Snowball Cheesecake Cookies (Coconut Golden Girls)

Soft, fluffy Snowball Cheesecake Cookies made with cream cheese, coconut, and cream cheese baking chips. A winter-perfect cookie rolled in powdered sugar and inspired by my Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies.

Winter Baking is the Best!

There’s just something magical about winter baking—the soft colors, the cozy flavors, and the way powdered sugar can instantly turn an ordinary cookie into something that looks like it belongs in a snow globe.

These Snowball Cheesecake Cookies are exactly that kind of treat.

I confess, I've done more baking than usual this holiday season, which is funny. . .because I'm trying not to over-do it with the sweets.

I find plenty of friends and family members to share with, which helps.

And this cookie? Well, I knew right away it would be a hit because I started this "base" recipe with my much-loved Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies. They're known for their light, fluffy texture.

Golden Girls. . .Gone Winter!

I decided to give my Golden Girls a gentle winter twist. By adding sweetened shredded coconut and cream cheese baking chips, these cookies become extra soft, ultra-tender, and perfectly “snowy.”

Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs and taste just as dreamy. (And can I just say, the addition of the coconut and cream cheese chips was the perfect combination to make you feel like you've stumbled into a B&B at the heart of winter.

These cookies are elegant enough for a cookie exchange, but easy enough for a cozy afternoon of Christmas baking.

At a Glance

• Skill level: Easy
• Flavor profile: Lightly sweet, creamy, coconut-forward
• Options included: Almond extract, powdered sugar finish
• Best for: Christmas cookie trays, winter parties, gifting

Snowball Cheesecake Cookie Ingredients

You're going to find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here's a quick look at what you'll need. These are such simple ingredients. You might already have them on hand!

Makes about 24 cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup cream cheese baking chips
• ¾–1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

How to Make Snowballs Cheesecake Cookies

These come together so easily! And I promise, you're going to love the outcome!

Cream the butter and cream cheese

In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.

Add the sugar and wet ingredients

Beat in the granulated sugar until light. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully combined.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the coconut and chips

Gently stir in the shredded coconut and cream cheese baking chips until evenly distributed.

Chill the dough

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies stay thick and fluffy.

Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop and bake

Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon portions and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between cookies.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the tops are set. Do not allow them to brown.

Cool and snow-coat

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then gently roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.

For an extra snowy look, roll them again once fully cooled.

Serve and Enjoy!

You're going to love these soft, tea-cake-like cookies. They're soft and luscious, like little clouds of perfection! And that coconut? It's just perfect!

Storage & Freezing

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freeze baked cookies (uncoated) for up to 2 months. Thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cheesecake Cookie

• Keep the cookies pale—browning means they’ve gone too far.
• If the dough feels overly soft, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour before chilling.
• Double-rolling in powdered sugar gives the prettiest, most snowball-like finish.

Variations

These are divine. But you know me: I'm always into changing things up! Here are some things to try:

• Almond Lover’s Version: Add ¼ cup finely chopped blanched almonds.
• Extra Snowy: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white almond bark instead of powdered sugar.
• Coconut Cream: Swap vanilla extract for coconut extract for a stronger coconut flavor. (Delicious!)

A Little Baker’s Note

These cookies are proof that a great base recipe can become something brand new with just a small twist. If you love my Golden Girls Cheesecake Cookies, I think you’ll fall hard for this wintery snowball version—light as snow, soft as cheesecake, and just plain magical.

Other Golden Girls Cookies

If you like the original (and this version) you'll also enjoy:

Pumpkin Spice Golden Girls: If you’re a fan of those light-as-a-feather Golden Girls cookies, complete with cream cheese, but you’re in the mood for holiday flavors, have I got a treat for you! These Pumpkin Pie Spiced Golden Girls cookies are just the ticket—in the fall or any time of year! 

Chocolate Golden Girls Cookies: Is it a chocolate cookie, a tea cake, or cheesecake cookie? Yes, to all of the above. And this simple recipe is going to be a favorite, because it starts with a box of cake mix! 

That's it for This Post!

Thanks for stopping by! If you make these cookies and enjoy them, please leave a review. In the meantime, why not pin a few photos to your Pinterest boards?