Cooking with Grandma is a fun kids’ activity, but when knives and complicated ingredients are involved, it comes with too many hazards to keep it fun and lighthearted. That’s why these coconut balls are so great! They have only four ingredients and no complicated steps. Making stuff like this with my grandmother is a pretty cherished childhood memory, though, at the time, we figured eating was the best part. And with this recipe, that just might be true! (sorry, grandma!) Let’s look at how to make Grandma’s old-fashioned coconut balls.
Ingredients
¼ cup salted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 – 1.5 cups shredded coconut (if it is super fine, you need 1.5)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the butter in a pot over low heat.
Step 2: Mix in the powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk until well combined and no lumps of powdered sugar.
Step 3: Add the coconut and mix until combined.
Step 5: Transfer the mix to a stainless steel bowl. Shape the mixture into balls, roll them in some extra coconut, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Step 5: Allow the balls to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for a minimum of 15 minutes before serving.
Variations, Substitutions, and Extra Tips
- If you add additions like dried fruits and chopped nuts, do so between steps 2 and 3 of the recipe.
- You can use your hands to ensure the filling is evenly mixed. Use a kneading motion to blend everything.
- Instead of shredded coconut, you could use melted chocolate or white chocolate for coating. After coating, transfer the balls back to the parchment paper and into the fridge to set.
- You can also experiment with adding a teaspoon of extract to the mixture. Vanilla will work, and orange extract could give it a tropical twist.
Storage and Shelf Life
You can store the coconut balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate them for up to two weeks for longer storage.
Watch the Video Version Here:
FAQs
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut if you’d like a sweeter treat. However, be mindful that this will increase the recipe’s sugar content. You may also want to reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
You could make these vegan by using vegan butter, vegan powdered sugar, and sweetened condensed coconut milk as substitutions.
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips can add a fun twist to your coconut balls. Just make sure not to overload the mixture so that the balls hold together well.
Old Fashioned Coconut Balls Recipe
Makes around 20 balls
Ingredients
1/4 cup salted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 – 1.5 cups shredded coconut (if it is super fine, you need 1.5)
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the butter in a pot over low heat.
Step 2: Mix in the powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk until well combined and no lumps of powdered sugar.
Step 3: Add the coconut and mix until combined.
Step 4: Transfer the mix to a stainless steel bowl. Shape the mixture into balls, roll them in some extra coconut, and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Step 5: Allow the balls to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for a minimum of 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: One ball
- Calories: 99
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 38mg
- Fat: 4.8g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
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