Home > Dessert > Christmas Coconut Balls (VIDEO)

Christmas Coconut Balls (VIDEO)

These chocolate coconut balls are an easy, no-bake treat. We love to dress them up as Christmas coconut candies which are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Christmas Coconut Balls decorated with m&m

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So many of our Christmas memories are made in the kitchen. If you love homemade holiday treats like cut-out Sugar Cookies, our Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or soft Snickerdoodle Cookies, then these Coconut Balls are sure to become a new favorite.

Coconut Balls Video Tutorial:

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Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe:

The ingredients here are simple and they come together fast. This is our festive holiday version, but you can make them for just about any holiday, changing the colors of the M&M’s (try pink and red for Valentine’s Day!).

Center of a chocolate coconut ball

The Best Coconut for Coconut Balls:

I highly recommend using desiccated, unsweetened coconut. Desiccated means it is finely ground so the coconut balls will hold together better. They are also dryer than flaked coconut which will work better in this recipe. Do not use coconut flour.

The Best Coconut Oil: Be sure your coconut oil is in solid form (not melted). It will make the coconut balls much easier to form. Using melted coconut oil would also require longer refrigeration.

Ingredients for coconut balls

Get this Scoop: Using a mini ice cream scoop is the easiest way to form and make these coconut balls. We use this scoop for everything from candy to cookies and even meatballs for soup.

Decorated Christmas coconut bites in gift box

These Christmas Coconut Balls are original and darling which makes them the perfect gift idea. It’s the best kind of homemade chocolate candy and they are melt-in-your-mouth good.

More Christmas Desserts:

Festive desserts make the holidays more merry and bright. These are our most popular Christmas desserts. Let me know if any of these grace your holiday table this year.

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Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe

5 from 44 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
chocolate coconut balls with m&m candy
Festive Chocolate Coconut Balls are the best kind of homemade Christmas candy. This is a no-bake dessert that can be addapted and decorated for any holiday.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 28 coconut balls

For the Coconut Balls:

For the Coating & Topping:

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted

Instructions

How To Make Chocolate Coconut Balls:

  • Pulse coconut in a food processor or blender until it is the consistency of bread crumbs then transfer to a bowl.
  • Add 1/2 cup condensed milk, 5 Tbsp coconut oil, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir until well combined then fold in 1/2 cup M&M's just until incorporated.
  • Use a small cookie scoop to evenly portion balls and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll balls between your hands to smooth the surface of the balls then refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 Tbsp coconut oil, heating in 15-second increments and stirring each time until chocolate melts (usually 45-60 seconds total in the microwave)
  • Dip each ball in melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Transfer coconut balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.

To Decorate as Christmas Coconut Balls:

  • Melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (30-45 seconds total in the microwave), transfer to a ziploc bag, snip off a corner and drizzle each coconut ball with melted white chocolate and top with M&M's right away before white chocolate sets.

Nutrition Per Serving

157kcal Calories12g Carbs2g Protein12g Fat9g Saturated Fat3mg Cholesterol15mg Sodium99mg Potassium2g Fiber10g Sugar26IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C32mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Christmas Coconut Balls Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
157
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Cholesterol
 
3
mg
1
%
Sodium
 
15
mg
1
%
Potassium
 
99
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
 
26
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
32
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate coconut balls, christmas candy, coconut balls
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $10-$12
Calories: 157

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Lori
    June 23, 2023

    Quick question… You highly recommend using unsweetened, desiccated coconut. The recipe states 2 cups unsweetened coconut, (4 oz.) desiccated coconut. It’s a little confusing.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 24, 2023

      Hi Lori, its 4 ounces by weight or 2 cups measured out.

      Reply

  • Joan
    December 24, 2022

    I had a really hard time with the white chocolate. It didn’t flow as easily as in your video, and dried up within seconds in the plastic bag. On the third try, I added coconut oil and that helped a bit. Otherwise, great recipe.

    Reply

  • Marc Lemmerman
    December 17, 2022

    WOW – these taste EXACTLY like a Mounds or Almond Joy. I tried a blind taste test on a friend, and he chose your recipe over the brand name candy!! What a great, simple recipe. Made it without the M and M’s – sweet enough without them. These are definitely going on the “treats platter” we deliver on Christmas Day to first responders in our area who have to work that day.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 19, 2022

      That is great and it must be such a blessing to them. Thank you for using my recipe. I appreciate the feedback.

