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When you blend cherries, chocolate, and coconut together, you get truffles that seem like they came from an expensive candy store. I've tweaked this recipe over many holidays and found just the right mix of deep chocolate, juicy cherries, and tropical coconut that both grown-ups and kids can't get enough of.
During our family's Christmas cookie swap last year, I brought these treats. Even my niece, who always turns down anything with fruit inside, gave them a try and said they were "even better than regular chocolate." Now I can't show up to holiday gatherings without them.
Key Components
- Glace cherries: Go for juicy, vibrant red ones with no sugar crystals. I cut them in quarters so each bite gets some cherry goodness.
- Coconut: Grab unsweetened desiccated coconut for the right feel and to cut down on sweetness.
- Cookies: Simple butter cookies work best when crushed up fine. They help everything hold together without fighting with the main flavors.
- Chocolate: Don't skimp here - pick a good-quality one that's at least 60% cocoa for the outside layer. Better chocolate means tastier truffles.
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I love watching these treats vanish at parties - it reminds me why putting in the effort for homemade goodies matters. There's something really special about turning basic stuff from your pantry into treats that look and taste like you bought them.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Get Everything Ready:
- Put parchment on a baking tray. Set up a pot of water with a bowl on top for melting chocolate. Get all your stuff out before you start. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. Check that you've got space in your fridge.
- Mix Up The Inside:
- Grind cookies until they're like sand. Cut cherries into tiny bits. Stir coconut with the cookie crumbs. Mix in the cherry pieces carefully. Pour in condensed milk bit by bit until everything sticks together.
- Form Your Candy Balls:
- Use a little scoop or spoon to grab some mix. Roll between your hands to make balls. Put them on your lined tray. Cool them for 30 minutes until they're firm. Keep your hands cool so the mix doesn't stick.
- Nail The Chocolate Coating:
- Cut dark chocolate into tiny pieces so it melts evenly. Warm it slowly in your double-boiler setup. Stir without making bubbles. Keep it around 88°F for a nice shine. Dunk each cold truffle using a fork.
The first time I tried making these, I ended up with chocolate all over my kitchen but hardly any on the actual truffles! Now I know that taking your time and watching your temperatures makes all the difference.
Chocolate Tips
Getting that gorgeous glossy finish comes down to how you handle your chocolate. I've learned that cutting it into small pieces and heating it slowly works best. When my daughter helps out, we turn it into a contest to see who can get the smoothest coating on their batch.
Do-Ahead Bonus
The flavor of these treats actually gets better after sitting for a day or two. I usually make mine ahead for gatherings or as gifts, and keep them in a sealed container in the fridge.
Gift Packaging Ideas
When boxing them up, put sheets of parchment between layers of truffles. I found out the hard way that piling them directly on top of each other means you'll end up with one giant stuck-together truffle mess!
These truffles have become part of how our family celebrates holidays. My kitchen helpers are growing up, but they still fight over who gets to be the official taste-tester.
Last Thoughts: These Cherry Chocolate Coconut Balls aren't just candy - they're little moments of happiness that bring folks together. Whether you make them for a special day or just because you feel like it, they'll probably become one of your go-to treats. Something almost magical happens when you mix rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and tropical coconut that's worth the effort to get just right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I try other cookies for the base?
- Of course! Any light and sweet cookie works perfectly here.
- → How many days will these stay fresh?
- They keep well in the fridge for up to five days.
- → Are they freezer-friendly?
- Yes, freeze them in a sealed container for two months.
- → Can I swap glaced cherries with something else?
- Absolutely, use dried cherries or even cranberries instead.
- → Why is it important to chill beforehand?
- Chilling firms the mixture, making rolling into shapes a breeze.