Homemade Big Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs: An Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipe

Remember those iconic snack cakes that filled our childhoods? For many, the news of Hostess closing years ago sent a wave of panic through snack lovers everywhere, leading to a scramble for the last Twinkies and Ho Hos. While I personally leaned more towards Little Debbie’s delightful offerings, my dad had a particular fondness for Hostess Sno Balls – those charmingly round cakes with a creamy filling, coated in marshmallow frosting and a generous sprinkle of coconut. Inspired by his love for this classic, I decided to create my own version, but with a fun, no-bake twist: introducing my (Big) Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs. This recipe transforms a simple pantry staple into an impressive, delicious, and surprisingly easy dessert that’s sure to evoke nostalgia and create new memories.

Why Choose Rice Crispy Treats for This Snowball Delight?

Rice Crispy Treats are a beloved classic for a reason. They are incredibly versatile, require no baking, and can be customized in countless ways. For this “Snowball” adaptation, they provide the perfect crunchy base that can be molded and shaped around a soft, chewy center. The simplicity of melted butter and marshmallows combined with crispy cereal makes for a quick assembly, allowing you to focus on the fun of shaping and decorating. Plus, who can resist the satisfying chewiness and sweet crunch of a well-made Rice Crispy Treat? This recipe capitalizes on their ease and popularity, transforming them from a simple bar into an exciting, visually appealing, and utterly delicious dessert, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun afternoon treat.

Crafting Your Delicious Snowballs: The Art of Shaping

When I first envisioned these treats, I didn’t quite anticipate just how “big” they would become – a happy accident, as it turns out! These generously sized snowballs are part of their charm. While working with warm rice crispy mixture can be a delightful experience, it’s also important to be cautious. The mixture can get quite hot, and I’ve learned firsthand that shaping really hot rice crispy treats can lead to some minor discomfort, if not actual first-degree burns if not handled carefully. So, consider this your friendly warning: proceed with care!

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable shaping process, a crucial step is to lightly coat your hands with butter. This significantly reduces stickiness, making it much easier to handle the warm, gooey cereal mixture without it clinging stubbornly to your fingers. Trust me, this simple trick will save you a lot of frustration and make the process far more efficient. For achieving consistent sizes and shapes, I found a 1/2 cup measuring cup to be an invaluable tool. It helps scoop the right amount of cereal mixture and can even assist in gently pressing it around the marshmallow core, ensuring each snowball is perfectly proportioned and round.

The Secret Core: Mimicking Creamy Filling with a Twist

The magic of these snowballs truly comes alive with their inner “cream filling” – a large, fluffy marshmallow nestled within the cocoa crispy treat shell. To achieve this, I carefully shaped the cocoa rice crispy cereal mixture around individual large marshmallows. The cocoa cereal lends a delightful chocolatey flavor that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows, reminiscent of a chocolate cake base. This not only provides a soft, chewy surprise in the center but also adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture, elevating the entire experience.

Once the snowball shapes were formed and had a chance to cool completely and firm up, it was time for the final touches. I dipped the tops of each snowball into melted white chocolate, creating a smooth, sweet cap. Immediately after dipping, I generously sprinkled shredded coconut on top, giving them that classic snowy appearance and an irresistible texture, much like the Sno Balls my dad loved. While white chocolate offers a beautiful finish, I’ve sometimes found it a bit temperamental when melting. For those who might face similar challenges or simply prefer an alternative, buttercream frosting is a fantastic option for the next batch. It’s often easier to work with and provides a different, yet equally delicious, creamy coating. If you opt for buttercream, a simple vanilla recipe would work wonders, offering a smooth, pipeable, or spreadable frosting that holds coconut beautifully.

A Nostalgic Hit: The Unforgettable Reaction

The true test of any homemade treat lies in the reaction of those who taste it. When I brought a batch of these glorious “Big Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs” to my parents, my dad’s excitement was palpable. He immediately recognized them as snowballs, though clearly not in the exact form he remembered from his Hostess days. The familiar look of coconut and the round shape, combined with the unexpected delightful crunch and gooey center, sparked a joyful curiosity. I believe he thoroughly enjoyed them just the same, perhaps even appreciating the homemade touch and unique twist on a classic. It’s moments like these – seeing the joy a simple, homemade dessert can bring – that make all the effort worthwhile. These snowballs are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a conversation starter, a nostalgic journey, and a testament to the power of creative home baking (or in this case, no-baking!).

