Description
These Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles are a delightfully easy holiday treat that combines shredded sweetened coconut, luscious maraschino cherries, and rich semisweet chocolate. With a creamy condensed milk base and a hint of almond extract, these no-bake truffles offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an irresistible festive snack or gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Truffle Base
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract for nut-free option)
- 15 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the truffles from sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended, forming a sticky, cohesive base.
- Add cherries: Gently fold the drained maraschino cherries into the coconut mixture to distribute them evenly without breaking them apart.
- Shape the truffles: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll each into a ball with your hands. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the truffles: Dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Return the coated truffles to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and set: Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill the truffles for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract.
- Make sure maraschino cherries are well-drained and dried to avoid excess moisture in the truffles.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To serve at room temperature, take truffles out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.
- To prevent truffles from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
