Angels Balls(Christmas Cookie)
Angel's Balls are festive Christmas cookies featuring dates, coconut, and nuts, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix margarine, dates, coconut, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large saucepan and cook for 6 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add vanilla to the mixture.
- Stir in chopped nuts and Rice Krispies until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into balls and roll in confectioners' sugar.
- Store in a tightly covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened coconut or dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds. Using margarine can be swapped with a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free option. Ensure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumping.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful holiday treats are perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet addition to cookie platters. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For a creative twist, consider serving them alongside Festive Holiday Bark to diversify your dessert table. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Angels Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy them slightly warm, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving, which will soften them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angels Balls(Christmas Cookie) contains roughly 2899 calories, with 6g protein, 558g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these Angels Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and shape the balls a day or two in advance. Just roll them in confectioners' sugar right before serving to keep them looking fresh and inviting. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday parties.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
While any chopped nuts can be used, pecans and walnuts are particularly popular for their flavor and texture. If you prefer a crunchier bite, try using almonds. Just ensure they are finely chopped to blend well with the other ingredients.
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried dates?
It's best to use dried dates for this recipe as they are sweeter and have a firmer texture that holds up better during cooking. Fresh dates tend to be softer and may alter the consistency of the mixture. If you only have fresh dates, reduce the cooking time slightly.
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).