No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Snowballs
“`html
I’m hosting Christmas this year. I know, I know… I have a newborn. I’m crazy. But I truly enjoy entertaining. Nothing makes me happier than gathering our families together for meals and memories. And if it can be done at my own house so I don’t have to travel with a car packed full of dog stuff and baby stuff, that’s even better. (MAN ALIVE, my children require a lot!) But not only that, it means a lot to me to spend Noelle’s first Christmas at our own home. And I can wear my slippers all day, which is clearly the most important of all.
But entertaining means I need to come up with some menus. I’ll share our Christmas brunch and dinner menus when I plan them out, but I’m mostly concerned with dessert at this point. Those other meals? Ehh. Do they even matter? The Christmas dessert tray has to be epic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Snowballs are the perfect sweet treat for the holidays. They are incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are packed with rich chocolate and coconut flavors. These snowballs are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, and they make a delightful gift for friends and family. Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to many traditional holiday sweets.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Food processor
- Small saucepan
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tsp coconut oil
- 3 tbls maple syrup
- 2 tbls unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Organic dark chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place 1 cup of shredded coconut and 3 tsp of coconut oil into the bowl of a food processor. Process on high speed, scraping down the sides occasionally, until it reaches a butter consistency.
- Add the maple syrup, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Process on high speed until all ingredients are combined.
- Add 3/4 cup of additional shredded coconut and process on high speed until the ingredients have combined and formed a batter.
- Shape the coconut mixture into 1” balls and coat with the additional shredded coconut. Refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a week.
- Bring to room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success
Ensure that you process the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and sticks together well. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a bit more coconut oil or maple syrup to help bind it. Allowing the snowballs to chill thoroughly will help them maintain their shape when served.
Additional Tips and Variations
To make these snowballs extra special, omit the final coating of shredded coconut in step 4. Allow the shaped coconut balls to firm up in the refrigerator, preferably overnight. Once firm, melt the dark chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat. Dip the coconut balls into the melted chocolate and sprinkle them with shredded coconut. Allow the chocolate to harden by placing the coconut balls back into the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
These snowballs are a great source of healthy fats from the coconut and a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup. They are also vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use sweetened coconut instead?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that the snowballs will be sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of maple syrup.
Q: How long do these keep in the refrigerator?
A: They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze these snowballs?
A: Yes, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Snowballs are a festive and delicious addition to any holiday dessert spread. They’re simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to impress your guests. Give them a try this holiday season, and feel free to share your creations and experiences in the comments below!
“`
