Irresistible White Chocolate Coconut Truffles: Easy Homemade Coconut Balls for Every Occasion

Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredibly easy-to-make white chocolate coconut balls. Each decadent bite offers a smooth, creamy white chocolate truffle center, perfectly balanced with a rich, nutty shredded coconut coating. These homemade confections are an absolute showstopper, ideal for any gathering, holiday celebration, or whenever you crave a luxurious, yet simple, sweet treat.

Truffles hold a special place in my heart, especially as the cooler months arrive. Their indulgent nature and celebratory feel make them the quintessential dessert for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, or simply for cozy fall and winter parties. While I once thought of truffles as a complicated confection, I’ve discovered the joy and simplicity of making them at home. This white chocolate coconut balls recipe has quickly become my go-to for its divine flavor and straightforward preparation.

Every single one of these coconut balls is a tiny piece of heaven. They are incredibly smooth and creamy, melting delicately in your mouth with each bite. The buttery, nutty essence of the shredded coconut provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a flavor profile that truly feels special and festive. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll understand why they’re so beloved!

Why These Homemade Coconut Balls Will Be Your New Favorite

I frequently make these delightful coconut-covered white chocolate truffles, and I’m confident they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire too. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Effortlessly Easy. When you think of truffles, “easy” isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind. However, this recipe breaks that stereotype. It’s incredibly simple to follow, requiring only about 30 minutes of active preparation. The rest is just chill time, making it perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time but big on flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence. Purchasing gourmet truffles from a specialty chocolate shop can be quite expensive. This recipe allows you to create equally creamy, flavorful, and decadent white chocolate coconut truffles at a mere fraction of the cost. With just 5 readily available and affordable ingredients, you can whip up a batch that tastes luxurious without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for Any Gathering. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or a casual get-together with friends, these white chocolate coconut balls are an ideal treat. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy, pleasing both children and adults alike. They exude a festive charm and will undoubtedly impress your guests, who will be amazed you made such exquisite truffles from scratch!
• Customizable and Versatile. While delicious as-is, these truffles offer room for creativity. You can experiment with different types of coconut, add a hint of citrus zest, or even infuse them with other extracts to create your unique flavor variations, making them perfect for any season or preference.
• Make-Ahead Convenience. One of the best features of this recipe is that it’s designed for make-ahead preparation. This means you can prepare the truffle mixture and even roll the balls days in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This frees up valuable time on the day of your event, allowing you to focus on other preparations.

Essential Ingredients for Your Coconut Truffles

You’ll only need 5 basic ingredients to create these heavenly white chocolate coconut balls. For precise measurements, be sure to consult the detailed recipe card at the end of this page.

• Heavy Cream: This is the foundation of our rich ganache. Use full-fat heavy cream for the creamiest, most luxurious texture. The higher fat content contributes significantly to the truffle’s melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• White Chocolate Chips: High-quality white chocolate is crucial here as it’s the primary flavor. You can use white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate bars or chunks. Opt for a brand you enjoy eating on its own for the best results. The quality of your chocolate will directly impact the final flavor and texture of your truffles.
• Butter (Softened): Butter adds an extra layer of richness and helps create that incredibly smooth, velvety texture. It also aids in setting the truffles. Ensure your butter is properly softened to room temperature – not melted – for seamless incorporation into the mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the white chocolate flavor. Always choose 100% pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and aromatic taste.
• Shredded Coconut: This is what gives our truffles their signature nutty coating and delightful texture. You can choose between sweetened or unsweetened, and even toasted or untoasted, depending on your preference. Each variation will offer a slightly different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Coconut Balls

Creating this delightful coconut-covered holiday dessert is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to perfection:

• Gently Heat the Cream. Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, where you see small bubbles forming around the edges, but do not let it come to a rolling boil. Heating the cream ensures it’s warm enough to melt the chocolate evenly.
• Melt the White Chocolate. Remove the simmering cream from the heat immediately. Add your white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate to the hot cream. Let it sit undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the residual heat to begin melting the chocolate. Then, stir gently with a spatula until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous. Continue stirring until all the chocolate has fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Once smooth, let the mixture rest for an additional 5 minutes to slightly cool and thicken.
• Incorporate Remaining Truffle Ingredients. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract into the warm white chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly until both are fully incorporated and the ganache is wonderfully smooth and glossy. The butter adds richness and a silky texture, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

• Chill to Perfection. Pour the warm truffle mixture into a shallow bowl or an airtight container. Covering it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ganache to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the mixture is firm enough to scoop and shape. This chilling process is crucial for achieving the correct truffle consistency.
• Form and Coat the Coconut Balls. Once the truffle mixture is sufficiently firm, use a small cookie scoop (about 1-inch in diameter) to scoop out portions. Place these scooped balls directly into a shallow bowl filled with shredded coconut. Use your clean hands to gently roll and press the coconut onto the truffle mixture, forming perfect spheres. The warmth from your hands will help the coconut adhere.

• Final Chill and Serve. Arrange the newly formed white chocolate coconut balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place them back into the refrigerator for another 1-2 hours to allow them to firm up completely before serving. This ensures they maintain their shape and ideal texture.

