How to Make a Snow Block in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Put four snowballs in a 2x2 square to craft one snow block. The recipe fits in your inventory crafting grid. Unlike thin snow layers, full snow blocks do not melt near ordinary light sources or in dry biomes.

What you need

4 snowballs per snow block
Shovel to gather snowballs
Silk Touch tool (optional, to collect intact snow blocks)

Step by step

Collect snowballs with a shovel from snow. Breaking a full snow block with a shovel without Silk Touch gives four snowballs.
Open your inventory crafting grid or a crafting table.
Put one snowball in each slot of a 2x2 square and take the snow block.
Place full blocks for snowy builds where thin snow would melt. Snow blocks and powder snow are different blocks.
To collect a placed snow block intact, use Silk Touch. For snowballs, use a shovel without Silk Touch; breaking without a suitable tool can drop nothing.
For a snow golem, stack two snow blocks and place a carved pumpkin or jack o'lantern on top last.

Java vs Bedrock

The four-snowball recipe works in Java and Bedrock. Full snow blocks do not melt from nearby light-emitting blocks or dry biomes. This does not mean a snow golem is safe in every biome: the mob has its own temperature and water damage rules.

Versions: javabedrock

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a crafting table for snow blocks?

No. Four snowballs in a 2x2 square fit in the inventory grid.

Do snow blocks melt next to torches?

No. Full snow blocks do not melt near light-emitting blocks. Thin snow layers have different melting rules.

Is a snow block the same as powder snow?

No. A snow block is a solid building block crafted from snowballs. Powder snow is a separate block with different collection and movement mechanics.

How many snowballs do I need for a snow golem?

Eight snowballs make the two snow blocks. You also need a carved pumpkin or jack o'lantern, placed last.