Name: Coconut Cookie Balls with Chocolate Centers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips (for filling); ½ cup dark chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 2 tablespoons heavy cream

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Introduction

Coconut Cookie Balls with Chocolate Centers are a delightful treat that combines chewy coconut with a rich, gooey chocolate surprise inside. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests with minimal effort.

This image shows a group of round coconut balls covered in white shredded coconut arranged on a sheet of white parchment paper. Each ball is drizzled with thin, smooth lines of dark chocolate, creating a contrast against the white coconut. At the top right corner, there is a white bowl containing melted dark chocolate with a silver spoon resting inside, coated with chocolate. The background is a white marbled texture, adding a clean and bright setting to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the coconut is fully coated and the mixture begins to stick together.
Step 2: Take about a tablespoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a chocolate truffle or bonbon in the center, then carefully fold the coconut mixture around it to form a ball, making sure the chocolate is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining mixture and chocolate pieces.
Step 3: Arrange the coconut cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Melt the dark chocolate chips with the heavy cream and coconut oil using a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled cookie balls using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 5: Return the cookie balls to the refrigerator and chill for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the chocolate drizzle to set completely.
Step 6: Serve the cookie balls once the chocolate has hardened. Enjoy as a sweet treat or dessert.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, add finely chopped toasted almonds or macadamia nuts to the coconut mixture before shaping.
If you prefer a sweeter chocolate center, use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
To make these vegan, substitute sweetened condensed milk with a coconut condensed milk alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips and cream.

Storage

Store the coconut cookie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, but they are best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows a round dessert ball coated with white shredded coconut on the outside, with three thin dark brown chocolate lines drizzled on top. The ball is cut in half, revealing a smooth, rich, melted dark chocolate center that is dripping slightly onto the wooden surface beneath. Several whole dessert balls with the same coconut coating and chocolate drizzle are blurred in the background. The setting is on a rustic wooden board with small scattered coconut flakes and chocolate pieces. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use coconut flakes instead of shredded coconut?

Shredded coconut works best because it binds well with the condensed milk. Using larger coconut flakes may affect the texture and make rolling the balls more difficult.

Do the cookie balls need to be refrigerated?

Yes, chilling helps the balls hold their shape and sets the chocolate drizzle. Storing them refrigerated also keeps them fresh and prevents the chocolate from melting.