Really Easy Chocolate Covered Coconut Candy

There’s a nostalgic pull to simple, homemade candies, a sweetness that instantly transports you back to childhood kitchens and the comforting aroma of something delicious baking. For me, these Really Easy Chocolate Covered Coconut Candies are precisely that kind of treat. I remember a particularly rainy Saturday afternoon when my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour, pulled out a bag of coconut and a jar of chocolate chips. She declared we were making “little snowballs,” and while they weren’t exactly snowballs, the joy of rolling that sweet, slightly sticky coconut mixture and then dipping it into rich, melted chocolate felt like pure magic. The simplicity of it, the few ingredients coming together to create such a satisfying indulgence, has always stuck with me. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound culinary pleasures are also the most accessible.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (melting chocolate and chilling)
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 24
• Yield: 24 candies
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe is a testament to the power of a few high-quality ingredients coming together harmoniously. The key here is the soft flaked coconut. If your coconut feels a bit dry, don’t despair – a quick pulse in the food processor is your secret weapon to achieving that perfect, pliable texture.

• 2 cups soft flaked coconut
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half cream or 1 tablespoon milk (you might need a touch more depending on your coconut’s moisture)
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized bowl
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Wax paper
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Fork or dipping tool
• Baking sheet (for placing wax paper)
• Spatula or spoon for stirring chocolate

Instructions

Creating these delightful confections is a straightforward process, a delightful dance of simple steps that leads to a truly rewarding treat. The magic truly lies in the texture of your coconut and the careful melting of your chocolate.

1. Begin by preparing your coconut mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 cups of soft flaked coconut, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 tablespoon of half-and-half cream (or milk).
2. Gently mix these ingredients together with a spoon or spatula. The goal is to create a mixture that holds together when squeezed. If your coconut is particularly dry, you may need to add a little more half-and-half cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the mixture readily forms a ball. Be careful not to make it too wet; it should be moist enough to bind, not soggy.
3. Once the coconut mixture is cohesive, it’s time to shape your candies. Take small portions of the mixture and form them into 1-inch balls. Work with them gently to avoid compacting them too much; we want a tender center.
4. As you shape the balls, place them onto wax paper. Line a baking sheet with the wax paper for easy transfer and handling.
5. Now, let’s prepare the luscious chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 cups of milk chocolate chips and the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave on MEDIUM power. This is crucial to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Stir every minute, ensuring that all the melted chocolate is incorporated. Continue this process until the chips are completely melted and smooth.
7. Once the chocolate is melted, cool it slightly. You want it warm enough to be fluid, but not so hot that it melts the coconut balls or seizes up.
8. Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate. Ensure the entire ball is coated in a smooth layer of chocolate.
9. Lift the chocolate-coated ball from the bowl, allowing any excess chocolate to drip back in.
10. Place the dipped candies back onto the waxed paper on the baking sheet.
11. Once all the candies are dipped, it’s time for them to firm up. Refrigerate the baking sheet with the candies to harden the chocolate. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
12. After the chocolate has hardened, gently peel the candies from the wax paper.
13. To store your delicious creations, place them in an airtight container. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’ve learned that a few small adjustments can elevate even the simplest of recipes. For these chocolate-covered coconut candies, the quality of your coconut is paramount. If you find your soft flaked coconut is a bit too coarse for your liking, a few short pulses in a food processor will finely chop it, leading to a smoother candy texture. When melting your chocolate, remember that gradual heat is key. Using MEDIUM power in the microwave and stirring frequently prevents the chocolate from burning, which can impart an undesirable bitter flavor. For an even more elegant finish, you can drizzle a contrasting melted chocolate over the tops of these candies once the initial coating has set. A toothpick dipped in melted white chocolate can create beautiful thin lines.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Really Easy Chocolate Covered Coconut Candies are perfect served as a small indulgence after a meal, alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as part of a dessert platter. Their rich, sweet flavor makes them a delightful treat for any occasion.

For storage, these candies are best kept tightly covered in the refrigerator. The cool environment helps maintain the chocolate’s crispness and prevents the coconut from drying out. They will keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly. If you find the chocolate has softened slightly before serving, a brief return to the refrigerator will firm it up again.

Nutritional Information

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	145.8
Calories from Fat		79
Total Fat	8.8 g	13%
Saturated Fat	6 g	30%
Cholesterol	4.7 mg	1%
Sodium	36.5 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	16.5 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	13.6 g	54%
Protein	1.6 g	3%

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic combination of milk and semi-sweet chocolate is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to experiment! You could use all milk chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, or all semi-sweet chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor. For a touch of elegance, consider using dark chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets adds a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free butter alternatives and dairy-free chocolate chips. Ensure your flaked coconut is unsweetened to control the sugar content.

FAQs

Q: My coconut mixture feels too dry to form balls. What should I do?
A: This often happens if your coconut is on the drier side. Add half-and-half cream or milk a teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the mixture holds together when squeezed.

Q: My chocolate seized up when I tried to melt it. What went wrong?
A: Chocolate can seize if it comes into contact with even a tiny amount of water. Ensure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. Melting on MEDIUM power and stirring frequently also helps prevent this.

Q: Can I use shredded coconut instead of flaked coconut?
A: While you can use shredded coconut, soft flaked coconut yields the best texture for these candies as it has a chewier, more substantial bite. If using shredded, ensure it’s not too fine.

Q: How long do these candies typically take to harden in the refrigerator?
A: They usually take about 20-30 minutes to harden completely, but this can vary slightly depending on your refrigerator’s temperature and the thickness of the chocolate coating.

Q: Can I make these candies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These candies are perfect for making ahead and store well in the refrigerator, making them ideal for parties or as homemade gifts.

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound satisfaction in creating something so utterly delicious from such a simple set of ingredients. These Really Easy Chocolate Covered Coconut Candies are a perfect example of that culinary joy. They’re quick enough for an afternoon project, yet elegant enough to impress. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity, and let the sweet aroma of chocolate and coconut fill your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, I’m confident you’ll find these little bites of bliss utterly irresistible. They pair beautifully with a robust coffee or a glass of cold milk. Do let me know how they turn out for you!