Coconut Balls: How Early Can You Make Them For Christmas?

Coconut balls are a popular treat to make during the Christmas period. They are a no-bake dessert, making them an easy option for those who don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple and the method is straightforward, requiring only melting, mixing, and shaping. The result is a sweet, moist, coconut centre covered in chocolate.

Some recipes suggest adding vanilla extract to the mixture, while others recommend adding almonds or peanuts to the coconut mixture for a crunchy texture. The balls can be coated in shredded coconut, desiccated coconut, or even crushed biscuits for a unique twist.

These treats are perfect for gifting, placing on a dessert tray, or simply enjoying at home. They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them an excellent make-ahead option for the holidays.

How to make coconut balls

Coconut balls are a great treat to make ahead of Christmas and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. They are a delicious, gluten-free dessert option and are relatively easy to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make coconut balls.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of shredded/desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
• 1 cup of condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk)
• 3.5 oz of dark chocolate or chocolate chips, for melting
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup of confectioner's sugar (optional)

Method:

• In a large bowl, mix the condensed milk with the coconut. You can use your hands, a spoon, or a small cookie scoop for this step.
• Form the mixture into balls using about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture. You can make them as big or small as you like, but they should be around 1-inch in size or 2-3 bites.
• Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and then in the fridge to chill. They should chill for at least 15-30 minutes, or you can freeze them for 5-10 minutes if you're short on time.
• While the coconut balls are chilling, melt the chocolate. You can do this in a microwave in 20-30-second bursts, stirring in between, or using a double boiler or bain-marie method.
• Dip the chilled balls into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are completely covered. You can use a spoon, fork, or skewer to help with this step.
• Place the chocolate-covered balls on a wire rack to dry, with a piece of parchment paper underneath to catch any drips.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle the coconut balls with a little sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavour.
• Finally, transfer the coconut balls to the fridge again until the chocolate has solidified.

Storage:

Once the chocolate has set, you can store the coconut balls at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long coconut balls last

Coconut balls can be made well ahead of Christmas and stored in the freezer. They will keep for up to three months in the freezer and can be defrosted overnight before serving.

If you prefer to store them in the fridge, they will last for up to two weeks. Kept at room temperature, they will be good for up to five days.

Coconut ball variations

Coconut balls are a versatile treat that can be customised in many ways. Here are some ideas for variations:

Chocolate Coconut Balls

One of the most popular variations is to coat the coconut balls in chocolate. You can use dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a contrasting drizzle. The chocolate coating adds a sweet and indulgent touch to the already delicious coconut balls.

Almond Coconut Balls

For a variation that resembles an Almond Joy candy bar, add an almond to the centre of each coconut ball. You can also incorporate chopped almonds into the coconut mixture for an extra crunchy surprise.

Coconut Macaroons

If you're looking for a baked option, coconut macaroons are a great choice. They have a similar flavour profile to coconut balls but with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy centre.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

For those with dietary restrictions, there are some variations to consider. Gluten-free coconut balls can be made by using gluten-free oats. To make vegan coconut balls, simply substitute coconut condensed milk for regular sweetened condensed milk and use vegan chocolate.

Flavour Variations

You can also experiment with different extracts to create unique flavour profiles. Try using almond, peppermint, lemon, or strawberry extract to infuse your coconut balls with intriguing flavours. For an extra special touch, add a whole maraschino cherry or glace cherry to the centre of each ball.

Coconut balls vs snowballs

Coconut balls and snowballs are both festive treats, but they differ in their ingredients and preparation methods. Coconut balls are a no-bake holiday treat with a sweet, moist coconut centre covered in chocolate. They are typically made with desiccated or shredded coconut, condensed milk, and chocolate chips, and can be customised with almonds or other ingredients. On the other hand, snowballs are baked cookies that use shredded coconut, flour, butter, sugar, and milk as their primary ingredients. They are shaped into balls, baked, and then glazed and dipped in coconut.

Coconut balls are a quick and easy treat to make, requiring no baking and only a few simple ingredients. The coconut, condensed milk, and other mix-ins like almonds are combined and shaped into balls, which are then dipped in melted chocolate. This makes them a great option for those who want a tasty treat without the hassle of baking. In contrast, snowballs require a bit more preparation and baking time. The dough is made by mixing the dry ingredients, then adding butter and vanilla, and finally shaping and baking the cookies. Once baked, they are glazed with a mixture of confectioner's sugar and milk, and then dipped in shredded coconut.

Both coconut balls and snowballs can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Coconut balls can be stored in the refrigerator, while snowballs can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for up to a week. Both treats can also be frozen for longer-term storage.

In terms of taste and texture, coconut balls offer a sweet and moist coconut centre with a chocolate coating. The chocolate and coconut flavours blend together harmoniously, creating a delicious treat that is perfect for the holidays. Snowballs, on the other hand, have a more dry and crumbly texture due to the flour and oats in the recipe. They offer a combination of sweet and buttery flavours, with a hint of coconut from the coating.

Whether you choose to make coconut balls or snowballs, both treats are sure to be a hit during the holiday season. Coconut balls are ideal for those seeking a quick and easy no-bake option, while snowballs require a bit more preparation and baking time. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the amount of time you want to spend in the kitchen!

Coconut balls for Christmas

Coconut balls are a Christmas classic and can be made well in advance of the big day. They are a great, tasty treat to share with family and friends and are easy to make. This is a guide on how to make coconut balls, with some handy tips on how to prepare and store them.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Coconut – desiccated, sweetened, shredded, or flaked.
• Butter or coconut oil
• Eggs
• Milk – any type will work, including coconut milk.
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar – granulated or confectioner’s/powdered.
• Chocolate – dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate chips.
• Oats – old-fashioned whole rolled oats.
• Rice Krispies or similar cereal.
• Salt
• Cocoa powder
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Medjool dates
• Pecans
• Puffed rice cereal

Method

The method for coconut balls is generally the same across the board, but there are some variations. Here is a basic method:

• Combine butter/coconut oil, sugar, milk, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan and heat until melted.
• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, and a small amount of the hot mixture (to temper the eggs).
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the egg mixture back in. Work quickly so the eggs don’t scramble.
• Return the pan to the heat and boil for a few minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add in the remaining ingredients (oats/cereal, coconut, dates, pecans, etc.).
• Stir until combined, then chill the mixture for at least 45 minutes.
• Roll the mixture into balls and coat them in extra coconut, or another coating of your choice.
• Chill the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

Tips

• Wear gloves when handling sticky ingredients like dates.
• Keep a bowl of water handy to keep your hands damp when rolling the balls.
• Coconut balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months.
• If the mixture is too dry, add more sticky ingredients like honey or maple syrup.
• If the mixture is too soft, add more oats or cereal.

Variations

There are lots of variations of coconut balls, including:

• Chocolate coconut balls – add in some chocolate chips or dip the balls in melted chocolate.
• Peanut butter balls – add in some creamy peanut butter.
• Lemon coconut balls – add in some lemon zest or juice.
• Healthy coconut balls – use coconut oil instead of butter and add in some almonds.

Frequently asked questions