I really love getting into the kitchen, especially during the holidays. Because we’re really busy between work, preschool, play dates, and writing, my son and I rarely have elaborate meals. A quick stir fry here, homemade mac and cheese there, a healthy sprinkling of casseroles and an embarrassing number of eggs make up our meal menus, but I always make sure to spend some time baking cookies, muffins or loaves to keep us fed and happy.
With moving to a new province for my new job and settling into a new home, I’m busier than ever – but I still want to have some yummy snacks to enjoy while I write. Plus, I’ve got Christmas parties to attend – and I don’t want to show up empty handed.
I was lucky enough to taste one of these treats recently when a girlfriend offered me one during a brainstorming session. After pleading with her, she gave up the recipe – and now I’m claiming them as my own, having swapped sweetened coconut flakes for the unsweetened variety. These ridiculously easy, no-bake coconut balls are vegan and gluten free – plus they’re delicious. And have I mentioned easy? They’re so easy. They even look wintry – perfect!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil, coconut oil
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (you can use sweetened, too)
The rest happens in three simple steps:
Melt your coconut oil
Stir in powdered sugar and coconut flakes
Scoop out by tablespoon and roll into balls
Easy, right? Told you!
The fourth step? Devour! (You're welcome.) They're super sweet, and pair beautifully with coffee (what doesn't go well with coffee?).
Yield: 16 - 20 balls depending on how generous your spoonfuls are
Optional: make coconut cookie snowmen and then eat them while laughing manically. Totally optional.
Next time I make these, I’m going to try to lessen the powdered sugar and make up the difference with cocoa. I’ll let you know how that goes. Enjoy!