No-Bake Coconut Cookie Balls with Chocolate Centers: A Simple and Delicious Treat

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Coconut Cookie Balls with Chocolate Centers: A Simple and Delicious Treat Recipe

No-bake coconut cookie balls with chocolate centers are the perfect sweet treat that requires no oven and minimal effort. These bite-sized delights combine the tropical flavor of shredded coconut with a creamy, melty chocolate center, making them irresistible. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want an easy yet impressive dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 12 chocolate candies or chocolate chips (for centers)

• Optional: extra shredded coconut for rolling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until well combined.

2. Using your hands, take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your palm.

3. Place a chocolate candy or a few chocolate chips in the center.

4. Roll the mixture around the chocolate, shaping it into a ball to fully enclose the chocolate.

5. If desired, roll the ball in extra shredded coconut for a decorative coating.

6. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet or plate.

7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

8. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 cookie balls

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chilling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the mixture.

• Chocolate Coating: Dip finished balls in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of coconut rum or almond extract for a unique flavor.

• Vegan Version: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: These are best served cold; allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating if too firm.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, but the flavor will be less sweet; you may want to increase the powdered sugar slightly.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

You can try a vegan condensed milk substitute or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Can I freeze these cookie balls?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What type of chocolate works best for the centers?

Milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate candies or chips work well depending on your preference.

Can I make these without chocolate centers?

Yes, simply form the coconut mixture into balls without adding chocolate inside.

How long do these cookie balls last?

Stored properly in the fridge, they last up to 5 days.

Can I roll them in something other than coconut?

Yes, crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar are good alternatives.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely! They’re easy and safe for kids to help with.

Do I need special equipment to make these?

No special tools are needed, just mixing bowls and your hands.

Conclusion

No-bake coconut cookie balls with chocolate centers are a quick and delightful treat that combines creamy coconut with rich chocolate in a bite-sized form. Their simplicity and versatility make them a fantastic dessert option for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party or a cozy night in, these cookie balls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss of baking.

No-Bake Coconut Cookie Balls with Chocolate Centers: A Simple and Delicious Treat

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These No-Bake Coconut Cookie Balls with Chocolate Centers are a delightful treat that combines the tropical flavor of coconut with the rich indulgence of chocolate. Perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 cookie balls
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
• ¼ cup dark or milk chocolate chips (for melting)

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Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, desiccated coconut, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
• Fold in the mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.
• Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls.
• Place a small piece of chocolate in the center of each ball and reshape to enclose the chocolate.
• Roll each ball in extra desiccated coconut to coat.
• Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
• Melt the dark or milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
• Dip the chilled coconut balls halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Return the chocolate-dipped balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened.

Notes

• For a vegan version, use sweetened condensed coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• These coconut balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as dried fruit or flavored extracts, to customize the flavor.