This is a holiday treat made traditionally in Croatia for Christmas holidays. If you like coconut, you will surely like these. They look very appropriate, like tiny snowballs. They are slightly unusual: made with powdered milk, which gives them unique flavor. They were my childhood favorite and remind me of mom’s cooking.
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Coconut balls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 coconut balls 1x
Description
These Coconut Balls are a traditional Croatian Christmas treat, featuring a unique flavor from powdered milk and a delightful crunch from hazelnuts.
Ingredients
- 7 oz (200 g) powdered milk
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100 ml) water
- 7 oz (200 g) coconut flour
- 1/2 cup (125 g) butter
- 3 1/2 oz (100 g) hazelnuts, toasted and skinned
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add the vanilla extract, powdered milk, and half of the coconut flour to the cooled mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator to cool completely, making it easier to handle.
- Once cooled, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls, inserting a toasted hazelnut into the center of each ball.
- Roll each ball in the remaining coconut flour to coat evenly.
- Store the coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the mixture is cool enough before rolling into balls to make handling easier.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a variation, try using almonds instead of hazelnuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 coconut ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 15
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Frequently Asked Questions
What role does powdered milk play in this recipe?
The article specifically highlights powdered milk as the ingredient that gives these coconut balls their “unique flavor,” setting them apart from similar no-bake treats. The recipe uses 7 oz (200 g) of powdered milk, mixed into the cooled butter-sugar-water base along with the vanilla extract and half the coconut flour. 
Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts for the center?
Yes — the notes suggest almonds as an alternative to the toasted and skinned hazelnuts that are pressed into the center of each ball before rolling in coconut flour.
