The holiday season always brings a certain kind of magic to my kitchen. As a home cook who thrives on the joy of family gatherings and the comfort of good food, I find immense pleasure in crafting recipes that not only delight the taste buds but also create cherished memories. One of my all-time favorites is the Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe, a delightful treat that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the season. Picture this: a chilly winter afternoon, the aroma of melted chocolate wafting through the house, and my children eagerly helping to decorate these sweet coconut treats. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking so much. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet reminder of the love and laughter shared during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly Fun
Cooking during the holiday season is as much about creating memories as it is about preparing meals. This Christmas Coconut Balls recipe is a perfect opportunity to engage the entire family, especially the little ones. Involving children in the kitchen not only teaches them valuable cooking skills but also instills a sense of tradition. Let them assist in rolling the coconut balls or decorating them with colorful M&Ms. These moments are precious, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared joy, which are the true gifts of the holiday season.
Simple Ingredients
One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity. During the bustling holiday season, convenience is key. This recipe uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, such as coconut, condensed milk, and chocolate chips. This not only makes the recipe convenient but also budget-friendly. The straightforward ingredient list means you can focus on the joy of cooking and sharing, rather than the stress of sourcing exotic ingredients.
No-Bake Delight
The holiday season can be a whirlwind of activity, and sometimes the last thing you want is the added complexity of baking. Herein lies the charm of a no-bake recipe. These coconut balls require no oven time, making them a quick and easy option for holiday treats. This leaves you with more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones, knowing you have a delicious dessert ready to impress.
Versatile and Festive
While the red and green M&Ms give these coconut balls a festive look, the recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up the colors of the M&Ms or other decorations to suit different occasions throughout the year, making it a go-to treat for any celebration. Consider using pastel colors for Easter or red and pink for Valentine’s Day. This adaptability ensures that the recipe remains a staple in your dessert repertoire no matter the season.
Deliciously Indulgent
The combination of coconut, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla creates a rich and satisfying treat that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little nutty. This indulgence is perfect for the holiday season, where treating yourself and your loved ones to something special is part of the joy.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 28 coconut balls
Calories: 157 per serving
Ingredients
For the Coconut Balls:
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut, desiccated (4 oz)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil (solid form, not melted), (1/3 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Red and Green M&Ms, plus more to decorate
For the Coating & Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Coconut Mixture: Begin by pulsing the desiccated coconut in a food processor or blender until it achieves a breadcrumb-like consistency. This step is crucial as it ensures that the coconut balls have a smooth, cohesive texture. Transfer the processed coconut to a mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Add the sweetened condensed milk, solid coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the coconut. Stir until the mixture is well combined, creating a thick, sticky dough. Gently fold in the M&Ms, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Form the Balls: Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each scoop between your hands to form smooth balls. This step is a great way to involve children, as they can help shape the balls. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the balls to firm up, making them easier to coat with chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and 1 Tbsp of coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps create a glossy, smooth finish on the chocolate coating.
Coat the Balls: Dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the balls back on the parchment-lined sheet and chill until the chocolate is set. This step ensures a decadent, chocolatey outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy interior.
Decorate: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave, transfer to a small zip-top bag, and snip one corner to create a piping bag. Drizzle the white chocolate over the chocolate-coated balls. Quickly top with additional M&Ms before the white chocolate sets, adding a festive touch to each treat.
Feel free to check out my Easy No-Bake Cheesecake or Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies for more delicious treats to complement your holiday spread.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Food Processor or Blender: Essential for achieving the perfect texture of the coconut. A smooth, refined texture helps in forming cohesive balls.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and mixing the coconut dough. Having multiple bowls ready can streamline the process.
- Small Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform size for each coconut ball, which is crucial for even cooking and presentation.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for melting chocolate efficiently. Ensures a smooth, even melt that coats the coconut balls beautifully.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps the coconut balls from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. It also allows for easy transfer of the finished treats.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Desiccated Coconut: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture that forms the base of these treats. Coconut is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits as it is high in fiber and healthy fats.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together. Its creamy texture is essential for the formation of the balls.
- Coconut Oil: Used in its solid form, it contributes to the creamy texture and enhances the coconut flavor. It also helps stabilize the structure of the balls.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings out the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- M&Ms: Not just for decoration, they add a delightful crunch and festive color to the coconut balls. They are a fun way to customize the recipe for different occasions.
- Semisweet and White Chocolate Chips: Create a luscious coating and a sweet contrast that’s pleasing to the eye and palate. Chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser and elevates the indulgence factor of the dessert.
For more insights on the benefits of these ingredients, check out this article on the wonders of coconut.
What to Serve With This Dish
These coconut balls are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy hot chocolate for a cozy treat. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider setting up a dessert table with a variety of sweets, like a Traditional Pumpkin Pie or a batch of Fudgy Brownies. This versatile dessert can also be paired with a refreshing fruit salad or a cheese platter, offering a balance of sweet and savory options to your guests.
Storage & Leftover Tips
To keep your Christmas Coconut Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Simply place the coconut balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This makes them an excellent option for pre-planning your holiday treats, allowing you to focus on other preparations closer to the event.
Creating New Traditions
The act of making these coconut balls can become a cherished holiday tradition in itself. Each year, as you gather with loved ones to prepare this delightful treat, you foster a sense of continuity and warmth. Consider keeping a scrapbook or photo album of each year’s coconut ball-making session, capturing the fun and creativity that goes into decorating them. Over time, these memories become a treasured part of your family’s holiday history.
As you can see, this recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a joy to make and share. Whether you’re creating new holiday traditions or simply looking for a sweet escape during the festive season, these Christmas Coconut Balls are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some sweet memories together.
Christmas Coconut Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pulse coconut in a food processor or blender until it is the consistency of bread crumbs then transfer to a bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup condensed milk, 5 Tbsp coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir until well combined then fold in 1/2 cup M&M’s just until incorporated.
- Use a small cookie scoop to evenly portion balls and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll balls between your hands to smooth the surface of the balls then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 Tbsp coconut oil, heating in 15-second increments and stirring each time until chocolate melts (usually 45-60 seconds total in the microwave).
- Dip each ball in melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Transfer coconut balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.
- Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (30-45 seconds total in the microwave), transfer to a ziploc bag, snip off a corner and drizzle each coconut ball with melted white chocolate and top with M&M’s right away before white chocolate sets.