Snow Ball Brownies

Snow Ball Brownies

There’s a moment I often remember from childhood; my mom and I would huddle in the kitchen, excited and ready to tackle a new recipe together. I can still feel the warmth of the oven on my face and smell the sweet aroma of melting chocolate filling the air. One of those recipes that truly captured our hearts was the iconic Snow Ball Brownies. The combination of decadent chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and sweet coconut would always bring a smile to my face. Each time I take a bite, I am transported back to those cozy weekends spent with my family, where laughter was plentiful and the love was palpable.

Why This Snow Ball Brownies Means So Much

Snow Ball Brownies are more than just a dessert; they embody the essence of comfort and nostalgia. I remember the first time I made them with my own children. We gathered around the kitchen counter, flour dusting our clothes and laughter echoing off the walls. It was a simple recipe, but those delightful layers of chocolatey goodness, sweet marshmallow, and coconut transformed a regular afternoon into something special. Each step was filled with chatter and giggles, as we navigated the sticky marshmallow fluff together. They have since become a staple in our home, a recipe that I hope will carry on into future generations.

These brownies remind me that food isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about creating memories, bonding with loved ones, and celebrating life’s little moments. They have a way of bringing people together, sparking joy, and making even the simplest days feel extraordinary. Whenever we share these brownies with friends or family, the smiles and happy sighs are proof of the love baked into each layer.

How to Make Snow Ball Brownies

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Making Snow Ball Brownies is a delightful experience that invites you to engage your senses. First, you gather your ingredients, looking at the rich cocoa powder and the bright, fluffy marshmallow fluff. As you melt the butter, the kitchen starts to fill with that irresistible buttery aroma. The sound of stirring is soothing, like a lullaby, and you can feel the anticipation building as the mixture transforms from grainy to silky smooth. Each step becomes a ritual, one that welcomes you into a space of creativity and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather what you need to make these heavenly treats. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; this recipe is flexible. Here’s what you’ll be working with:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks) – fresh butter gives this its richness
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-process if you’re fancy, regular if you’re not)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – a little extra vanilla if you love a cozy aroma
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips for extra chocolatey-ness
• 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff (or make homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons milk (to thin if needed)
• Pink gel food coloring (optional but very on-brand)
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• Pink gel food coloring (if you want pink coconut)
• 2-3 drops of water
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Offset spatula for spreading marshmallow
• Microwave-safe bowl

Getting everything together is half the fun. You may be thinking of ways to personalize your brownies, perhaps adding a bit of excitement with pink coconut or a splash of extra chocolate chips. The key is to enjoy your time in the kitchen and let your creativity shine through.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: The Oven and Pan Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides so you can lift the brownies out later. This is not optional; trying to cut brownies in the pan is a special kind of frustration.

Step 2: The Brownie Base Magic
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently as it transforms. Once it’s fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until combined. It’ll look grainy and kind of weird — that’s normal. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, as this will help prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.

Step 3: The Eggs and Flour Situation
Add vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Watch as the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Fold in the flour gently, making sure to stir until JUST combined. You should still see a few flour streaks. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold those in now. Be careful not to overmix or your brownies will be cakey instead of fudgy.

Step 4: Bake Those Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Once baked, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, NOT clean. These are fudgy brownies, not cake. They’ll continue cooking as they cool, so let them cool COMPLETELY in the pan. This is crucial; warm brownies and marshmallow topping don’t mix well.

Step 5: The Marshmallow Fluff Upgrade
While the brownies cool, make your marshmallow topping. In a medium bowl, beat together marshmallow fluff, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want to give it that fun pink color, add a few drops of gel food coloring and mix until evenly colored.

Step 6: The Pink Coconut (Optional But Fun)
If you’re making pink coconut, place the shredded coconut in a bowl or a Ziploc bag. Add 2-3 drops of pink food coloring and a couple of drops of water. Mix or shake vigorously until the coconut is evenly colored. Spread it on a plate to dry slightly while you work on the rest.

Step 7: The Marshmallow Application
Once your brownies are fully cooled, take your prepared marshmallow mixture and spread it evenly over the top of the brownies. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon dipped in water to smooth it out. Go ahead and make this a generous layer — about ½ inch thick. Don’t be shy; this is the defining characteristic of a Snow Ball.

