Name: Lime Coconut Snowballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 36 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon grated lime zest; 3/4 cup superfine sugar*; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into sixteen 1/2-inch pieces, at cool room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon cream cheese, at room temperature; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 1/2 cups powedered sugar; 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

These Lime Coconut Snowballs are buttery cookies with a tangy lime glaze and coconut coating. A family favorite holiday treat that's easy to make.

These Lime Coconut Snowballs combine a buttery shortbread-like cookie with bright lime zest and a creamy lime glaze. The cream cheese in the dough gives them a tender crumb, while the shredded coconut coating adds texture. They're simple to make and perfect for holiday cookie trays or an everyday treat.

Why You’ll Love This Lime Coconut Snowballs

The cream cheese in the dough creates a soft, tender texture that sets these apart from standard shortbread.
The lime glaze adds a tangy sweetness that balances the rich butter and coconut.
No chilling required. The dough comes together quickly in a stand mixer and rolls into balls right away.

Key Ingredients for Lime Coconut Snowballs

Lime zest and juice: Use fresh limes for the best flavor. The zest provides aromatic oils, while the juice adds acidity. Avoid bottled lime juice, which can taste flat.
Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture. Let it soften to room temperature before mixing so it incorporates smoothly. Low-fat cream cheese may make the dough drier.
Superfine sugar: Also called caster sugar, it dissolves more easily into the butter than granulated sugar, resulting in a smoother dough. If you don't have it, pulse granulated sugar in a food processor for 10 seconds.

Kitchen Tools for Making Snowball Cookies

Stand mixer with paddle attachment: Makes quick work of cutting butter into dry ingredients. A hand mixer or pastry cutter also works.
Parchment-lined baking sheets: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Use heavy-duty sheets for even baking.
Medium bowl for glaze: A wide, shallow bowl works best for dipping the cookie tops.
Cookie scoop (optional): Helps portion uniform 1-inch dough balls for even baking.

Tips for Perfect Lime Coconut Snowballs

When rolling the dough into 1-inch balls, use a light touch so the cookies stay tender. The dough will be crumbly at first but will hold together as you roll. Bake just until the edges are lightly browned, about 12 minutes, to keep the centers soft. For the glaze, whisk the cream cheese and lime juice until completely smooth before adding the powdered sugar. Add the remaining lime juice gradually until the glaze is thin enough to spread easily but not runny.

Expert Tips for Glazing and Dipping Snowball Cookies

For the best lime flavor, use fresh lime zest and juice. Bottled juice lacks the brightness. When dipping the cookies, let excess glaze drip off before pressing into the coconut. This prevents a thick, sticky layer. Let the glazed cookies set on parchment until the glaze is dry to the touch, about 30 minutes at room temperature. If you're making these for a party, you can glaze and coat them a day ahead.

Make-Ahead Dough for Lime Coconut Snowballs

You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. After mixing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling into balls. The dough may be a bit firmer, but it will roll easily. Bake as directed, adding 1 minute if the dough is still cold.

Lime Coconut Snowball Variations to Try

Swap the lime for lemon to make lemon coconut snowballs. For a tropical twist, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped macadamia nuts to the dough. To make them gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, use unsweetened shredded coconut for the coating instead of sweetened.

How to Serve Lime Coconut Snowballs

Serve these snowball cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a nice addition to a holiday cookie platter with gingerbread and sugar cookies. For a dessert spread, pair them with fresh berries or a fruit salad to cut the sweetness.

How to Store Lime Coconut Snowballs

Store the finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent the glaze from sticking. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat, which can soften the glaze.

Can You Freeze Lime Coconut Snowballs?

You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Roll them into 1-inch balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Baked and glazed cookies can also be frozen, but the coconut coating may soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to one month.

How to Refresh Lime Coconut Snowballs

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you want to refresh them after freezing, place them on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Let them cool completely before serving. Do not microwave, as the glaze will become sticky.