Coconut Balls
These delightful, melt-in-your-mouth coconut balls require just a few simple ingredients and no baking at all.
Ingredients
- •3 cups desiccated coconut (250g), divided
- •1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 396g)
- •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- •1/2 cup finely chopped almonds or macadamia nuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of the desiccated coconut, the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, and the vanilla extract.
- 2
If using nuts, fold them into the mixture at this stage until everything is thoroughly combined and sticky.
- 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make the mixture easier to handle.
- 4
Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut into a small, shallow bowl for rolling.
- 5
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled coconut mixture and roll them firmly between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
- 6
Roll each formed ball in the reserved loose coconut until evenly coated on all sides.
- 7
Place the finished coconut balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill for another 15 minutes before serving to help them hold their shape.
💡 Chef tips
- You can store these coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month.
- For a tropical twist, press a whole blanched almond or a piece of dried mango into the center of each ball before rolling.
- If the mixture feels too sticky to roll, slightly dampening your hands with cold water will make the process much easier.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished coconut balls should be firm yet tender on the outside, delightfully chewy in the center, and bursting with rich, sweet coconut flavor and aroma.