Oh boy, have I got something special for you today! If there’s one thing that gets me in the holiday spirit, it’s whipping up some sweet treats in the kitchen, and these **Festive Strawberry Snowball Treats** have a special place in my heart. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but they also deliver a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering—and let me tell you, they vanished faster than I could say “Merry Christmas!”
These treats are perfect for any festive occasion and are surprisingly simple to make. The combination of creamy filling enclosed in a sweet and chewy coconut coating gives them that “snowball” charm that everyone loves. Plus, who can resist strawberries? They remind me of my childhood summers when we’d run around the garden, picking fresh berries and finding ways to eat them by the handful. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What’s in Festive Strawberry Snowball Treats?
– Fresh Strawberries: A must-have! They provide a juicy, sweet base, and I always recommend using ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
– Cream Cheese: This is the star of the filling! Softened for easy mixing, it gives a rich and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberries.
– Powdered Sugar: This helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese, making the filling irresistibly sweet.
– Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon adds a lovely aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
– Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut adds a chewy texture and that snowball effect. Unsweetened is fine too, depending on how sweet you want it.
– Granulated Sugar: This is for sprinkling at the end to heighten the “snow” effect. It’s like a final touch of glitter!
– Optional Food Coloring: If you want to jazz things up, a few drops of red or pink can make these little guys pop with color—perfect for the festive season!
Is Festive Strawberry Snowball Treats Good for You?
You might be wondering if we can justify devouring a handful of these beauties in one go. Well, here’s the scoop!
– Strawberries: These little gems are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. They support heart health, are low in calories, and add natural sweetness—what’s not to love?
– Cream Cheese: While it’s delish, it’s also rich in calories and fat, so moderation is key here. It’s a treat after all!
– Coconut: Provides healthy fats and fiber, but watch the sugar content if you’re using sweetened coconut.
– The granulated and powdered sugar contribute sweetness but do remember, too much sugar isn’t great for our health.
So, enjoy these treats as part of a balanced diet, and maybe share some with friends to help spread the festive cheer!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– Optional: food coloring (red or pink for more vibrant color)
– **Servings:** About 12 strawberry snowball treats
How to Make Festive Strawberry Snowball Treats?
1. Begin by thoroughly washing and hulling those fresh strawberries. Pat them dry with a paper towel—I find this prevents the filling from sliding off.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in a few drops of food coloring to brighten things up!
3. Now, take a lovely strawberry and carefully dip it into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Feel free to use a spoon to help out if needed.
4. Once coated, roll that sweet strawberry in the shredded coconut until it’s fully covered. It’s like giving it a cozy snow coat!
5. Place the coated strawberry on a plate and sprinkle with granulated sugar for an added “snowball” effect. Repeat with the remaining strawberries—trust me, it goes quicker than you think.
6. After all the strawberries are coated and decorated, pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill and set. This helps the filling firm up a bit.
7. Serve your festive strawberry snowball treats chilled and watch them disappear—my friends and family can never get enough!
Sweet Tips & Variations
– If you want to kick up the holiday spirit, try drizzling melted chocolate over the coated strawberries before refrigerating. Heaven on a plate!
– For more variety, you could experiment with flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or vanilla bean, to give these treats an unexpected twist.
– These also make great gifts! Just arrange them in a festive box or container, and you’ll spread joy in every bite.
I can’t wait for you to try these delightful **Festive Strawberry Snowball Treats**! They are sure to bring smiles to your gathering and perhaps even create new sweet memories. Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to share the love and the snowball treats! Happy cooking!
