Peanut Orange Coconut Balls
Delightful peanut orange coconut balls offer a sweet, tangy, and nutty treat perfect for snacking or gifting, combining vibrant citrus flavor with crunchy peanuts and coconut.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs.
- Mix crushed wafers, powdered sugar, chopped peanuts, melted oleo, and undiluted frozen orange juice until well combined.
- Chill the mixture for a while to firm up.
- Make a thin icing by mixing 2 cups powdered sugar with orange juice and 2 tablespoons oleo.
- Form walnut-sized balls from the dough mixture.
- Dip each ball into the orange icing.
- Roll the dipped balls in shredded coconut.
- Chill the coconut-coated balls for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute chopped peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you want a more intense orange flavor, consider adding grated orange zest to the mixture. Ensure the oleo is well melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the other ingredients. Chill the mixture sufficiently to form perfect balls without them falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them on a decorative platter alongside other treats like Dreamsickle Cake or Watergate Salad. They make a great addition to dessert tables at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Peanut Orange Coconut Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, ensuring they maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Orange Coconut Balls contains roughly 841 calories, with 7g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh orange juice instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh orange juice, but keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit milder. Make sure to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to maintain the desired consistency of the icing.
How can I make these vegan?
To make these Peanut Orange Coconut Balls vegan, substitute oleo with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure the vanilla wafers are dairy-free. Additionally, check that the powdered sugar is vegan, as some brands may use bone char in processing.
What can I use instead of coconut for rolling?
If you prefer not to use shredded coconut, you can roll the balls in crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or even sprinkles for a festive look. Each option will provide a different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference.
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).