Chocolate Coconut Balls Recipe

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and crave those nostalgic candy bar flavors, Chocolate Coconut Balls are about to become your new obsession! These bite-sized treats roll together gooey coconut, crunchy almonds, and a thick blanket of chocolate to create a dessert that’s truly magic in every bite. They come together in minutes, require zero baking, and capture the irresistible flavors of classic Almond Joy bars—only fresher, softer, and even more fun to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Coconut Balls only require a handful of pantry staples, yet each ingredient is a powerhouse, contributing to the decadent taste and dreamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds the classic chewy texture and natural sweetness.
• Roasted salted whole almonds: Brings the signature crunch and a touch of salt to contrast the sweetness.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the binding agent, keeping the mixture moist and rich.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the chocolate and coconut’s sweetness.
• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips: Forms the luscious coating and adds bold chocolatey flavor.
• Shortening: Makes the melted chocolate silky smooth and easy to dip into.
• Optional garnishes: Extra coconut, chopped almonds, or sprinkles add a festive finishing touch and texture.

How to Make Chocolate Coconut Balls

Step 1: Prepare Your Tray

Line a tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. The tray needs to fit easily in your freezer or fridge, so double check before you start! This not only helps with clean-up but ensures the Chocolate Coconut Balls won’t stick as they chill and set.

Step 2: Mix Coconut Base

In a food processor, combine the shredded coconut, roasted salted almonds, and sweetened condensed milk. Pulse until the nuts are chopped into chunky pieces—not totally ground up, but small enough so the mixture can easily be rolled. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. The consistency should be sticky and hold together when you pinch it.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Using your hands, roll the mixture into 2-inch balls. If you find it too sticky to handle, lightly dampen your palms with water. Want an easier time dipping later? Insert a toothpick into each ball. Place all the formed balls on the prepared tray. Pop them into the refrigerator or freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up and make dipping a breeze.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Coating

Pour chocolate chips and shortening into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until completely melted and smooth (usually about 50–55 seconds total). You want a gently glossy, pourable chocolate without burning the chips—so keep a close eye!

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

Working one at a time, use toothpicks, forks, or a dipping tool to coat each ball thoroughly in chocolate. Tap off the excess so they don’t get messy puddles underneath. Return each dipped ball to the tray. You can sprinkle more coconut, chopped almonds, or colorful sprinkles on top before the chocolate hardens for a pretty finish. Once all are dipped, chill in the freezer or fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

How to Serve Chocolate Coconut Balls

Garnishes

Create eye-popping Chocolate Coconut Balls by showering them with a little extra coconut, a scattering of chopped almonds, or a dusting of sprinkles just after dipping. They’ll look delightfully festive and signal to everyone exactly how delicious they’ll be—no fancy pastry chef skills required.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chocolate Coconut Balls alongside a refreshing platter of fresh fruit, a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or some crisp shortbread cookies. They also make a lovely finish to a coffee date or afternoon tea spread—something sweet to nibble next to a warm drink!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the Chocolate Coconut Balls in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for an edible gift, or arrange on a small tiered stand dotted with extra coconut shreds for an elegant dessert display. You can even skewer them for easy, mess-free party bites, or tuck them into colorful mini cupcake wrappers for an extra treat-yourself vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chocolate Coconut Balls in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The cool temp helps them stay perfectly firm and delicious for up to a week—if you don’t eat them all before then!

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead of time? These treats freeze beautifully. Layer the Chocolate Coconut Balls with parchment or wax paper between layers in an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Just defrost in the fridge before serving for best taste and texture.

Reheating

While there’s no need to reheat Chocolate Coconut Balls (and honestly, they’re best cold or at room temperature!), if you like a softer, gooier treat, let them sit at room temp for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as this can cause the chocolate coating to melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead?

Absolutely, you can use unsweetened coconut if you want to cut down on sugar. The flavor will be less sweet and slightly more coconut-forward, so adjust to your personal taste. You might want to add a little extra condensed milk if the mixture seems too dry.

What kind of chocolate is best for Chocolate Coconut Balls?

You can use dark, semi-sweet, or even milk chocolate chips depending on your preference. Dark chocolate gives a more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will make them extra sweet and creamy. Choose your favorite or mix and match!

Do I have to use a food processor?

A food processor gives you the best texture, but you can chop the nuts by hand and stir everything together in a bowl if needed. Just make sure the almonds are in small enough pieces for easy rolling and eating.

Can I make these nut-free?

You sure can! Simply leave out the almonds for a nut-free version of Chocolate Coconut Balls. The recipe works beautifully without them, and you can always swap in seeds if you want a bit of crunch.

Why do my balls fall apart when dipping in chocolate?

If the mixture is too loose, chill the balls for a bit longer before dipping and make sure you don’t overload the chocolate with too much shortening. The colder and firmer your balls, the easier they are to dip without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong Almond Joy fan or just love the combination of chocolate and coconut, you truly need to try making Chocolate Coconut Balls at home. They deliver on sweetness, texture, and good old-fashioned nostalgia—plus they’re ridiculously simple to pull off. Whip up a batch, share with friends, and watch them disappear!

Print