Expert Tips for Unforgettable Coconut Truffles

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, but a few simple tips can elevate your homemade white chocolate coconut truffles from great to absolutely exceptional.

• Invest in Quality Butter. Since these coconut balls are so rich and creamy, every ingredient shines through. Using a high-quality butter makes a noticeable difference. Good butter not only imparts a superior flavor but also contributes to a smoother, more decadent truffle texture. Look for European-style butter for an extra touch of luxury.
• Always Serve Chilled. For the ultimate taste and texture experience, keep these creamy coconut balls in the refrigerator until just before serving. Truffles are best enjoyed cold, as their firm structure and rich flavors are most pronounced then. If you’re serving them at a party, I recommend placing only a small batch out at a time and refilling the serving platter as needed to keep the rest perfectly chilled.
• Butter Temperature Matters. The recipe specifically calls for softened butter. It’s vital that your butter is soft to the touch, but not melted. If the butter isn’t soft enough, it won’t mix smoothly into the ganache, resulting in a lumpy texture. Conversely, if your butter is melted, it can cause the mixture to separate, leading to a greasy or unpleasant consistency. To achieve the perfect softened state, remove your butter from the fridge 30-60 minutes before you plan to start cooking, depending on your room temperature.
• Personalize Your Coconut. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can choose from various types of shredded coconut: toasted for a deeper, nuttier flavor; untoasted for a milder, fresher taste; sweetened for extra sweetness; or unsweetened for a more pronounced coconut flavor that balances the white chocolate. Experiment to find your favorite!
• Use Good Quality White Chocolate. Just like butter, the quality of your white chocolate is paramount. Avoid “white confectionery coating” or “baking chips” that aren’t real white chocolate (they often contain vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter). True white chocolate, ideally with a higher cocoa butter content, will melt more smoothly and yield a far superior flavor and texture.
• Wear Gloves for Shaping. When rolling the truffle mixture into balls, wearing food-safe gloves can make the process much easier and less messy. It also helps prevent the mixture from melting too quickly from the warmth of your hands, allowing you to create perfectly smooth spheres.
• Consider Flavor Variations. Want to add a twist? A little orange or lemon zest grated into the truffle mixture can provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness. A tiny drop of almond extract alongside the vanilla can also introduce an interesting depth of flavor.

Storing Your Decadent Coconut Truffles

These rich coconut truffles are not only delicious but also store exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy them over an extended period. To maintain their freshness and exquisite texture, simply place the coconut balls in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they will remain wonderfully fresh and delightful for up to two weeks. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dessert for entertaining or for simply having a luxurious treat on hand.

Can I Freeze These White Chocolate Coconut Truffles?

Absolutely! These creamy white chocolate coconut balls are perfect for freezing, making them even more convenient for future cravings or unexpected guests. To freeze them, arrange the finished truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring there’s as little air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to six months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, you have a few options: you can thaw them gradually in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker indulgence, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Surprisingly, these white chocolate truffles are also incredibly delicious eaten straight from the freezer for a firmer, almost ice cream-like bite!

More Irresistible Coconut Desserts to Explore

As the weather cools, I often find myself drawn to the comforting and tropical flavors of coconut. If you loved these coconut balls, here are a few more of my absolute favorite coconut-infused dessert recipes that you simply must try:

• Coconut Lime Cheesecake Dip
• Classic Coconut Macaroons
• Coconut White Chocolate Blondies
• Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes
• Coconut Cream Filled Biscoff Cookies

4.50 from 2 votes

Homemade White Chocolate Coconut Balls

By

Erin Sellin

These delightful white chocolate coconut balls feature a creamy, decadent truffle coated in nutty shredded coconut. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for holiday entertaining or a special treat.

Prep:

20 minutes
mins

Cook:

15 minutes
mins

Chill Time:

6 hours
hrs

Total:

6 hours
hrs
35 minutes
mins

Yields:

18
truffles

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/3
  cup
  
  heavy cream
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  white chocolate chips

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  Tablespoons
  
  butter
  ,
  softened

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  
  vanilla extract
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  shredded coconut
  

Instructions

• In a sauce pan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat (small bubbles around the edges).
• Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips. Let stand for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the mixture is completely smooth and all chocolate has melted. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
• Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ganache, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until mostly set and firm.
• Once the truffle mixture is set, use a small cookie scoop (about 1-inch) to scoop balls. Place them in a shallow bowl of shredded coconut, and use your fingers to gently roll and form them into round coconut balls, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Place the formed truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the fridge to set up for an additional 1-2 hours.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Feel free to use your preferred type of shredded coconut: toasted, untoasted, sweetened, or unsweetened. Each offers a unique flavor profile.

Nutrition

Serving:
18
Servings

|

Calories:
99
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
8
g

|

Protein:
1
g

|

Fat:
7
g

|

Saturated Fat:
5
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g

|

Cholesterol:
10
mg

|

Sodium:
33
mg

|

Sugar:
7
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Chill Time:

6 hours
hours

Total Time:

6 hours
hours
35 minutes
minutes

Course:
Dessert Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

18
truffles

Calories:
99

Keyword:
coconut balls, coconut balls recipe, coconut truffles, white chocolate truffles, easy dessert

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