Raffaelo - homemade candies

Raffaelo - Homemade Candies

Who doesn't love sweets? Especially those little delights that remind us of childhood and the moments spent with family. Today, I will share with you a simple and delicious recipe to make Raffaelo candies at home. These little sweet jewels, with their coconut flavor and creamy filling, are perfect for any occasion, from parties to ordinary family days. Let’s begin this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time in the fridge: 1 hour
Number of servings: about 30 candies

Ingredients:
- 300 g milk powder
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (preferably 82% fat)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla essence)
- 100 g coconut + coconut for decoration
- Hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts (optional, for filling)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. It's essential that the butter is at room temperature so that it incorporates easily into the milk powder mixture. Browse through the recipe and check that you also have coconut for decoration, as well as optional fillings if you want to add a special touch.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the milk powder, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and coconut. Mix the dry ingredients with a spatula or a large spoon until well combined. Adding the vanilla essence will provide an irresistible aroma, so don’t skip it!

3. Incorporating the butter: Add the softened butter to the bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, start mixing the ingredients. This process may take about 10 minutes, but don’t rush! It’s important that the butter completely melts and forms a smooth and firm paste. If you feel the mixture is too dry, you can add a little warm milk to make it softer.

4. Forming the balls: Once the mixture is ready, take a portion of the paste and shape it into balls about 2-3 cm in diameter. They can be slightly larger or smaller, depending on your preferences. If you want to add a filling, make a small indentation in the middle of the ball and add a hazelnut, almond, or walnut. Then, close the ball and reshape it again.

5. Coating with coconut: After you have formed all the balls, place the coconut on a plate and roll each candy in it, so that it is evenly coated. This step not only adds an attractive appearance but also a delicious crunchy texture.

6. Refrigeration: Place the candies on a tray and refrigerate them for at least one hour. This step is essential to allow them to harden and maintain their shape.

Serving: After they have been in the fridge, the Raffaelo candies are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them on an elegant platter, perhaps alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. They are also ideal as a small gift for loved ones, beautifully arranged in a decorative box.

Practical tips:
- If you want to experiment with flavors, you can also add a little lemon or orange zest to the mixture for a fresh and citrusy taste.
- Instead of vanilla sugar, you can use high-quality vanilla extract for a more intense flavor.
- If you have allergies, carefully check the ingredients and adjust the recipe accordingly.

Nutritional benefits:
These candies are a good source of energy due to the healthy fats from the coconut and the proteins from the milk powder. Of course, like any dessert, it's best to enjoy them in moderation. Each candy contains about 80-100 calories, depending on size and filling.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole milk powder instead of skim milk powder?
Yes, but keep in mind that the candies will be richer in fats and calories.

2. Can Raffaelo candies be frozen?
Yes, these candies can be frozen. Make sure to pack them well in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

3. What is the best way to store them?
Store the candies in a closed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them.

Possible variations:
For a chocolate version, melt a bit of white or dark chocolate and incorporate it into the milk powder mixture. You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the mixture for a new taste.

These little delights are not only a pleasure to savor but also a fun activity to do together with loved ones. Cook them with love and share the joy of homemade taste!

 Ingredients: 300 g powdered milk, 250 g powdered sugar, 200 g butter (82% fat), 2 packets of vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, 100 g coconut + coconut for decoration