Coconut balls

I started making these little balls when I had some leftover bland cookies from a cheesecake recipe. I was looking for something quick, no-bake, and without a mixer, and I noticed I had some puffed rice left from my breakfast pack. They are quick to prepare and easy to adapt with what you have at home.

Quick info

Total time: 30 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 18-22 small balls
Difficulty: easy

Ingredients

150 g plain cookies (Petit Beurre or similar)
160 g Nutella
40 g butter (82% fat)
20 g puffed rice (natural, no sugar or chocolate)
1 teaspoon rum essence (optional)
Coconut for rolling (30-40 g, depending on preference)
Optional: 1 tablespoon water, if needed to bind the mixture

Preparation method

1. Place broken cookies and puffed rice in a food processor. Crush them until you get a fine mixture, but not flour – leave small pieces for texture.
2. In a heatproof bowl, add Nutella and butter. Place the bowl over a double boiler and mix until melted and combined. Using a double boiler prevents the butter from burning.
3. Pour the butter and Nutella mixture over the cookies and rice. Add the rum essence.
4. With damp hands, mix everything. If the mixture seems too dry and doesn’t hold together, add an extra tablespoon of Nutella or a tablespoon of water. If it’s too soft, let it cool for 5-10 minutes; it will firm up a bit.
5. With slightly damp hands, form small balls, about the size of a walnut.
6. Roll each ball in coconut until evenly coated.
7. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave them in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Why I make this recipe often

It doesn't require an oven or complicated utensils, it's quick to make, and you don’t dirty too many dishes. They keep well in the fridge and can be made in advance for guests or packed for the office. I can easily adapt them based on what I have on hand.

Tips and variations

Tips

- Cookies are easiest to crush in a food processor, but you can also use a bag and a rolling pin if you don't have another option.
- Wet your hands before forming the balls – the mixture won’t stick to your fingers.
- If you want them firmer, let them chill longer or slightly increase the amount of cookies.

Substitutions

- Nutella can be replaced with any cocoa or nut spread (not jam).
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and vegan spread.
- Puffed rice can be substituted with crushed cornflakes or even chopped almonds for a different texture.

Variations

- You can replace part of the coconut for rolling with cocoa, Nesquik, or ground nuts.
- If you don’t have rum essence or don’t like it, vanilla works too, or you can skip the essence altogether.
- For added texture, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of raisins or cranberries.

Serving ideas

- For guests, place each ball in a small muffin paper.
- They are also great for school or office snacks, keeping well in the fridge.
- If you want them to look more impressive, sprinkle a little cocoa powder on top just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use digestive biscuits instead of Petit Beurre?
Yes, it works just as well, but it will have a slightly fuller cereal taste.

2. I don’t have a food processor, what should I do?
Put the cookies and rice in a thicker bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It works this way too, but the texture will be a bit more rustic.

3. What do I do if the mixture is too soft?
Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes; the butter will firm up and be easier to shape. If it still doesn’t hold together, add 1 tablespoon of crushed cookies.

4. Can the balls be made a day in advance?
Yes, they keep well in the fridge, even for two to three days.

Nutritional values

Approximately, for one ball (from a total of 20 pieces):

Calories: 75
Fat: 4.2 g
Carbohydrates: 8.4 g
Protein: 1 g

Nutritionally, it depends a lot on what cookies and spread you use. They have enough sugar, but one ball isn’t very large.

Storage and reheating

They can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They transport easily. No reheating is needed; they are served cold or at room temperature. If they seem too hard from the fridge, take them out 10 minutes before serving.