Festive Chocolate Coconut balls

A simple no-bake dessert made from crushed biscuit, cocoa, coconut, vermouth and the secret family ingredient strawberry jelly powder. These festive chocolate coconut balls are a beloved family recipe that grace our festive table each year.

Every year when Christmas starts approaching, I plan various desserts to make. I always aim to create something new, however there are aome things which I just need to do every year. These festive chocolate coconut balls are one of them. This is a recipe which I always make and sometimes even more than once!

This recipe was specifically shared with me by my aunt, my mum’s younger sister. Whilst growing up she was the one who was in charge of preparing the desserts for any family gathering we had. And she still does to this day. Fun fact, everyone says that I take a lot from her as I’m constantly cooking something.

In Malta we love making different kinds of desserts during Christmas time. A staple on every table is the Maltese Christmas Log. Another dessert always present are different kinds of coconut balls or rum balls. There are multiple different recipes around, some more similar to the christmas log and some which go heavy on the alcohol. This year I’m sharing our family favourite with our own secret ingredient, which they tend to disappear in seconds!

Ingredients for these Festive Chocolate Coconut balls

• Morning Coffee/Petit Beurre biscuits – Ideally you use plain biscuits as even though they are the main ingredient of this recipe, you don’t need them to be the main flavour as there are other ingredients which will need to shine through.
• Coconut – desiccated coconut is used both inside the chocolate ball and on the outside. The coconut flavour is the main flavour profile.
• Vermouth – this is optional. Although it does add more flavour to these balls. However, if you decide to not use any alcohol I suggest to add more water instead!
• Water – it brings everything together! Some other recipes use condensed milk but as we are using the jelly powder, our bals just need water.
• Cocoa Powder – this will add richness to these little treats and it goes wonderfully with the coconut.
• Strawberry jelly powder – the secret ingredient which is no longer secret! Adding strawberry jelly powder gives these balls a unique distinctive taste. Apart from building up flavour the jelly powder helps to bind everything together better and makes the balls so soft! Another alternative jelly powder flavour is raspberry, as they both go wonderfully with the chocolate and coconut.

Do it with kids!

This recipe is great and fun to do with kids! Making the balls is relatively easy and letting them help, makes for a fun activity! Of course, I suggest to swap the vermouth with water to make it more children friendly. Their taste will still be incredibly delicious.

FAQs

How to store these festive balls?

Like any other truffles or balls, these can be stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge for not more than 5 days! The can also be frozen, however, this might make the outside coconut soggy while defrosting.

If you have any questions, feedback or comments on this recipe, please leave a comment below. Please also rate this recipe by double clicking on the stars below. If you did make this recipe, tag @apronandwhisk and hashtag #apronandwhisk, as I’m curious to see what you create! Don’t forget to subscribe to the mailing list down below so to receive the recipe updates straight to your mailbox!