Delightful Coconut Date Snowballs: A Kid-Friendly Holiday Treat with a Surprise

Discover the magic of Coconut Date Snowballs – a truly delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for involving the whole family, especially the little ones. These charming, bite-sized snowballs are not only simple to prepare but also hide a delicious surprise in their heart, making them an instant hit during the festive season or any time you crave a sweet, satisfying snack.

Imagine soft, chewy dates, a crunchy pecan, and a sweet, coconut-infused exterior – a combination that’s both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome. This recipe is an ideal way to get kids excited in the kitchen, offering them a fun, hands-on experience that results in a scrumptious dessert. Get ready for some happy, albeit slightly messy, memories!

The Joy of Holiday Baking with Kids

During the holidays, finding activities that bring the family together is always a priority. Baking is one of the most cherished traditions, and these Coconut Date Snowballs offer the perfect opportunity to include children of all ages. Kids absolutely adore getting their hands into everything, and this recipe provides plenty of chances for them to mix, roll, and decorate. It’s more than just making a treat; it’s about creating lasting memories and fostering a love for cooking and creating.

What makes these snowballs so special, beyond their irresistible taste, is the hidden delight at their core. Each snowball features a plump, pitted date, carefully stuffed with a crunchy pecan. While they do contain some sugar from the condensed milk, the dates themselves bring natural sweetness, along with beneficial fiber and nutrients, offering a slightly more wholesome alternative to many other holiday sweets.

A Recipe with a Nostalgic Touch

The inspiration for these delightful snowballs comes from a truly special place: a collection of old cookbooks belonging to my mother-in-law. Tucked away within one of these treasured tomes was a magazine advertisement from the 1970s, showcasing a variety of condensed milk recipes. This particular recipe caught my eye, and after a few adjustments to suit modern tastes and ensure optimal results, it quickly became a new family favorite. It’s a wonderful example of how classic recipes can be rediscovered and revitalized for new generations to enjoy.

One key lesson learned during the first attempt was the need for more coconut than the original recipe suggested. When making these with children, be prepared for a bit of a glorious mess! The process of combining the condensed milk and coconut can get quite sticky, but this is often the most enjoyable part for kids as they love to squeeze and mix the soft, sweet concoction between their fingers. For adults, it might require a little patience, but the smiles on their faces are absolutely worth it.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Snowballs

This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients, making it accessible and easy to whip up anytime. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

Pitted Dates: Dates are the heart of this treat, providing a naturally sweet, caramel-like flavor and a wonderfully chewy texture. Opt for Medjool dates if possible, as they are larger, softer, and easier to stuff. Ensure they are pitted for convenience and safety, especially when involving children. Dates are also a good source of fiber and natural energy.
Pecan Halves: The pecan is our “surprise” center, adding a delightful crunch and a nutty depth that complements the sweetness of the date and coconut. You can easily substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even a roasted hazelnut if preferred. Just ensure they are small enough to fit comfortably inside the date.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magical binding agent that brings everything together, providing a rich sweetness and a creamy texture to the coconut coating. It helps create that signature “snowball” consistency and ensures the coconut adheres beautifully to the dates.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: The star of the show! Unsweetened coconut flakes are essential for the exterior coating, giving the snowballs their characteristic appearance and tropical flavor. Using unsweetened coconut balances the sweetness from the condensed milk and dates perfectly. Make sure to have extra on hand, as you might find yourself needing more for a thorough, beautiful coating – especially after little hands have had their fun!

Tips for a Smooth (and Delicious!) Process

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can ensure your Coconut Date Snowballs turn out perfectly every time:

Embrace the Mess: As mentioned, working with condensed milk and coconut can be a sticky affair. Don’t fight it! Lay down some parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup, and have wet wipes or a damp cloth readily available for sticky fingers.
Stuffing the Dates: To stuff the dates, carefully make a slit lengthwise down one side of the date, just enough to open it up without splitting it completely. Gently push a pecan half inside. If your dates are on the smaller side, you might need to use smaller pecan pieces.
Achieving the Perfect Coating: After stuffing the dates, immerse them fully in the coconut-condensed milk mixture. Use your hands to gently press and roll the mixture around the date, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Don’t be shy about using extra coconut if needed to achieve a thick, fluffy “snowball” exterior. This also helps to reduce stickiness for easier handling.
Serving Suggestions: These snowballs are quite moist and can be a bit sticky on the bottom due to the condensed milk settling. I highly recommend serving them in small paper liners, like mini cupcake liners. This not only makes for a tidier presentation but also prevents them from sticking to your serving plate. A sprinkle of extra coconut or even some festive sprinkles on top before they set adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Storage: Store your finished Coconut Date Snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will firm up nicely and can last for up to a week, making them perfect for making ahead for parties or holiday gatherings.

Variations to Explore

Want to put your own spin on these delightful treats? Here are a few ideas:

Nut Alternatives: While pecans are classic, walnuts or almonds are fantastic substitutes, offering their own unique flavor and texture.
Flavor Boosters: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny amount of cardamom to the coconut mixture for a warm, spiced flavor. A little citrus zest (orange or lemon) can also brighten the taste profile.
Chocolate Lovers: For an extra layer of indulgence, you could lightly drizzle the finished snowballs with melted dark chocolate or mix in mini chocolate chips into the coconut coating.
Different Coatings: Beyond coconut, consider rolling some of the snowballs in cocoa powder for a “dark” version, or finely chopped pistachios for a vibrant green and nutty crunch.

These Coconut Date Snowballs are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to create, share, and enjoy precious moments with your loved ones. Their simple charm and irresistible taste make them a staple for any holiday dessert table or a welcome surprise in a lunchbox. So gather your ingredients, call the kids, and get ready to roll out some sweet, festive fun!

Coconut Date Snowballs

Prep Time
15 minutes

Total Time
15 minutes

Ingredients

6 oz pitted dates
pecan halves
14 oz condensed milk
2 cups unsweetened coconut

Instructions

Cut the dates open and stuff each one with a pecan half.
In a bowl combine the condensed milk and coconut.
Dip the dates in the coconut mixture and place in a paper liner.
Sprinkle a little bit of extra coconut on top.

Notes

You can use whatever nut you prefer. Walnuts work great for this.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 138Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 31mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g