Chocolate Sugar Plums
Sweet and rich chocolate sugar plums with pecans and coconut, coated in chocolate, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine coconut, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, pecan bits, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill for 10 minutes.
- Melt together chocolate chips and paraffin in a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate mixture, using a toothpick to coat.
- Place the coated balls on wax paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you want to lighten the sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or substitute with coconut sugar. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor. If you’re short on time, use store-bought chocolate melts instead of melting chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chocolate sugar plums as a delightful dessert after a holiday meal or as a sweet treat during gatherings. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter alongside Frances Madden's Strawberry Mousse for a colorful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chocolate sugar plums in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the uncoated balls before dipping them in chocolate, then thaw and coat when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Sugar Plums contains roughly 2404 calories, with 16g protein, 322g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 use nuts other than pecans for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are finely chopped to maintain the texture of the sugar plums.
Is it necessary to use paraffin in the chocolate coating?
Paraffin is often used to give the chocolate a nice sheen and help it set firmly. However, it's not essential. You can omit it or use a small amount of vegetable shortening instead if you prefer a smooth chocolate coating without paraffin.
Can I make these sugar plums ahead of time?
Absolutely! These chocolate sugar plums can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container as mentioned earlier. They actually taste better after sitting for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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).