      Reply

  • Anna
    December 10, 2022

    Hi Natasha, first time review for me. These were easy to make and delicious. I have tried many of your recipes and they are always great. By any chance do you have a recipe for chrustiki?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 10, 2022

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Anna!

      Reply

  • Yvonne Holmes
    December 11, 2021

    What would you suggest replacing the M & M’s with? Or could I just leave them out? I am thinking perhaps use a well dried maraschino cherry in the center of the snow ball and maybe making some with just the coconut centers then dipping in melted chocolate. Do you think it turn out Natasha?
    Thank you for sharing your many tasty recipes.
    Yvonne

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 11, 2021

      Hi Yvonne, there is definitely room too experiment. You could leave them out or replace with something else.

      Reply

  • Theresa Schultz
    December 1, 2021

    Great for Christmas I going to make these coconut balls for Christmas
    Thank you for sharing the recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 1, 2021

      You’re very welcome, Theresa. I hope everyone will love these coconut balls!

      Reply

  • Lockye
    November 21, 2021

    I love all your recipes and this one is a hit! May I ask where did you purchase the red sweater? Perfect!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      November 22, 2021

      Hi Lockye, that is a Tommy Hilfiger sweater that I found at Macy’s years ago.

      Reply

  • Alya
    July 13, 2021

    Hey Natasha! Love your recipes! I was wondering if you think it would work to make these into cAke pops?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 13, 2021

      Hi Alya, you know I haven’t tried or thought of that, to be honest. I’m not sure they will hold together the same, but I would love to know how you like that if you happen to experiment.

      Reply

  • Minibaker
    May 19, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    I am 11 years old and absolutely love cooking , it’s my passion , hobby. I would actually love some tips to make me a good future cook. I have really found your recipes inspiring. I would love , love, love it if you could help me along my cooking journey. I enjoy baking sweet treats more as it is a strong spot.
    Thanks
    Elissa

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 19, 2021

      Aww! That’s so great, Elissa! I’m so glad you discovered my blog and have a passion for cooking! We post new recipes weekly and have informational newsletters that come out weekly also. You can subscribe by clicking About > Subscribe on the blog!

      Reply

  • Luna
    February 12, 2021

    These were amazing, but one question, how do we store them and how long would they last in the fridge?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 12, 2021

      Hi Luna, you can store these coconut balls in an airtight container at either room temperature or in a refrigerator for a week.

      Reply

  • Sania
    January 13, 2021

    Hey Natasha! I made these a couple days ado, they were gone in a blink of an eye. I subscribed to your channel too! I was rust wondering how many calories are in one coconut ball, because i am on a diet…. kinda.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 13, 2021

      Hi Sania, the nutrition label is per coconut ball (see the nutrition label at the bottom of the yellow highlighted print-friendly recipe section). I”m so happy you loved them!

      Reply

      • Ala
        December 11, 2021

        Hi Natasha,

        Do you think these would freeze well?

        Thanks in advance,
        Ala

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          December 11, 2021

          Hi Ala, I haven’t tested freezing these. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

          Reply

  • Ambreen
    January 10, 2021

    Hello Natasha…my daughter and I made these for her girls scout project on zoom and it was a hit!…Thanks for a delicious recipe…

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 10, 2021

      So great to hear that! Thank you for choosing to try this recipe.

      Reply

      • Ambreen
        January 13, 2021

        Please post more kid friendly recipes.Thanks!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          January 13, 2021

          Thanks for your suggestion, Ambreen. Most of my recipes are kid-friendly and you can substitute also some recipes that has wine in it.

          Reply

  • Pamela Stiles
    January 7, 2021

    I have made this every Christmas for years and I love them so much. My favourite Christmas tradition and the very best recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 7, 2021

      That is awesome!! Thank you for your great comments and feedback, Pamela.

      Reply

  • Lana
    December 26, 2020

    Great recipe Natasha! It’s good to make with toddlers. I made half with m&ms and half with almonds inside. Tastes kind of like almond joy candy, but less sweeter. Thanks Natasha

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 26, 2020

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lana!

      Reply

  • Marie
    December 24, 2020

    These turned out amazing! It was also a fun and easy recipe to make with family. I will definitely make these again. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 25, 2020

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Carmelinda
    December 23, 2020

    Hi Natasha

    I have tried many of your recipes and they are always a hit !!! I just finished making these coconut balls and can’t wait to try them tomorrow. So easy to make and they look so festive! 😊

    Happy holidays to you and your family !

