Name: Christmas Coconut Balls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Unsweetened coconut; 4 oz Desiccated coconut; 1/2 cup Sweetened condensed milk; 5 Tbsp Coconut oil (solid form); 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1/2 cup Red and Green M&Ms (plus more to decorate); 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 Tbsp Coconut oil; 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (melted)

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The holidays are a magical time filled with warmth, family, and, of course, delicious treats. One of my favorites to whip up during this season is Christmas Coconut Balls. They remind me of childhood days spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, where every little ball of coconut was crafted with love and a sprinkle of festive spirit. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting these delightful morsels, let me share why they are a staple in my holiday baking traditions.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Food Processor, Blender

Why We Love This Christmas Coconut Balls

Decadent Flavor

There’s something undeniably rich and satisfying about the combination of coconut and chocolate. The sweetness of the sweetened condensed milk perfectly balances the nutty taste of the coconut, making each bite a joyful explosion of flavor.

Easy to Make

If you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests, these Christmas Coconut Balls are the perfect solution. They come together quickly, using simple ingredients, making them an ideal last-minute treat for any holiday gathering.

Fun for Everyone

Making these balls is a fun activity that friends and family can join in on. Kids love rolling the coconut mixtures into balls and decorating them with colorful M&Ms. It’s a great way for everyone to get involved and share some laughs in the kitchen.

Perfect for Gifting

These treats make for a delightful homemade gift during the holiday season. Pack them in a cute box or a decorative jar, and you’ve got a personal and heartfelt present that anyone would cherish.

Versatile Decorations

The Christmas Coconut Balls can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer them decorated with classic chocolate, colorful M&Ms, or a drizzle of white chocolate, the options are endless. This versatility allows you to get creative and add your personal touch.

Great for Any Occasion

While I love making these for Christmas, they’re perfect for any festive occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, these coconut balls are bound to bring joy and sweetness to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Coconut Balls

The ingredients for Christmas Coconut Balls are simple yet incredibly effective. Each of these components plays a vital role in achieving that sweet, creamy, and delightful texture. The key players include coconut, which provides the base flavor, and sweetened condensed milk, which binds everything together with its rich sweetness. As you combine these ingredients, they meld into a perfect mixture that embodies the holiday spirit.

Unsweetened coconut: 2 cups of this ingredient gives the balls a chewy texture and authentic coconut flavor, making them feel indulgent.
Desiccated coconut: 4 oz of desiccated coconut adds a fine texture that enhances each ball, ensuring they hold together beautifully.
Sweetened condensed milk: 1/2 cup is key to sweetening the mixture and acts as a binding agent, making the balls creamy and rich.
Coconut oil: 5 tablespoons (solid form) and an additional 1 tablespoon (for melting) add moisture and a hint of tropical flavor, making these treats even more delightful.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla adds a warm depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste.
Red and Green M&Ms: 1/2 cup plus more for decoration provide a festive touch and a burst of color to each ball.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup is melted to coat the balls, contributing a rich chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the coconut.
White chocolate chips: 1/2 cup, melted, can be drizzled over the finished balls, adding a sweet, creamy layer that makes them irresistible.

Preparation Steps for Christmas Coconut Balls

Preparing Christmas Coconut Balls is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with the aroma of sweetness. With just a few simple steps, you can create these festive treats that will impress everyone. Let’s dive into the preparation process together!

Start by pulsing the unsweetened coconut in a food processor or blender until it reaches the consistency of breadcrumbs. This step ensures the coconut blends seamlessly into the mixture.
Next, transfer the pulsed coconut to a large bowl and add in the sweetened condensed milk, coconut oil (5 tablespoons), and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the coconut is evenly coated.
Now, gently fold in the red and green M&Ms until just incorporated. This adds a festive flair and a bit of crunch to the mixture.
Using a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture into small balls and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the mixture is scooped, roll each ball between your hands to smooth them out, creating a nice, round shape.
Refrigerate the balls for about 15 minutes. This chilling step helps them firm up, making them easier to handle when coating in chocolate.
While those chill, prepare to melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat in 15-second increments, stirring regularly, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Once the chocolate is ready, take each coconut ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. This step ensures an even coating and prevents the balls from being too chocolaty.
Transfer the chocolate-coated coconut balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate them again until the chocolate has set, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
For a finishing touch, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave (30-45 seconds should do), then transfer the melted chocolate to a ziploc bag. Snip off a corner and drizzle the white chocolate over each coconut ball.
Before the white chocolate sets, sprinkle a few more M&Ms on top to finish off your gorgeous Christmas Coconut Balls. Allow them to set completely, and then they’re ready to be enjoyed or gifted!

Things Worth Knowing

Chilling is essential: Refrigerating the coconut balls helps them maintain their shape and makes them easier to coat with chocolate.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Texture matters: Make sure to pulse the coconut properly. If it’s too coarse, the balls may not hold together well.
Decorating: Get creative with toppings! Consider sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even different colored chocolates for a fun presentation.

Making Adjustments

When it comes to making Christmas Coconut Balls, there are always ways to adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some tips to help you out:

Storage: Keep your coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be frozen for longer storage.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these treats! Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. They can last for up to three months.
Pairing: Serve these coconut balls as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea during the holidays for a delightful pairing.
Customization: Feel free to swap out the M&Ms for other candies or nuts, depending on what you have on hand or your preferences!
Serving: These are great for parties and gatherings. Arrange them on a festive platter for a beautiful presentation.

Great Combinations for Christmas Coconut Balls

When it comes to serving Christmas Coconut Balls, the opportunities are endless. Here are some delightful suggestions to make them shine:

Holiday Parties: These treats are perfect for festive gatherings, adding a sweet touch to your dessert table.
Gifts: Pack them in decorative jars or boxes to create charming homemade gifts for friends and family.
Tea Time: Pair them with a hot cup of tea or cocoa during the chilly winter afternoons for a cozy treat.
Buffets: Serve them at buffets alongside other desserts, ensuring a colorful and inviting display.
Seasonal Occasions: While they are wonderful for Christmas, these coconut balls can be enjoyed during any festive occasion, making them versatile in your holiday festivities.

FAQ

To make Christmas Coconut Balls vegan, you can swap the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based alternative. There are several brands that offer vegan condensed milk made from coconut or almond milk. Additionally, ensure that the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.

Absolutely! While I use semi-sweet chocolate for coating, you can experiment with different types like dark chocolate or even milk chocolate. Each will impart a unique flavor to the Christmas Coconut Balls, allowing you to customize them to your liking.

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Christmas Coconut Balls can last for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient treat to have on hand!

The best way to melt chocolate is to use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals—15 seconds at a time—stirring in between. This method ensures that the chocolate melts evenly without burning. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler for a more controlled melting process.

Conclusion

The Christmas Coconut Balls are a delightful blend of sweetness and nostalgia, making them a beloved treat during the holiday season. I encourage you to try making these delightful balls yourself, as they are simple and incredibly rewarding. Share them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good!