For those of you who enjoy Mounds Bars or Almond Joy candy bars, this Chocolate Coconut Balls recipe is for you! A sweet coconut filling covered with a chocolate coating, these bite-sized treats are ideal for parties or as a festive addition to your holiday treat selection.
This recipe came to me from a friend back in the mid 1980's and I think I have made them about a hundred times at Christmas time since then! My friend called this easy recipe "Bon Bons." I loved that name and frequently joked with a long time co-worker that instead of working, we were eating Bon Bons at our desk. Let me just say, these Chocolate Coconut Balls (aka Bon Bons) are worthy of eating instead of working and maybe, just maybe, we did enjoy a bon bon or two instead of working!
Also known as Martha Washington Balls, this easy candy recipe requires only 7 ingredients, no baking involved, and comes together easily! I make about half of the recipe with chopped almonds, for those Almond Joy candy bar lovers, and the rest without, for the Mounds Bar lovers!
What You Need
Butter, softened
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar)
Vanilla Extract
Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Almonds, chopped
Chocolate Almond Bark
Tips for Making Chocolate Coconut Balls
If you're not a fan of almonds, substitute with pecans, peanuts, pistachios, or walnuts, or omit the nuts altogether
For this recipe, I used Chocolate Almond Bark, however you may substitute chocolate chips and shortening instead by melting 2 cups of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of shortening. Use milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips. .
Top the candy balls with toasted coconut, sprinkles, chopped almonds, or colored candy melts
Substitute the vanilla extract for almond extract, giving the Chocolate Coconut Balls more almond flavor.
More Delicious Sweet Treats
Chocolate Toffee Bars Corn Flake Toffee Treats Cake Balls
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Balls
Combining simple ingredients you likely have on hand, you will create a sticky dough full of coconut flavor. These delightful balls are then coated in chocolate. What's not to love about this sweet treat!
Step 1: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. If you plan to mix in almonds, chop the almonds into small pieces (enough for about 1 cup) and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing slowly with a handheld mixer. The mixture may not be fully combined. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined. Slowly add the sweetened shredded coconut and mix until fully combined. Fold in the almonds (optional). The mixture will be thick and sticky!
Left Photo: powdered sugar, softened butter and vanilla. Middle Photo: powdered sugar mixture with sweetened condensed milk and Right Photo: coconut mixture with chopped almonds ready to fold in.
Step 3: Using a small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon), scoop out the coconut mixture and form mixture into a 1-inch balls. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Continue making balls until the coconut mixture is gone. Place coconut balls in the refrigerator for several hours or in the freezer for about an hour to firm up before dipping in the chocolate. NOTE: if you are in an area with high humidity or if the outdoor temperature is above freezing when you are making coconut balls, refrigerate the coconut mixture for 30-60 minutes or until it's firm so the coconut balls stick together when rolling.
Step 4: Melt one package of almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 minute increments until the chocolate almond bark is smooth. Using a fork, dip the chilled balls into the the melted chocolate mixture or spoon the melted chocolate over the top and side. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate and place on the prepared cookie sheet or onto a separate parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with coconut, sprinkles, chopped almonds or colored melting chocolates.
Left Photo: dipping the coconut balls into the melted chocolate almond bark and Right Photo: Chocolate Coconut Balls ready to eat!
How to Store Chocolate Coconut Balls
These homemade candies will showcase beautifully on your serving tray at room temperature. Any other coconut balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They may also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
These balls are a must-try for your holiday cookie tray because your coconut lovers will enjoy this delicious treat! Homemade candy is the best during the holiday season but Chocolate Coconut Balls are delicious any time of year! They are Forkin' Good!
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