Name: Sno Ball Brownies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow fluff or creme; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 to 5 drops pink food coloring

Sno Ball Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic hug in every bite, a dazzling spectacle of flavor and texture that instantly transports you back to simpler times. If you’ve ever found yourself craving that unique blend of moist, fudgy brownie and sweet, fluffy coconut frosting, you’re in for a treat. These aren’t your average brownies. What makes Sno Ball Brownies so incredibly special is their ingenious inspiration drawn from the beloved Hostess Sno Balls. We’ve captured that iconic pairing of rich chocolate and creamy coconut, elevating it into a homemade masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Prepare to fall in love all over again with this delightful creation, a testament to how familiar flavors can become something truly extraordinary when brought to life in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow fluff or creme
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 to 5 drops pink food coloring

Making the Sno Ball Brownies

Melting the Chocolate and Butter Base

This is where the rich foundation of our Sno Ball Brownies begin extracts. Start by taking a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan and adding your 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over low heat. You want the butter to melt gently; avoid high heat, as this can scorch the butter and affect the final flavor of your brownies. Once the butter is fully melted andgin extractst beginning to shimmer, add the 2 ounces of finely chopped unsweetened chocolate. Continue to stir constantly with a heatproof spatula until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated into the butter, creating a smooth, glossy mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately to prevent the chocolate from overheating. Let this chocolate-butter mixture cool slightly for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is important because if it’s too hot, it could scramble the eggs when you add them.

Creating the Brownie Batter

While the chocolate mixture is cooling, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add your 1 cup of granulated sugar and then pour in the slightly cooled chocolate and butter mixture. Whisk these together vigorously until they are well combined. The mixture might look a little grainy at this stage, but don’t worry, that will smooth out. Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack your 2 large eggs into the bowl one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. You’re aiming for a smooth, emulsified batter. After the eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the chocolate. Next, sift in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt directly over the wet ingredients. Sifting the flour helps to prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution throughout the batter. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using your spatula. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.

Preparing the Marshmallow Topping

Now for the “Sno Ball” part! In a separate medium bowl, place the entire 7-ounce jar of marshmallow fluff or creme. To this, add the 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut. Now, you’ll want to add the color. Carefully add 3 to 5 drops of pink food coloring to the marshmallow and coconut mixture. The exact number of drops will depend on the intensity of your food coloring and how vibrant you want your Sno Ball topping to be. Start with 3 drops, gently fold it in, and then add more if desired until you achieve your perfect pink hue. Gently mix everything together until the color is evenly distributed and the coconut is thoroughly coated with the pink marshmallow creme. This topping should look light and fluffy.

Baking the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make lifting the brownies out easier. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with your spatula. You want a smooth, consistent layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crum extractbs attached, not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake them, as this will result in dry brownies. Once they are baked, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for the topping to set properly and for the brownies to firm up.

Adding the Sno Ball Topping and Finishing Touches

Once the brownies have cooled completely in the pan, it’s time to add the delightful Sno Ball topping. Gently spread the prepared pink marshmallow and coconut mixture evenly over the cooled brownies. Use your spatula to create a smooth, even layer, ensuring you go all the way to the edges. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little more shredded coconut on top if you like. Now, for the final step that brings the “Sno Ball” effect to life. In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a tiny bit more shredded coconut (about 1-2 tablespoons if you have extra, or just use the amount you can gather from the topping). Gently toss this with the cornstarch until the coconut is lightly coated. This cornstarch coating helps to prevent the marshmallow from getting too sticky and gives it that signature slightly powdery, “snowy” look. Carefully sprinkle this cornstarch-coated coconut over the pink marshmallow topping. You can do this unevenly for a more natural look. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the topping to set. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into squares. These Sno Ball Brownies are best enjoyed chilled.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed diving into the delightful world of Sno Ball Brownies! This recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little bit of childhood joy and a whole lot of decadent flavor to your kitchen. We’ve walked through each step to ensure you can recreate these wonderfully chewy, chocolatey treats topped with that signature fluffy coconut frosting and a cherry on top. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a treat to brighten your day.

Serving these Sno Ball Brownies is an event in itself! They are fantastic on their own, but also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a rich cup of coffee. For an extra touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can add a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut on top of the frosting for extra texture, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an added layer of richness. If you’re not a fan of cherries, a maraschino cherry alternative or a small dollop of whipped cream would also be delightful. The most important ingredient is your enthusiasm, so have fun experimenting! I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share these wonderful Sno Ball Brownies with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Sno Ball Brownies ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The brownies themselves can be baked and cooled a day or two in advance. Once frosted, it’s best to refrigerate them as the coconut frosting can soften at room temperature. They are still delicious when served chilled or brought back to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before enjoying.

What can I do if I don’t have shredded coconut for the frosting?

While shredded coconut is key to the Sno Ball experience, you can create a delicious alternative. You could try a simple vanilla buttercream frosting and then dip the tops of the frosted brownies into finely chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) or even just leave them with a smooth frosting finish. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be a delicious brownie treat!