Merry Balls
Merry Balls are delightful sweet treats featuring coconut, nuts, and chocolate, perfect for festive gatherings or as a rich, indulgent snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, coconut, nuts, confectioners sugar, Eagle Brand milk, and melted paraffin until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on wax paper.
- Dip each ball into melted chocolate chips or a chocolate coating.
- Let the chocolate-coated balls dry on wax paper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use unsweetened coconut and consider substituting almonds or walnuts for the nuts. If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace some butter with coconut oil. Ensure the paraffin is fully melted and well mixed to avoid any clumps. You could also experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
These Merry Balls make a festive treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For an added touch, serve them alongside 'Baked Eggs With Mushrooms' for a delightful brunch spread. Consider garnishing with shredded coconut or crushed nuts for visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To maintain their texture, place parchment paper between layers if stacking. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Balls contains roughly 1931 calories, with 23g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 12g 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 different kinds of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the nuts with your favorites, such as pecans or hazelnuts. Just ensure they are finely chopped to blend well into the mixture, as larger pieces may disrupt the texture and shape of the balls.
Is it necessary to use paraffin wax?
While paraffin wax helps achieve a smooth chocolate coating, it is not essential. You can skip it and simply melt additional chocolate chips to coat the balls. The end result will still be delicious without the wax, and it will be a bit easier to handle.
How can I make these dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for coating. The sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with a coconut-based version or a homemade alternative using coconut cream and sugar.
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).