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    Home / Desserts / Truffles, chocolate & candy

    Easy 5-Min Coconut Balls

    Last update: Apr 20, 2025 Published: Dec 27, 2022 by Fadela This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 1 review

    Make these coconut balls Raffaello style with this quick and easy recipe made with only 3 ingredients and 5 minutes. These coconut truffles are perfect to give as gifts during the holidays or just to enjoy.

    coconut balls on a plate on a dessert table
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • How to Make Coconut Balls
    • Tips for this recipe
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Recipe Questions
    • More Truffles and Ball Recipes
    • Coconut balls

    Love coconut and Raffaello candies? These easy homemade coconut balls are soft, sweet, and full of coconut flavor—perfect for coconut lovers!

    Made with shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk, each ball hides a crunchy hazelnut inside. You can swap it for an almond or leave it out.

    No baking, no special tools—just one bowl and a few minutes. Great for holidays, gifts, or a quick sweet treat!

    Why you'll love this recipe


    • Nutty center: A whole hazelnut adds a perfect crunch inside the chewy coconut shell.
    • Quick to make: Just coconut, condensed milk, and hazelnuts—ready in minutes.
    • Rich and creamy: Sweetened condensed milk makes them soft, smooth, and full of flavor.

    Craving for more coconut recipes? Give these a try, coconut layer cake, coconut cupcakes, coconut macarons, coconut milk ganache frosting.

    Ingredients You Need

    You need these ingredients to make this 3 ingredients coconut ball recipe:

    • Coconut: Use unsweetened coconut, which you can substitute with toasted coconut or desiccated coconut. No need to use sweetened coconut flakes or add powdered sugar in the recipe as the sweetened condensed milk is enough to sweeten these coconut balls.
    • Sweetened condensed milk: Use sweetened condensed skim milk instead of unsweetened evaporated milk which has a more liquid texture. For a vegan version use sweetened condensed coconut milk.
    • Dried fruits: whole hazelnuts, almonds, or other nuts, previously roasted in the oven for more flavor.
    plate with coconut balls

    How to Make Coconut Balls

    Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

    Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, place all ingredients, shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk and mix with a tablespoon until the mixture is smooth and the coconut flakes are well moistened by the condensed milk.

    Step 2: Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    bowl with sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut flakes
    bol with coconut mixture

    Step 3: Using your hands, scoop out a small amount of coconut mixture and compact it in the palm of your hand and add a whole hazelnut or almond and press it into the center of the coconut ball.

    Step 4: Roll the ball between your hands until you have a smooth dough ball and place them on a plate or on a sheet of parchment paper.

    plate with coconut balls

    Step 5: Place shredded coconut flakes in a small bowl and roll the coconut balls in the coconut flakes until they are completely covered.

    Enjoy! Place the coconut truffle balls in small white cases and enjoy!

    bowl with shredded coconut flakes and coconut balls

    Tips for this recipe

    • Use Powdered Dried Shredded Coconut: Start with finely powdered dried shredded coconut for a smooth texture and consistent flavor.
    • Chill the Mixture: After mixing the coconut and condensed milk, refrigerate the mixture to make it easier to handle and shape.
    • Use an Ice Cream Scoop: To ensure even-sized coconut balls, use a small ice cream scoop to portion out the mixture before rolling it into balls.
    • Coat Hands with Oil: Lightly coat your hands with a bit of coconut oil or butter to prevent the mixture from sticking while rolling.
    • Press the Hazelnut Firmly: When placing the hazelnut in the center, press it firmly into the mixture to ensure it stays in place.
    • Chill Before Serving: After forming the balls, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to help them set and hold their shape.
    • Experiment with Coatings: Roll the coconut balls in additional shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
    • Store Properly: Keep the coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
    plate with a pile of coconut balls

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Chocolate Covered Coconut Balls: Dip the formed coconut balls in melted dark or milk chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.
    • Almond Joy Coconut Balls: Replace the hazelnut with an almond and roll the balls in extra shredded coconut for a twist on the classic candy.
    • Coconut Lemon Balls: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
    • Coconut Rum Balls: Mix in a small amount of rum or coconut liqueur for a boozy, tropical version.
    • Nutella-Filled Coconut Balls: Swap the hazelnut for a freeze of dollop of Nutella in the center for a chocolate-hazelnut surprise.
    • Dried Fruit Coconut Balls: Incorporate finely chopped dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or raisins into the mixture for added sweetness and texture.
    • Pistachio Coconut Balls: Roll the coconut balls in crushed pistachios instead of extra coconut for a nutty, colorful coating.

    Recipe Questions

    Can I use fresh coconut instead of dried shredded coconut?

    It's best to use dried shredded coconut for the right texture, but fresh coconut can be used if you dry it out slightly before using it.

    How do I make the mixture easier to handle?

    Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.

    What’s the best way to shape coconut balls?

    Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to ensure even-sized balls, then roll them in your hands to form a smooth shape.

    More Truffles and Ball Recipes

    • Homemade chocolate truffles recipe
      French Chocolate Truffles
    • Chocolate chip cookes dough balls recipe
      Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
    • No-Bake Oreo Balls
    • Easy 3 Ingredients Biscoff Truffles Balls
    coconut balls cut in half

    I hope you love these easy coconut balls. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

    Print
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    Coconut balls


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Fadela
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 15 balls
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    How to make homemade raffaello coconut balls with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk and whole hazelnuts. (for 15 balls)


    Ingredients

    • 135 g ( 1 ½ cups) dry shredded coconut
    • 170 g (½ cup) sweetened condensed milk
    • 15 hazelnuts or almonds - whole

    Instructions

    1. Place the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl.
    2. Using a tablespoon, mix the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and doughy.
    3. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
    4. Take small amounts of the coconut mixture between your hands and put a whole hazelnut or almond in the center, close and roll them to form a smooth ball.
    5. Then roll the coconut balls immediately in a bowl filled with unsweetened shredded coconut flakes and place your Raffaello coconut balls in small cases.

    Equipment

    Food processor

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    ice cream scoop

    Ice cream scoop

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    Notes

    Storage: 1-2 weeks at room temperature, placed in a storage box with a tight-fitting lid and up to 3 months in the freezer.

    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Category: truffles, balls
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 ball
    • Calories: 804
    • Sugar: 15 g
    • Sodium: 38 mg
    • Fat: 74 g
    • Trans Fat:
    • Carbohydrates: 29.7 g
    • Protein: 18.3 g
    • Cholesterol: 3.9 mg

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    Comments

    1. Nora

      December 24, 2023 at 11:12 am

      Tested today in preparation for Christmas! Amazing. To get the crunch of a Rafaello, I replaced part of the coconut with crushed lace biscuits and toasted almond flakes. It turned out great. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Fadela

        December 24, 2023 at 11:21 am

        Thank you so much for your feedback ❤️ and for the great idea of using lace biscuits!

        Reply

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