Chocolate Coconut Balls are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the irresistible combo of sweet coconut and velvety chocolate. These no-bake delights feature a moist coconut center wrapped in a glossy chocolate coating—perfect for holidays, parties, or just a personal indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Bliss: With zero oven time, you can whip up these Chocolate Coconut Balls in no time flat—even in summer.
- 5-Ingredient Simplicity: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry, with each ingredient shining in every bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These treats are perfect for prepping in advance—store them in the fridge and they’re ready whenever you get a craving.
- Irresistibly Versatile: Dress them up for any occasion by switching chocolate types or adding festive toppings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just five humble ingredients come together for a treat this memorable! Each one adds its own special touch—creating perfect texture, sweetness, and that luscious chocolate shell we all crave.
- Desiccated Coconut: Finely shredded and dried coconut is key for the classic chewy texture and rich coconut flavor.
- Powdered (Confectioners) Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps bind the mixture smoothly.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Infuses extra moisture and creaminess into every bite—plus it helps hold the mixture together.
- Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite variety for the coating; dark chocolate gives intense flavor while semi-sweet is classic and crowd-pleasing.
- Shortening: Blends with the chocolate for a glossy, snappy shell—making dipping easy and keeping the chocolate smooth.
Variations
What I love most about Chocolate Coconut Balls is how easy they are to customize. You can put your own spin on these treats to fit your cravings, ingredients on hand, or even dietary restrictions—so get creative!
- Almond Joy-Inspired: Press a whole almond into the center of each ball for a delightful nutty surprise.
- White Chocolate Twist: Dip the balls in melted white chocolate or swirl with dark chocolate for a pretty effect.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: Use coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips, and swap out the shortening for coconut oil.
- Festive Flavors: Sprinkle the tops with holiday-colored sprinkles, drizzle with colored chocolate, or even add orange or peppermint extract to the filling.
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Balls
Step 1: Mix the Coconut Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the desiccated coconut, powdered sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together until a thick, sticky, and evenly mixed dough forms. The mixture should be moist and hold its shape when pressed—this is when you know it’s ready for rolling!
Step 2: Shape Into Balls and Chill
Scoop heaping teaspoons of the coconut mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Arrange each one on a tray lined with wax paper. Once you’ve formed all the balls, pop them into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes so they firm up—this makes dipping in chocolate much easier and less messy.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
Place your chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts (stirring in between) until melted and silky-smooth. Shortening keeps the chocolate fluid and beautiful for dipping, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Dip and Set
Dip each chilled coconut ball into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off before returning them to the wax paper. Work quickly but gently to keep the shape. Let the chocolate coconut balls stand at room temperature or pop them back into the fridge so the shell hardens to that perfect, crave-worthy snap!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Coconut Balls
- Chill Thoroughly Before Dipping: Well-chilled balls keep their shape and are much easier to work with when you dip them into the chocolate.
- Use Two Forks for Dipping: Using a fork or dipping tool lets excess chocolate drip away evenly for that smooth, professional finish.
- Choose Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer, smoother shell and more decadent flavor.
- Work in Batches: Only take a few coconut balls out of the fridge at a time when dipping—this keeps the rest cold and prevents melting or stickiness.
How to Serve Chocolate Coconut Balls
Garnishes
Decorate each Chocolate Coconut Ball with a sprinkle of extra coconut, a drizzle of white or milk chocolate, or even a dusting of festive edible glitter. You can also top with an almond half or colorful sprinkles to match the occasion—presentation counts for so much with these poppable treats!
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a platter of fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a bright, refreshing contrast. They’re absolutely divine with a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a dessert spread with other no-bake goodies, like homemade truffles or mini cheesecakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Package Chocolate Coconut Balls in pretty gift boxes lined with tissue for the perfect edible present, or arrange them in colorful cupcake liners for party platters. Stack into little towers on cake stands, or skewer onto sticks for “cake pop” style treats everyone will adore at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chocolate Coconut Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to a week—just let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Chocolate Coconut Balls freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temp—no reheating needed! If you’ve frozen them, simply allow to thaw in the fridge for a few hours, or at room temperature for about 30 minutes, before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use sweetened coconut instead of desiccated?
Yes! If using sweetened shredded coconut, reduce the powdered sugar slightly so the filling isn’t too sweet, and pulse the coconut in a blender for finer texture if you prefer.
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How can I make these Chocolate Coconut Balls gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your chocolate chips and any added decorations to be sure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
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The coconut mixture is too sticky to roll—what should I do?
If the mixture seems too sticky, add a spoonful or two more desiccated coconut at a time until it’s workable. Chilling the mixture for 10–15 minutes can also make rolling easier!
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Can I use coconut oil instead of shortening for the chocolate coating?
Absolutely! Coconut oil is a great substitute—your chocolate coating may be a bit softer at room temperature but will set beautifully when chilled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a quick, show-stopping treat, Chocolate Coconut Balls are the answer. These little bites are pure joy to make, share, and savor—so gather your ingredients and give them a try. I know you’ll fall in love with every chocolaty coconutty bite!
Print
Chocolate Coconut Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 30 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Coconut Balls are a delightful no-bake holiday treat featuring a sweet and moist coconut center coated in rich chocolate. With only 5 simple ingredients, these decadent treats are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Balls:
- 1 3/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp shortening
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix desiccated coconut, powdered sugar, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. This will form the base mixture for the coconut balls.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a wax paper-lined pan. Refrigerate the balls until they are firm.
- In a microwave-safe glass bowl, melt the chocolate chips with shortening. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the coated balls back on the wax paper.
- Allow the chocolate-coated balls to set at room temperature. Once set, store the Chocolate Coconut Balls in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 24mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