Looking for a more traditional Rice Krispie Treat recipe, perhaps for a smaller crowd or a classic square? Check out my Small Batch Rice Krispie Treats made conveniently in a loaf pan. It’s perfect for when you need a quick, delicious fix without making a huge batch.

Big Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs

Yield:
9-12 balls

Delicious chocolate coconut snowballs made with classic rice krispie treats and a marshmallow center. A fun and easy no-bake dessert!

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 4 cups cocoa rice crispy cereal (such as Cocoa Krispies)
• 9-12 large marshmallows* (for the center)
• 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped into chunks
• 2 cups shredded coconut

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the cocoa rice crispy cereal until everything is thoroughly coated in the marshmallow mixture.
2. Line a large cookie sheet or baking pan with parchment paper. To prevent the sticky cereal mixture from clinging to your hands, rub a small amount of butter onto your palms (this step is highly recommended!). Very carefully, take roughly 1/2 cup of the warm cereal mixture and flatten it slightly. Place one large marshmallow in the center, then gently shape the cereal mixture around it, forming a tight, smooth ball. Repeat this process until all of the cereal mixture is gone and you have 9-12 snowballs. Allow the shaped snowballs to cool completely at room temperature, which will help them firm up.
3. For the white chocolate coating, place the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on power level 4 for 30 seconds. Remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments at power level 4, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. Dip the top half of each cooled snowball into the melted white chocolate. Immediately sprinkle a generous amount of shredded coconut onto the wet chocolate. (If you find dipping difficult, you can spoon the melted chocolate over the tops of the snowballs instead). Place the coated snowballs back on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.

Notes

* You will get 9-12 snowballs, depending on how tightly you pack the cereal mixture around the large marshmallow and the exact size you make them.

For best results, ensure your hands are buttered well during shaping to minimize stickiness. If white chocolate proves tricky, a simple vanilla buttercream frosting can be used as an alternative coating before sprinkling with coconut.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Once your Big Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs have cooled and the chocolate coating has hardened, they are ready to be enjoyed! These delightful treats make an excellent addition to any dessert table, whether it’s for a holiday party, a birthday celebration, or just a casual get-together. Their generous size and eye-catching appearance are sure to impress your guests. For an extra touch of flair, consider arranging them on a decorative platter or placing them in individual cupcake liners for easy serving. They also make fantastic edible gifts when packaged in clear bags with a festive ribbon.

To keep your snowballs fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their best texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days. While refrigeration isn’t strictly necessary, it can help the chocolate coating stay firmer, especially in warmer climates. However, if refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the marshmallow center is soft and gooey, and the crispy treats aren’t too hard.

A Versatile Treat for All Seasons

These Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs aren’t just for winter! While their name evokes snowy days, their versatility makes them a fantastic treat year-round. You can easily adapt them for different occasions. For instance, try adding food coloring to the melted white chocolate for themed events – green for St. Patrick’s Day, pastels for Easter, or orange for Halloween. You could even swap the shredded coconut for colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts to create entirely new variations. The core concept remains the same: an easy, no-bake, utterly satisfying dessert that brings joy with every bite. So go ahead, unleash your creativity and make these Big Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs your own!

Conclusion: A New Favorite No-Bake Dessert

These Big Rice Crispy Treat Snowballs offer a wonderful blend of nostalgia and innovation. They capture the essence of a beloved classic snack while introducing the irresistible textures and ease of homemade rice crispy treats. From the satisfying crunch of the cocoa cereal to the gooey marshmallow center and the sweet, coconut-dusted white chocolate coating, every element works in harmony to create a truly memorable dessert. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to form something spectacular, without even needing to turn on the oven. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe to make with kids, a unique offering for your next party, or just a delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these snowballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and rediscover the joy of homemade, no-bake perfection!