Description
These Orange Coconut Snowballs are a delightful no-bake treat combining the zesty flavor of orange juice concentrate with the crunch of pecans and sweetness of vanilla wafers. Coated in shredded coconut, these bite-sized cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert that requires minimal preparation and chilling time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 12oz box vanilla wafer cookies
- 1 1/4 cup pecans
- 2 cups coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup orange juice concentrate, mostly thawed (about 6 oz)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Crumbs: In a food processor, pulse the vanilla wafers until they become a very fine crumb. Transfer these crumbs to a mixing bowl. Then pulse the pecans in the processor until finely ground and add them to the wafers. Lastly, pulse the coconut flakes until they are coarsely chopped and place them separately in a shallow dish for rolling later.
- Mix the Dough: To the bowl containing the wafer and pecan crumbs, add the powdered sugar, orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Using a hand mixer, blend the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a dough.
- Form Snowballs: Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough, then shape each scoop into a round ball using your hands. Roll each ball thoroughly in the coarsely chopped coconut until fully coated.
- Chill and Store: Place the coated snowballs onto a cookie sheet and refrigerate until firm, approximately 1-2 hours. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- If only 11oz boxes of vanilla wafers are available, supplement by adding 2-3 sheets of graham crackers crushed, or increase the powdered sugar by 1/3 cup to compensate for volume, though this will add extra sweetness.
- Alternatively, purchase two 11oz boxes and use the extra wafers for another dessert like banana pudding.
- Sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes can be used based on personal preference for sweetness.
- Ensure the orange juice concentrate is mostly thawed for easier mixing but keep it chilled before use.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the butter from melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
