I dreamed up these Coconut Gumdrop Holiday Snowball Cookies one winter while sorting through my baking cupboard. I had a bag of colorful gumdrops and a yearning for something nostalgic yet new. As I creamed the butter and sugar, the kitchen filled with a sweet, buttery aroma, and when I folded in the coconut and chopped gumdrops, the dough became a festive rainbow. Watching them bake into golden little domes and then transform under a snowfall of powdered sugar was pure magic. That first bite—a tender, coconut-kissed cookie with a hidden jewel of sweet, chewy gumdrop—was a burst of holiday joy in every mouthful. They instantly became a new December tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love this recipe because it takes the classic snowball cookie and fills it with a delightful, colorful surprise. It’s a wonderful twist that appeals to both kids and adults, combining the melt-in-your-mouth texture of a traditional Mexican wedding cookie with the playful fun of holiday candy. The process is simple, the results are stunningly pretty, and they make your cookie tray uniquely yours. They’re the perfect project for a cozy baking day, filling your home with warmth and ending with a treat that’s guaranteed to spark smiles and curious bites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 1 extra cup for rolling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup gumdrops (fruit-flavored, not spice drops), finely chopped
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed (See the next page below to continue…)