Newfoundland Snowballs are a delightful winter dessert that brings warmth and joy during the holiday season. These treats, made with oats, coconut, and cocoa, offer a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. With their sweet flavor and festive appearance, they are perfect for any gathering or celebration. Let’s dive into how to create these delicious Newfoundland snowballs!
Why You’ll Love This Newfoundland Snowballs
There are many reasons to adore Newfoundland Snowballs. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Second, they deliver a unique flavor combination of oats and coconut that is sure to please everyone. Third, these snowballs are perfect for parties, as they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Fourth, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for various dietary preferences. Fifth, they are a nostalgic treat that many people associate with holiday traditions. Finally, Newfoundland snowballs are versatile – you can experiment with different ingredients to create your own variations!
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 Best Newfoundland Snowballs
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure the mixture is well-chilled before rolling to achieve the best texture.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a more balanced flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cocoa powder for varied taste.
- These snowballs can be made up to a week in advance, which makes them ideal for holiday parties.
Best Ways to Serve Newfoundland Snowballs
When it comes to serving, consider these options:
- Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Serve them on a dessert platter at your holiday gathering for an eye-catching display.
- For a fun twist, try drizzling melted chocolate over the snowballs for extra indulgence.
How to Store and Reheat Newfoundland Snowballs
To keep your Newfoundland Snowballs fresh, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, freeze the snowballs in a single layer before placing them in a freezer container. They can last for several weeks, making them a great make-ahead dessert for your holiday parties!
Frequently Asked Questions About Newfoundland Snowballs
What’s the secret to perfect Newfoundland Snowballs?
The secret to perfect Newfoundland Snowballs lies in allowing the mixture to chill completely before rolling. This ensures that each snowball holds its shape and has the right texture. Using room-temperature ingredients can also help in achieving the ideal consistency.
Can I make Newfoundland Snowballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these delightful snowballs ahead of time. They can be prepared a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen. This makes them a convenient choice for holiday gatherings or dessert preparations.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Newfoundland Snowballs?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you accurately measure your ingredients and allow the mixture to cool sufficiently before rolling. Additionally, avoid overworking the mixture, as this can lead to a dense texture rather than the desired fluffy outcome.

Variations of Newfoundland Snowballs You Can Try
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations to consider:
- Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the mixture for added texture.
- Substitute the cocoa powder with chocolate or vanilla flavoring for a different twist.
- For a tropical flair, incorporate pineapple or mango into the snowball mixture.
- Experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or peppermint, to enhance the taste.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for the holidays!
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Newfoundland Snowballs: 7 Irresistible Holiday Treats
- Total Time: Overnight chilling time + 26 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 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
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 snowball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Newfoundland Snowballs, winter treats, dessert








