Coconut Chocolate Balls

This coconut chocolate balls recipe is a sweet treat that comes together with simple ingredients and no baking required. It blends creamy condensed milk with shredded coconut, and then coats the balls in rich dark chocolate for a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh. These are perfect for when you want a homemade confection that is easy but still impressive to share or keep for yourself.

I first whipped these up for a holiday gathering and they disappeared so fast that I have made them several times since. The balance of coconut and dark chocolate is always a hit with family and guests.

Ingredients

• Fourteen ounces sweetened shredded coconut: This is the base of the recipe. Use fresh smelling coconut for the best flavor and texture
• Fourteen ounces sweetened condensed milk: This binds the coconut and provides the creamy sweetness that makes the balls chewy
• One cup powdered sugar: Adds additional sweetness and helps with the texture so the balls hold together well
• One teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note
• Three cups dark chocolate melts: Choose good quality dark chocolate for coating. Using dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cacao will give a nice bittersweet contrast

Instructions

Scoop up the Ingredients:

Place the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make sure your bowl is big enough to mix everything comfortably.

Mix it Together:

Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until fully combined. The mixture should be sticky and hold together well. Mixing by hand can be done but it will take more effort.

Chill the Mixture:

Put the bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This firms up the mixture and makes it easier to work with when forming the balls.

Form the Coconut Balls:

Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them uniform in size and easier to handle. Pop the tray back in the freezer for 60 minutes so the balls harden completely.

Melt the Chocolate:

Put the dark chocolate melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well each time. Stop heating when the chocolate is mostly melted and continue stirring until smooth and fully melted.

Dip the Coconut Balls:

Working with just a couple of balls at a time, remove from the freezer and use a fork to dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Make sure they are fully coated. Lift them out, tap off any excess chocolate, and set on waxed or parchment paper to firm up.

Set and Store:

Let the chocolate coating harden at room temperature or speed up the process by refrigerating. Store finished coconut balls in the refrigerator for the freshest texture.

My favorite part has always been the combination of textures. The chewy coconut center with the crisp chocolate shell is a joy to bite into. One holiday season I made these with my children who helped scoop and dip which was such a fun and messy memory that I still treasure.

Storage Tips

Store the coconut chocolate balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and prevent melting. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks this way. You can also freeze them for longer storage and simply thaw in the fridge before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different chocolate flavor you can swap dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate but keep in mind this will change the sweetness level. Unsweetened shredded coconut can be used if you want less sweetness and you might want to add extra powdered sugar to balance the texture somewhat.

Serving Suggestions

These coconut balls are perfect served chilled as a bite-sized dessert alongside coffee or tea. For a festive touch, sprinkle some cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts on top of the chocolate shell before it sets.

This recipe perfectly balances flavors and textures for an indulgent yet simple dessert to enjoy any time.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I get the coconut mixture to firm up properly?

Chilling the mixture in the freezer for 10 minutes helps it firm up, making scooping easier and ensuring the balls hold their shape during dipping.

→ What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Dark chocolate melts provide a rich, smooth coating that complements the sweetness of the coconut mixture well. Adjust sweetness by choosing milk or semi-sweet if preferred.

→ Can I store the finished balls for later use?

Yes, storing the chilled, chocolate-coated balls in the refrigerator helps maintain their texture and freshness for several days.

→ Is powdered sugar necessary in the mixture?

Powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients, contributing to a smooth and balanced texture.

→ Can I customize the flavor in any way?

Adding vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and flavor. For variations, consider adding finely chopped nuts or a hint of spice like cinnamon.