Lemon Coconut Balls

Prep: 20 min

Lemon Coconut Balls are zesty, sweet treats with a tender crumb and chewy coconut interior, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings with bright citrus flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup moist shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in egg.
  3. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with lemon juice and vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Chill dough.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. If you're out of lemon juice, you can substitute with an equal amount of lime juice for a different citrus flavor. To enhance the coconut flavor, consider using toasted shredded coconut instead of moist. Remember to chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful Lemon Coconut Balls as a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or can be enjoyed as a dessert after a meal. For an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving or drizzle with a simple glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Lemon Coconut Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in a microwave. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can alter their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Coconut Balls contains roughly 271 calories, with 3g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1874mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).

271 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 3g 4% DV
Carbs 51.4g 19% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1874mg 81% DV
Potassium 2876.5mg 61% DV
Cholesterol 79.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.2mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 14.7mg 16% DV
Calcium 90.7mg 7% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg 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 a gluten-free flour blend if needed. However, the texture may vary slightly. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure, or add a teaspoon of it to your mixture.

How can I make these Lemon Coconut Balls more lemony?

To intensify the lemon flavor, consider adding lemon zest from one or two lemons into the dough along with the lemon juice. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze over the balls after they cool for a burst of citrus flavor.

Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?

Certainly! You can mix in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch. Alternatively, consider incorporating white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast. These variations can give the Lemon Coconut Balls a delightful twist.

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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