EASY COOL WHIP CANDY FOR CHRISTMAS: A SWEET HOLIDAY TREAT YOU’LL MAKE EVERY YEAR

There’s just something magical about the holidays that makes even the simplest treats feel extra special. Around our house, the kitchen gets extra busy come December — and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That said, not every recipe has to be a big production, and that’s exactly why I adore this Easy Cool Whip Candy Recipe for Christmas. It’s one of those no-fuss, no-bake sweets that comes together in a snap and tastes like a little bite of holiday heaven.

This recipe is perfect for when you want to whip up something festive without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re making a quick batch for a cookie swap, adding it to your holiday dessert table, or sneaking a few pieces into a gift tin, these Cool Whip candies check every box: creamy, coconutty, optionally chocolate-coated, and just sweet enough to satisfy that Christmas craving.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CANDY RECIPE

• No baking required – because who needs more oven time during the holidays?
• Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Easy to customize – you can add nuts, coat in chocolate, or keep them simple.
• Perfect for gifting – they hold up great in the fridge and look so cute in little treat bags.

I started making these with my kids a few years back, and now it’s one of our holiday traditions. They love rolling the mixture into balls (and sneaking a few bites along the way), and I love how quickly they come together — no stress, no mess, and always a hit with everyone who tries them.

Let’s get started with what you’ll need and how to make these sweet little snowball-style candies.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 package (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for coating)

Just seven ingredients — and truthfully, even fewer if you want to skip the nuts or chocolate. The base recipe is delicious on its own, but adding extras lets you tailor it to your family’s favorite flavors.

STEP 1: CREAM TOGETHER THE COOL WHIP AND CREAM CHEESE
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. You’ll want your Cool Whip fully thawed and your cream cheese softened to room temperature — this makes mixing so much easier and keeps everything smooth. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the Cool Whip and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. No lumps allowed here!

STEP 2: ADD THE SWEETNESS
Once your base is nice and creamy, mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The powdered sugar gives it that sweet holiday flavor, and the vanilla brings it all together. Give everything a good mix until it’s fully incorporated. It’ll be a little thicker now, which is exactly what you want.

STEP 3: FOLD IN THE GOOD STUFF
Now for the texture! Gently fold in the shredded coconut and, if you’re using them, the chopped pecans or walnuts. The coconut gives these candies that classic snowball look and a chewy bite, while the nuts add a little crunch that balances everything out.

If you’re not a fan of nuts or need to avoid them, no worries — this recipe works just fine without them. The coconut alone adds plenty of flavor and texture.

STEP 4: ROLL ‘EM UP
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. The mixture will be a little soft at this point, but don’t worry — chilling them will firm everything up nicely.

Pro tip: Lightly grease your hands with a little butter or coconut oil if the mixture sticks too much while you’re rolling.

CHOCOLATE COATING, CHILLING, AND SWEET HOLIDAY TIPS

Now that your candy balls are rolled and resting on that parchment-lined baking sheet, it’s time to take things up a notch. You can absolutely stop here and have yourself a delicious tray of soft, coconutty Cool Whip candies—but if you’re anything like me, you know that a little drizzle (or dunk) of chocolate never hurt anyone during the holidays.

I mean, chocolate + coconut + cream cheese? That’s the kind of Christmas trio I can get behind.

Let’s dive into how to coat your candies in chocolate and finish them off just right.\

STEP 5: MELT AND DIP IN CHOCOLATE (OPTIONAL BUT DELICIOUS)

If you’ve decided to add a chocolate coating—and I highly recommend it—go ahead and grab your chocolate chips. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate if you’re feeling creative. Place about 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat it—burnt chocolate is no fun to work with (or smell).

Once your chocolate is melted and silky, it’s time to dip. Use a fork or a candy dipper if you have one, and gently lower each ball into the chocolate. Let the excess drip off, then place it back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. You can dip the entire ball, or just half if you want to keep some of that pretty coconut texture showing through.

Quick tip: If you want to decorate them further, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut, crushed peppermint, or holiday sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it hardens.

STEP 6: CHILL UNTIL FIRM

After you’ve dipped all your candies—or left them plain—they’ll need to chill. Pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours, or until the candies are firm to the touch. This helps them hold their shape and sets the chocolate coating perfectly.

Once firm, you can transfer them to an airtight container. Layer them with wax or parchment paper in between if you’re stacking them, and keep them stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve or share.

