters, winter parties, or just because—you’re going to fall in love with their texture and taste. Let’s get baking!
Best Marshmallow Snowball Cookies Recipe
Description
Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are delightful no-bake treats that combine soft, pillowy marshmallows wrapped in a rich chocolate-coconut mixture.
These nostalgic, bite-sized desserts are made with graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut, creating a fudgy exterior around a fluffy center.
Perfect for holiday platters or wintertime snacking, they offer a mix of chewy, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite. Their snowy appearance and festive flavor make them especially popular for Christmas or snowy-themed gatherings.
Simple to prepare and irresistibly sweet, Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are a charming addition to any dessert table or cookie exchange.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
For the Coating:
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed). Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will be thick but pliable.
Tip: If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
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Form the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take about 1½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a large marshmallow (or half of a jumbo one) in the center and gently wrap the dough around it, sealing the marshmallow completely. Roll into a smooth ball and place on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly.
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Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops have a cracked appearance. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies are meant to stay soft and fudgy.
Once baked, let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Roll in Snowy Coating:
While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not too hot), roll each one in powdered sugar or shredded coconut. The warmth helps the sugar or coconut stick better, giving it that signature snowball look.
For extra snowiness, you can double-roll the cookies after they’ve cooled completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 160kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 20mg7%
- Sodium 80mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are the ultimate wintertime or holiday treat—soft, chewy cookies wrapped around a gooey marshmallow center, rolled in coconut or powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs. They’re nostalgic, festive, and incredibly fun to make (and eat).
Whether you're baking them for a holiday party, a cookie swap, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
Below are some expert tips, clever serving ideas, and a thoughtful conclusion to help you perfect this delightful treat.
Tips for Perfect Marshmallow Snowball Cookies
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Marshmallows
Always use fresh mini marshmallows for the best gooey center. Old marshmallows can dry out and won’t melt properly inside the cookie.
2. Chill Your Dough
After mixing the dough, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to wrap around the marshmallows without sticking to your hands.
3. Flatten Dough Evenly
When wrapping the marshmallows, flatten the dough into discs (about ¼-inch thick) to evenly encase the marshmallow. Be sure the edges are sealed completely to prevent any leakage during baking.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop for Consistency
Using a medium cookie scoop ensures all your cookies are uniform in size, which means even baking and a more professional look.
5. Don’t Overbake
Bake until the bottoms are just golden brown—typically 8 to 10 minutes. Overbaking can cause the marshmallow to melt out or caramelize too much.
6. Roll While Warm (Optional)
If you want a classic powdered sugar snowball effect, roll the cookies in powdered sugar or shredded coconut while they’re still slightly warm. The coating sticks better this way.
7. Use Chocolate Dough for a Twist
Add cocoa powder to your dough for a chocolate snowball cookie version. The contrast between the dark dough and white coconut or sugar coating is visually stunning.
Serving Tricks
1. Serve on a Snowy Platter
Present the cookies on a white or silver platter lined with shredded coconut or powdered sugar for a magical “snowfall” effect.
2. Pair with Hot Cocoa or Coffee
These cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks. The gooey marshmallow center echoes the marshmallows in a classic cup of hot cocoa.
3. Add a Surprise Inside
For extra flair, hide a chocolate chip, caramel bit, or nut inside with the marshmallow to add more depth of flavor and texture.
4. Package as Edible Gifts
Wrap a few snowball cookies in cellophane bags with a holiday ribbon and a gift tag. They make perfect homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
5. Mini Versions for Parties
Make bite-sized versions using smaller pieces of dough and mini marshmallows. They're great for dessert trays and party spreads.
Best Season to Serve:
These cookies shine especially during the winter holidays, particularly Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Their festive look makes them ideal for cookie exchanges and holiday dessert tables.
But don’t let the snowball theme stop you—they're great year-round for chocolate lovers or anyone who enjoys marshmallow-centered surprises.
Variations:
- Minty Snowballs: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top after rolling in sugar.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture.
- Gooey Center: Use chocolate-covered marshmallows or stuffed marshmallows (like caramel-filled) for a surprise burst of flavor.
- Coconut Craving: For extra coconut flavor, add ½ teaspoon coconut extract to the dough and toast the shredded coconut slightly before rolling.
Final Tips:
- Ensure the marshmallows are completely sealed in dough to prevent leakage during baking.
- Don’t skip rolling in the coating while warm—it’s what gives these cookies their signature “snowball” appearance.
- For a pretty holiday presentation, place each cookie in a mini cupcake liner and dust with edible glitter or extra powdered sugar.
These Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your cookie recipe collection. Soft, chocolatey, gooey, and sweet with a wintry flair—they’re everything you want in a cozy dessert.
Conclusion
Marshmallow Snowball Cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re an experience. From their gooey, melty centers to their fluffy, snowy exteriors, they bring a sense of warmth and wonder to any gathering. These cookies are deceptively easy to make, yet taste like something from a specialty bakery.
With just a few clever tricks—like using chilled dough, sealing marshmallows properly, and rolling them in the right coating—you can take this cookie from simple to spectacular.
Perfect for the holiday season, snowy weekends, or nostalgic winter moments, Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are a must-bake for anyone who loves sweet surprises and cozy desserts. Try them once, and they might just become a beloved tradition in your home!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marshmallow Snowball Cookies?
Marshmallow Snowball Cookies are soft, chocolatey treats with a fluffy marshmallow center. Typically made by wrapping cookie dough around a marshmallow, they're baked until gooey, then rolled in powdered sugar or coconut to resemble snowballs. These cookies are a fun holiday favorite, especially during Christmas and winter months.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Yes, mini marshmallows can be used, especially if you're making smaller cookies or want less gooey filling. Stack two to three minis together for a similar effect to one large marshmallow. Just note: large marshmallows give a more dramatic, gooey center, while minis may melt more quickly and mix into the dough.
Do Marshmallow Snowball Cookies freeze well?
Absolutely! You can freeze both the dough and the fully baked cookies.
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For dough: Shape and freeze them without the marshmallow, then add it just before baking.
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For baked cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers with parchment between layers. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why do my marshmallows disappear during baking?
This often happens if the marshmallow isn’t fully sealed inside the dough. To prevent it:
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Encase the marshmallow completely, ensuring there are no cracks.
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Chill the dough before baking to slow down spreading.
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Use parchment paper to catch any overflow.
A well-sealed cookie keeps the marshmallow soft and intact, resulting in a gooey, picture-perfect center.
