These Festive Christmas Coconut Balls are a delightful holiday treat that combines the creamy sweetness of coconut with a rich chocolate coating. With vibrant red and green M&Ms for a touch of holiday cheer, these no-bake treats are as easy to make as they are delicious. Perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or a cozy winter treat, these coconut balls are sure to bring a bit of Christmas spirit to your dessert table!
Ingredients
For the Coconut Balls:
- 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut (about 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil, solid (about 1/3 cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms, plus extra for decoration
For the Chocolate Coating & Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, solid coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture starts to come together.
- Add the red and green M&Ms and fold them gently into the coconut mixture, spreading them evenly throughout.
- Form the Coconut Balls:
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the coconut mixture and roll them into balls.
- The mixture may be slightly sticky, so dampening your hands can help with rolling.
- Place each formed coconut ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Coconut Balls:
- Remove the coconut balls from the refrigerator.
- Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly.
- Carefully tap off any excess chocolate before returning the coated coconut ball to the parchment-lined baking tray.
- Once all the coconut balls are coated, return them to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set.
- Decorate with White Chocolate and M&Ms:
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, following the same method as before, in 20-second intervals until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chocolate-coated coconut balls for a festive touch.
- While the white chocolate is still wet, press a red or green M&M on top of each ball for extra color and holiday cheer.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the decorated coconut balls in the refrigerator for another 10-15 minutes to set completely.
- Once the chocolate is firm, transfer the coconut balls to a serving dish, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Conclusion
These Festive Christmas Coconut Balls are a joyful blend of creamy coconut, rich chocolate, and colorful holiday charm. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the satisfying crunch of M&Ms, these treats will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for spreading a little Christmas magic at your next holiday gathering or for sharing as homemade gifts. Enjoy these delightful bites of holiday cheer!