And let me just say—these get even better after a night in the fridge. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes almost truffle-like. It’s a win all around.

HOLIDAY CANDY-MAKING TIPS AND VARIATIONS

This recipe is super flexible, which is part of why I love it so much. Here are a few ways you can change things up based on your taste or what you have on hand:

• Make them pepperminty: Swap the vanilla extract for peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate.
• Go nut-free: Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts. You can even replace them with mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a chewy twist.
• Use flavored cream cheese: Try strawberry or even chocolate cream cheese for a fun flavor variation. Just reduce the powdered sugar slightly if your flavored cream cheese is already sweetened.
• Dress them up: Roll the plain balls in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or colored sprinkles instead of dipping in chocolate.

If you’re making these with kids, setting up a “candy station” with different topping bowls is a fun way to get them involved. They’ll love dipping and decorating their own pieces, and you’ll have a variety of treats to share (or snack on while wrapping presents).

WHY THIS RECIPE IS A HOLIDAY WINNER

There’s a reason I keep coming back to these Cool Whip candies year after year. They’re one of those no-fail, low-stress recipes that deliver big on flavor and festive charm. They look impressive on a dessert tray but take hardly any effort to make, which honestly feels like a Christmas miracle.

They’re also perfect for making ahead. You can prep them a few days in advance and just pull them out of the fridge when company arrives—or box them up for neighbor gifts and teacher treats. I love slipping a few into cookie tins alongside my classic holiday cookies to mix things up a bit.

FAQS AND FINAL THOUGHTS ON THIS SWEET HOLIDAY TREAT

By now, your kitchen is probably smelling a little like coconut and chocolate, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already snuck a taste (or two) of those chilled Cool Whip candies. It’s such a simple recipe, but it never fails to impress — soft, creamy centers with that satisfying bite of coconut and just the right amount of sweetness.

Before we wrap things up, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions. These are the ones I get the most when sharing this recipe with friends, especially around the holidays when we’re all trying to make our treats ahead of time, store them properly, and adapt to different diets or preferences.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. HOW LONG DO COOL WHIP CANDIES LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Stored in an airtight container, these candies will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Just make sure they’re well chilled and kept away from any strong-smelling foods to maintain their fresh flavor.

2. CAN I FREEZE THESE CANDIES?
Yes, you can! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment between them. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or so.

3. WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE COCONUT?
No problem. The shredded coconut gives these candies their “snowball” texture, but you can absolutely swap it out. Try crushed graham crackers, finely chopped nuts, or even cookie crumbs for a different texture and flavor.

4. DO I HAVE TO USE COOL WHIP, OR CAN I SUBSTITUTE SOMETHING ELSE?
Cool Whip gives this recipe its signature fluffiness, but you can use any non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute. Just avoid using homemade whipped cream, as it doesn’t hold up as well when mixed and chilled for longer periods.

5. CAN I MAKE THESE VEGAN OR DAIRY-FREE?
Yes! There are vegan cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives available in most grocery stores. Just double-check the labels on your chocolate chips and other ingredients to make sure they’re dairy-free, and you’re good to go.

6. MY MIXTURE IS TOO SOFT TO ROLL—WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your mixture feels too soft or sticky to roll, don’t worry. Just pop the bowl in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes to firm it up a bit. It’ll be much easier to work with once chilled slightly.

7. CAN I ADD FLAVOR EXTRACTS BESIDES VANILLA?
Absolutely! Almond extract, peppermint extract, or even a splash of orange extract can give your candies a fun holiday twist. Just use a light hand — these extracts can be strong, and a little goes a long way.

CONCLUSION: A HOLIDAY RECIPE YOU’LL KEEP COMING BACK TO

If you’re anything like me, your holiday recipe rotation is a mix of old classics and new favorites that you stumble across and wonder how you ever lived without. This Easy Cool Whip Candy Recipe falls right into that second category — simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s one of those “just try it once” recipes that turns into a yearly tradition. Whether you’re looking to fill out a dessert tray, create a last-minute gift, or start a holiday activity with the kids, these little snowball-style candies deliver every time.

And don’t forget — I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add nuts? Dip them in dark chocolate? Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top? Drop a comment and let me know what your version looks like. Sharing how we each make it our own is one of the best parts of holiday baking, after all.

So go ahead, get that cream cheese softening and the Cool Whip thawing — because this is one sweet tradition you’ll want to come back to year after year.

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