No bake treat lovers, this one’s for you! These Newfoundland Smartie Cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and bursting with nostalgic flavor thanks to colorful candy-coated chocolates. Made with simple pantry staples like marshmallows, cocoa, and graham crumbs, they’re perfect for when you need a quick dessert without turning on the oven. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday tray or just craving a sweet snack, these delightful cookies are a freezer-friendly favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed – a classic no bake treat
- Festive and fun – colorful candies make them a party favorite
- Freezer-friendly – perfect to make ahead and store
- Soft and chewy texture – like a cross between fudge and cookie
- Kid-friendly ingredients – marshmallows, chocolate, and sweetened milk!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheerful no bake cookies:
- Mini marshmallows
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Fine unsweetened shredded coconut
- Candy-coated chocolates (Smarties or M&Ms work great!)
Instructions
- Melt the base: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated, then mix in graham crumbs and ¾ of the shredded coconut.
- Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 3–4 hours to firm up.
- Set up your station: Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the remaining coconut in a shallow bowl and set out your candy-coated chocolates.
- Form the cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of chilled dough, roll into a ball, and coat in coconut. Place on the baking sheet and gently press a candy in the center.
- Final chill: Refrigerate the finished cookies for another 2 hours until set.
- Store: Keep refrigerated in a food-safe container or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 5 hours (total)
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: ~72 cookies
- Estimated Cost: $12–15 (varies by brand of ingredients)
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie, Approximate)
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 45mg
Tips & Variations
- Use vegan marshmallows to make it vegetarian-friendly
- Try dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor
- Swap in mini eggs or M&Ms for holiday variations
- Roll in sprinkles or crushed nuts instead of coconut for a twist
- Want smaller cookies? Use a teaspoon scoop instead!
Newfoundland Smartie Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine marshmallows, condensed milk, butter, and vanilla in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix in cocoa powder, then graham crumbs and ¾ of the coconut. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3–4 hours.
- Line a tray with parchment. Add remaining coconut to a bowl.
- Scoop dough into 1 tbsp portions, roll into balls, and coat in coconut.
- Place each ball on the tray and press a chocolate candy into the center.
- Chill cookies for another 2 hours until firm. Store in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
No, the texture and sweetness will be off. Stick with sweetened condensed milk.
Do I have to chill the mixture?
Yes! It’s crucial for shaping the dough into firm, uniform balls.
How long do these keep?
Up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
These Newfoundland Smartie Cookies are the ultimate no bake treat – fast, festive, and freezer-friendly. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or sweet holiday platters, they’re a hit every time. Once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your no-bake dessert rotation!