Ambrosia Balls

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 48 Cuisine: American

Ambrosia Balls are sweet, tender cookies coated in powdered sugar, offering a delightful coconut flavor. Perfect for holidays, parties, or sweet snack cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. softened butter
  • 1/2 c. confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/4 c. flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. coconut, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
  2. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until set (not brown).
  3. While warm, roll the cookies in confectioners' sugar.
  4. Allow the cookies to cool.
  5. Roll the cookies in sugar again before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture. If you prefer a lighter cookie, substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure your butter is softened properly for easy mixing, and use a cookie scoop to maintain uniformity in size. If you want a flavor boost, try using almond extract instead of vanilla.

Serving Suggestions

Ambrosia Balls make a delightful dessert on their own but can also be served alongside a fruit platter or a cup of tea. They pair beautifully with a light dessert wine or coffee. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with colored sugar for special occasions. These cookies are perfect for potlucks or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes.

Storage & Reheating

Store Ambrosia Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. To refresh the cookies before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or microwave them briefly for a few seconds to soften.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ambrosia Balls contains roughly 68 calories, with 0g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.

68 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 13.8g 5% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 11.7g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 146.1mg 6% DV
Potassium 10.7mg
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 1.1mg
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just note that the texture may slightly change, and you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients to achieve the right consistency.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to shape into balls, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will firm up the butter, making it easier to handle. You can also dust your hands with a little flour to prevent sticking while rolling the dough into balls.

Can I freeze Ambrosia Balls?

Absolutely! You can freeze Ambrosia Balls either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked dough, shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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