Step 8: The Coconut Coating
Sprinkle the shredded coconut generously over the marshmallow layer. Press it down gently so it sticks. You want full coverage; the entire top should be coated in coconut. Don’t hold back; use all of it if you need to.

Step 9: The Chocolate Drizzle Drama
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, doing it in 20-second bursts and stirring between each until it’s smooth. Once melted, drizzle it over the coconut-covered brownies in a fun pattern — zigzags, swirls, or even random drizzles. You are the artist here.

Step 10: The Setting and Cutting
Store the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let everything set up. This will make them easier to cut and helps the marshmallow firm up slightly. When it’s time to serve, lift the whole thing out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. This is important for clean edges, as the marshmallow is sticky.

Step 11: The Experience
Now comes the best part. Pick up a brownie and notice the layers: fudgy chocolate base, fluffy marshmallow middle, coconut-covered top with a delightful chocolate drizzle. Take a bite and savor all those textures and flavors at once. It feels like you’re enjoying a fancy version of those gas station snack cakes. Feel zero regret about it.

Serving Snow Ball Brownies With Family Warmth

Snow Ball Brownies have a way of stealing the show, no matter the occasion. I often find my family gathered around the kitchen island, eager to grab a square and share their opinions between bites. We plate them with care, stacking them on a colorful platter beside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, amplifying that cozy feel.

Sometimes, we treat them as a special dessert with family dinners or during holiday gatherings. Other times, it’s just about enjoying them on a rainy day, wrapping ourselves in warmth and laughter as we indulge. That first bite always brings smiles, and the chocolatey goodness sparks conversations and happy chatter that fill our home with joy.

Storing Snow Ball Brownies for Tomorrow

After a delightful feast, you might find yourself with a few squares left over. Not to worry! Storing Snow Ball Brownies is quite simple. Just layer them in an airtight container, ensuring the marshmallow fluff doesn’t get squished. You can refrigerate these beauties for a week if they last that long!

If you happen to have any left after a day, you’ll notice the flavors mellow and deepen. The chocolate base becomes even richer, the marshmallow softens further, and the coconut thickens in flavor. It’s a warm, comforting treat that keeps on giving.

Amelia’s Kitchen Notes

Baking is as much about learning and adapting as it is about following a recipe. Here are some tried-and-true tips I’ve picked up over the years:

1. Substitutions: If you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can make your own with powdered sugar, corn syrup, and egg white. It takes a bit longer but has that homemade touch.
2. Fun Variations: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a seasonal twist or swap out the cocoa powder for a white chocolate version with butterscotch chips.
3. Cleanup Tip: Grease your mixing bowls lightly before adding sticky ingredients like marshmallow fluff. It makes cleanup a piece of cake.
4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the brownie base ahead of time and freeze it, then add the toppings when you’re ready to serve.
5. Perfecting the Drizzle: If you have left over melted chocolate after drizzling, use it to cover pretzels for a quick and delicious snack.

Family Variations on Snow Ball Brownies

In our family, we love experimenting with our Snow Ball Brownies. Sometimes, we swap the coconut for crushed nuts, adding a delightful crunch. For festive occasions, we might make the marshmallow pink to match the holiday theme.

We’ve also added layers of mint chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter to the brownie base for a fun twist. It adds new flavor profiles while bringing that same heartwarming feeling of home. Over the years, these variations have turned into memories too, as we share each creation with loved ones.

FAQs About Snow Ball Brownies

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Just store the brownies, tightly covered, at room temperature.

Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Once you’ve assembled your brownies, wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months.

What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?
You can prepare a homemade version using egg whites, powdered sugar, and corn syrup. It’s a bit more work, but it’s totally worth it.

What if my brownies are too cakey?
If your brownies turn out cakey, it usually means they were overmixed or baked too long. Keep an eye on them and trust that the toothpick test should come out with moist crumbs.

How do I store any leftovers?
Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If they last that long, which is a bit of a challenge!

A Final Thought

I hope this Snow Ball Brownies brings a little warmth and inspiration to your kitchen, the same way it does in mine. Life is about creating connections, and cooking these treats is a powerful way to celebrate the moments that matter. Each step, each ingredient, and each layer tells a story, one that continues to grow as we gather together, share, and indulge. May your kitchen be filled with love, laughter, and the delightful aroma of snowy sweetness that wraps around you like a warm hug.