You’re going to go coco for these no-bake chocolaty thumbprints!
When I was little, Mounds was one of my favorite store-bought candies—small nuggets of sweetened coconut with a shell of milk chocolate. Today, my tastes are more elevated, and I appreciate homemade sweets way more than I once did. Cue coconut candy: a jazzed-up version of the candy bars I used to drool over.
At first, making candy can seem intimidating. In fact, certain candies are pretty challenging to craft. But not coconut candy. This easy recipe only takes a few simple steps that lead to a buttery, fluffy treat perfect for parties. Pop one in your mouth, and it will be hard to say “no” to another.
Although I usually avoid sugar, coconut candies are nearly unavoidable because of how handy they are for special occasions. They’re shaped like thumbprint cookies but melt in your mouth effortlessly. No wonder big candy companies created such an iconic duo; it’s a match that has stood the test of time to end up right in our very own kitchen.
An island dessert
Both coconut and chocolate come from tropical regions. The coconut palm tree is believed to have been born off the coast of Southeast Asia and then spread to tropical coasts and islands around the world. Cacao, the seed that turns into cocoa and chocolate, originated in the Amazon jungle of South America. The cacao plant, which has gone through quite the transformation since its roots, was traditionally used ceremonially by indigenous medicine men. Today, coconut and chocolate are so iconic on their own and together, we’ve almost forgotten just how far they’ve come. What a blessing it is to be able to enjoy them in the comfort of our homes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep your coconut candies in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Alternatively, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months before thawing overnight in the fridge. To keep the candies from sticking together, separate them with layers of parchment paper.
Serving suggestions
Coconut candy by itself is delicious, but what if we paired it with a velvety Banana Split Smoothie Bowl, Healthy Milkshake, or Fruit Salad? We could add even more sweet nutrients to the spread by serving Mixed Fruit And Nut Energy Bites, Sugar-Free Frozen Yogurt, or Healthy Greek Yogurt Brownies. The sky’s the limit with these little guys, and it doesn’t hurt to try new serving options for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups flaked sweetened coconut
- Melted dark or white chocolate for decorating, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and flaked sweetened coconut until the mixture is well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and press down slightly in the center of each. If desired, decorate the coconut candies with a small dot of melted chocolate on top or drizzle lines of chocolate over them.
- Place the candies in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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