Tay Tris Choc Balls
Sweet and spicy chocolate balls with nuts and cinnamon, perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful treat for those who enjoy rich, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add shortening and sugar to the beaten eggs and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and flour.
- Add syrup to the egg mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Mix in the flour and nuts until evenly incorporated.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Bake the balls at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes.
- Once cooled, ice with cookie icing or chocolate icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have crisco, butter can be used as a substitute, though it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the overall flavor. For a twist, incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits similar to those found in Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These choc balls are delightful on their own or can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle with chocolate icing and sprinkle with chopped nuts. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert platter. Consider serving them alongside Ice Cream Scones for a fun dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Tay Tris Choc Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until slightly soft, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tay Tris Choc Balls contains roughly 34 calories, with 0g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 486mg per serving (21% 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 make these chocolate balls gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free certified to avoid cross-contamination. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.
How can I make these choc balls more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust according to taste. Additionally, folding in mini chocolate chips before rolling the dough into balls will give you delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite.
What can I use instead of nuts in this recipe?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can easily substitute nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Alternatively, you could use crispy rice cereal for a bit of crunch without nuts. Just ensure that any substitute aligns with dietary preferences and restrictions.
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).