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 23, 2020

      I hope you love this recipe! Happy Holidays!

      Reply

  • Yana
    December 23, 2020

    This Recipe is amazing. My whole family loved it, and now my sister is going to do it as well. Thank you Natasha! Merry Christmas to you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 23, 2020

      You’re so welcome! I’m happy to hear that, Yana. Thanks for your great feedback.

      Reply

  • CYNDEE
    December 22, 2020

    I have a milk allergy and a diabetic loved one, looking for a substitute for condensed milk.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 22, 2020

      Hi Cyndee, I haven’t tested anything to substitute condensed milk. Possibly canned thick coconut milk and sugar – you might google that to see if there is a good dairy-free condensed milk substitute.

      Reply

  • Diane
    December 21, 2020

    Love all your recipes. I make them all and they are tasty and come out perfect.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 21, 2020

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Diane! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Blanca Degeronimo
    December 21, 2020

    My youngest son doesn’t like coconut, what do you substitute for coconut?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 21, 2020

      Hi Blanca, I can’t say this will be the same without coconut since that is the main ingredient here. Suppose you find a substitution you like, I would love to know how you like it.

      Reply

  • Claudia
    December 20, 2020

    I am planning on making these for Christmas, if I have leftovers how would you store them, would they need to be refrigerated?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 21, 2020

      Hi Claudia, you can store these coconut balls in an airtight container at either room temperature or in a refrigerator for a week.

      Reply

  • Priya
    December 20, 2020

    Hello Natasha
    I would love to make the coconut balls for Christmas.
    Please can you suggest a substitute for coconut oil.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2020

      Hi Priya, I have not tried using any other oil to advise.

      Reply

    • Violet R
      December 11, 2021

      I would try it with butter, either salted or unsalted, for the dough portion, but keep the coconut oil for the dipping chocolate. I think they would also be good rolled in toasted coconut. You could tint the coconut pastel colors for a retro look.

      Reply

  • Linda
    December 19, 2020

    Hi natahsa, how would you keep these, and for how long, thanks in advance?
    I’ve made so many of your recipes and have never had a fail. Thank you!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 20, 2020

      That is so good to know, Linda. You can store these coconut balls in an airtight container in either room temperature or in a refrigerator for a week.

      Reply

  • Asiya
    December 18, 2020

    Can I use sweetened coconut instead ?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 19, 2020

      Hi Asiya, that may work, but it will be sweeter.

      Reply

  • TG
    December 18, 2020

    I wonder if anyone else has had trouble finding desiccated coconut? I can only find flakes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 19, 2020

      Hi TG, we purchased it at our local grocery store. I would recommend asking an associate or trying another store.

      Reply

  • Kris Wagner
    December 18, 2020

    Wondering if you can substitute almonds for the m&m candies

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 18, 2020

      Hi Kris, I bet that could work! If you experiment, I would love to know how you like this recipe!

      Reply

  • Andrea Thueson
    December 17, 2020

    Now, this is my kind of candy! It looks absolutely heavenly!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      Perfect, these are so good for Christmas. I hope you can try these coconut balls!

      Reply

  • Katie
    December 17, 2020

    Made this for the family and it was a hit!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      So geat to hear that, Katie! Thanks for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Samina
    December 17, 2020

    Oh, wow. I’m drooling here. Definitely trying this, but I expect it’s going to be hard to share!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      I hope this becomes a hit! Please let us know how it goes.

      Reply

      • Alice
        December 20, 2020

        I tried making this and it tastes so good!! Would like to make more in one go, can you let me know how long these stay good? Thanks a lot for all your wonderful recipes!

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          December 20, 2020

          I’m glad you enjoyed them, Alice! You can store these coconut balls in an airtight container in either room temperature or in a refrigerator for a week.

          Reply

      • Andrea
        December 13, 2021

        They are a wonderful dessert. I made them all through the year.

        Reply

  • Judy
    December 17, 2020

    Hi natasha I am going to use unsweetened coconut and I don’t want to use condensed milk because it is so sweet so what we can replace it

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      Hello Judy, I haven’t tried any other substitute for condensed milk but I think it’s worth experimenting with. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Betsy
    December 17, 2020

    Wow! Super delicious! I love the crisp chocolate against the smooth coconut candy inside. I need to make a whole bunch of these for my Christmas Cookie and Candy Trays!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 17, 2020

      These are the perfect treat during Christmas! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

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