If you’re looking for a festive treat that perfectly balances chewy coconut goodness with bursts of colorful sweetness, this Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe will quickly become your holiday go-to. Imagine tender coconut morsels blended with creamy condensed milk and a hint of vanilla, studded with red and green M&Ms for that joyful burst of color and crunch. No baking is required, making these delightful little bites an easy and joyous addition to your Christmas dessert table that everyone will reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial for creating the perfect texture and vibrant flavor of Christmas Coconut Balls. Each one plays a special role in crafting this festive delight, from the creamy moisture source to the colorful pops of candy that make these treats so visually irresistible.
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut: Provides the chewy, tropical base that defines these coconut balls’ texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and acts as a natural binder to hold everything together smoothly.
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil (solid form): Gives a subtle richness and helps the balls stay firm while enhancing the coconut aroma.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting depth that balances the sweetness and brightens the coconut notes.
- 1/2 cup Red and Green M&Ms (plus more to decorate): These festive candies add color contrast and delightful crunch.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melted for coating, they provide rich, smooth chocolate that complements the coconut perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil: Helps in melting the chocolate chips to a glossy finish and a smoother dip for the balls.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (melted): Used for drizzling to add an elegant, sweet decorative touch.
How to Make Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Coconut Base
Begin by combining the unsweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, solid coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, forming a sticky, cohesive mixture that holds together when pressed. The key is mixing just enough to maintain the chewy texture without letting it get too wet.
Step 2: Add the Festive M&Ms
Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms to the coconut mixture. Be careful not to crush the candies; you want them intact for that wonderful burst of color and crunch inside each ball. This step is what truly gives the Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe its joyful, holiday spirit.
Step 3: Shape the Coconut Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into uniform balls roughly one inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. This size makes them perfect for snacking and sharing, allowing room for a luscious coating layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. This glossy coating will add richness and extra indulgence to your coconut balls.
Step 5: Dip the Coconut Balls
Using a fork or dipping tool, dunk each coconut ball into the melted semisweet chocolate, ensuring a full coating. Gently tap off excess chocolate and return the balls to the parchment paper. Before the chocolate sets, decorate each ball with a few extra red and green M&Ms for that festive touch.
Step 6: Drizzle with White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth, then use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle delicate white lines over the coated balls. This final step adds a beautiful contrast and elevates the presentation for your holiday spread.
How to Serve Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe
Garnishes
For extra festive flair, sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or crushed peppermint candy over the white chocolate drizzle. These small touches brighten the look and add a bit of holiday magic directly onto the coconut balls.
Side Dishes
Pair these coconut balls with a hot cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a cozy glass of eggnog. Their sweet, chewy texture complements warm beverages beautifully, making your holiday breaks that much cozier.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe on a tiered dessert tray surrounded by fresh holly leaves or cinnamon sticks for a natural, rustic vibe. You could also place them in miniature cupcake liners tied with red and green ribbon for charming individual servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making it easy to prepare them ahead of time for holiday guests or last-minute sweet cravings.
Freezing
If you want to make these treats well in advance, freeze them uncoated on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe box. Once ready to serve, dip in chocolate and drizzle after thawing, or freeze fully coated for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Because this recipe is served chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If your chocolate coating feels too firm, let the balls rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but keep in mind using sweetened coconut will increase the overall sweetness, so you might want to adjust the amount of condensed milk or skip extra sweet toppings.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil in the recipe?
Coconut oil adds richness and helps the balls hold their shape without refrigeration, but you could substitute with butter if coconut flavor is not desired.
Can I replace M&Ms with another type of candy?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles all make great alternatives, though M&Ms add that classic holiday color pop.
Do these coconut balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps maintain their shape and keeps the chocolate coating firm, especially in warmer environments.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free M&Ms and chocolate chips, this Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade treat that combines simplicity with festive cheer, and this Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. They are fun to make, delightful to eat, and guaranteed to brighten up your holiday gatherings. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and make these charming coconut balls a new tradition—it’s a recipe you’ll want to share year after year.
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Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 28 coconut balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Coconut Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining rich coconut, decadent chocolate, and colorful holiday candies. Perfect for sharing or gifting during the holiday season, they are easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut (4 oz desiccated coconut)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil (solid form, not melted; approximately 1/3 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Red and Green M&Ms (plus more to decorate)
Chocolate Coatings
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, solid coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a sticky, uniform dough.
- Add Festive M&Ms: Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, reserving some for decorating later. Ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking them.
- Form Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into approximately 28 small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips together with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Dip Coconut Balls in Chocolate: Using a fork or skewer, dip each coconut ball into the melted semisweet chocolate, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment paper.
- Decorate and Add White Chocolate: Quickly press a reserved M&M on top of each ball before the chocolate sets. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the coated balls for an elegant finish.
- Set the Coconut Balls: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated coconut balls for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Serve and Store: Once set, serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Use solid coconut oil, not melted, when mixing the base ingredients for the right texture.
- The recipe calls for no baking; refrigeration is necessary to firm the mixture and chocolate.
- To make rolling easier, lightly wet your hands or wear disposable gloves.
- If you prefer, substitute M&Ms with other colorful candies or omit for a plain coconut ball.
- Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting of chocolate coating.
