Turn off the mixer. Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded coconut (and your optional add-ins like nuts or cherries, if using) to the bowl. Use your sturdy rubber spatula or clean hands to fold and knead the coconut into the cream cheese mixture until it’s fully incorporated and the dough is uniform. It will be sticky, but it should hold together when pinched. If it seems too soft to handle, you can refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. I usually skip this if my kitchen is cool.
Now, for the fun part. Pour the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded coconut into a shallow bowl. Scoop up about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it between your palms into a smooth, compact ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Immediately roll the ball in the reserved coconut, pressing gently so the flakes adhere on all sides. Place the finished snowball on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. If the dough becomes too soft and sticky from the heat of your hands, pop the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up. Once all the snowballs are formed and coated, place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator. They need to chill and firm up for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This chill transforms them from sticky dough into perfect, sliceable confections.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested the coconut three ways: untoasted, all toasted, and just toasting the coating. Toasting only the coconut you use for the final roll is the absolute winner. Spread 1 ½ cups on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F for 5-8 minutes, stirring once, until just lightly golden. It adds a nutty depth and incredible aroma that makes the snowballs taste gourmet. Toasting all the coconut can make the dough too dry.
Here’s what I learned the hard way about consistency: if your dough is too soft, it’s usually because the cream cheese or butter was too warm or you’re in a very warm kitchen. Don’t force it. Refrigerate the mixing bowl for 20-30 minutes before attempting to roll. A firmer dough is infinitely easier to work with and yields prettier, rounder snowballs.(See the next page below to continue…)