Explore the Delightful Snowball Menu This Winter

Exploring the Delicious Snowball Menu

With winter in full swing, it's the perfect time to warm up with a sweet seasonal treat. And one of the most beloved wintertime desserts is the snowball - a mound of ice cream rolled in shredded coconut to resemble a snowball. Many ice cream shops and menus highlight their take on this classic during the colder months. Let's take a closer look at some of the tantalizing snowball options at our favorite eateries.

The Original Snowball

The snowball has its origins in the American South, where shaved ice treats were popular to help beat the heat. Adding ice cream and coconut allowed the dessert to transition nicely into the winter as well. The classic version features vanilla ice cream enrobed in sweetened shredded coconut. The ice cream melts slightly so the coconut sticks. Simple ingredients like this allow the rich vanilla flavor to shine.

Innovative Snowball Flavors

While old fashioned vanilla still reigns supreme on many menus, some places are getting creative with their snowball selections. Chocolate and strawberry ice cream are popular bases. Mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream, and coffee flavors are also used to make the dish more indulgent. Toppings can include nuts, chocolate sauce, caramel, crushed cookies, and festive sprinkles.

Specialty frozen yogurt and gelato shops sometimes offer dairy-free snowballs made with coconut or cashew milk ice cream. And the shredded coconut can be swapped out for other crunchy coatings like chopped nuts or crushed cookies. This opens up options for people with food allergies or dietary preferences.

Snowball Sundae Creations

For an extra decadent snowball experience, some restaurants serve them as full-on sundaes. They plop a scoop of ice cream in a bowl, shape it into a ball, then add sauces and toppings before showering it in coconut. Banana splits with snowballs are also popular. The ingredients can get really creative, like rolling balls of chocolate peanut butter ice cream in crushed graham crackers. Toppings like hot fudge, strawberries, whipped cream, and cherries take it over the top.

Snowball Milkshakes

Thick and creamy milkshakes provide the perfect base for snowball flavors as well. Blending ice cream with milk or cream makes for an extra rich, frosty treat. The milkshake machine forms the shake into the signature snowball shape before rolling it in shredded coconut. Any ice cream flavor can be turned into a snowball shake, like classic chocolate and vanilla or more unique flavors like cinnamon roll or cookies and cream.

DIY Snowball Kits

For a fun wintertime activity, pick up a snowball kit with all the ingredients and let kids of all ages build their own. Most kits include cups of vanilla ice cream, shredded coconut, cherries, and spoons or popsicle sticks for shaping. Get creative by setting out toppings like chocolate sauce, rainbow sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or mini chocolate chips. Turn it into a yummy learning experience for kids by talking through fractions and measurements.

Where to Find Snowballs

Snowballs tend to show up on dessert menus at ice cream parlors, burger joints, and bakeries when the weather turns cold. Places known for their ice cream selection like Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, and Marble Slab Creamery typically feature them. Check out your local 1950s-style diner for nostalgic snowball sundaes. Or pick some up at the grocery store to make at home. Wherever you get your snowball fix, it's sure to bring back sweet memories of winter fun.

With so many snowball varieties to choose from, why not sample a few different kinds this season? The classic coconut-covered vanilla is always a crowd pleaser. But it's also fun to branch out and try more daring flavors. Either way, this cold weather treat is bound to warm your heart and taste buds.

FAQs

What is a snowball dessert?

A snowball is a ball of ice cream rolled in shredded coconut or another crunchy topping like nuts or cookie crumbs. The coating resembles snow, giving this classic treat its name.

What are the most popular snowball flavors?

Vanilla and chocolate ice cream are the most common snowball flavors. But many places get creative with options like strawberry, mint chocolate chip, coffee, cookies and cream, and more.

Where can I find snowballs on the menu?

Ice cream shops, burger joints, and diners often add snowballs to their dessert menu during the winter months. Grocery store freezer sections also carry snowball ice cream treats.

Are snowball sundaes and milkshakes available?

Yes, some restaurants serve snowballs as extra decadent sundaes topped with things like hot fudge and whipped cream. Snowball milkshakes are also popular specialty items at ice cream parlors.

Can I make DIY snowballs at home?

Definitely! Pick up a snowball kit or simply grab ice cream, shredded coconut, and fun toppings like sprinkles. Shaping and customizing your own snowballs is a fun winter activity.