Raffaello Candies

Name: Raffaello Candies - Mariana M.
Ingredients: 300 g powdered milk 300 g granulated sugar 350 g coconut 300 g butter Unsalted peanuts or almond kernels

Dessert - Raffaello Candies by Mariana M. - Recipia

Whenever I need to make something quick for guests or someone asks me about no-bake desserts, I think of these candies. You don't need special molds or complicated techniques, and if you have a bit of patience to roll them all, the rest goes almost in one go. I like to prepare them when I have more to do because I can leave the mixture to cool while I do something else, then I come back to them. Quick Info Total time: 40-60 minutes (most of the time for shaping and cooling) Preparation time: 20-30 minutes Cooking/baking time: not applicable Servings: 40-50 candies, depending on size Difficulty: easy Recipe type: dessert, candies, no-bake, suitable for occasions or when you need something sweet quickly Ingredients 300 g milk powder 300 g granulated sugar 350 g coconut (of which 50 g set aside for rolling the candies) 300 g butter unsalted nuts or almond kernels, one for each candy Preparation method 1. Prepare the coconut. Set aside 50 g from the total amount. The rest will go into the mixture. 2. In a large bowl, combine the milk powder, sugar, coconut (without the 50 g set aside), and butter. The butter should be at room temperature to mix more easily. 3. Mix everything with a spoon until it starts to come together, then knead gently by hand. If the butter is soft, the mixture becomes a thick paste that can be shaped. It shouldn't be too dry, but not too soft either. 4. Take a small amount of the mixture (about the size of a small walnut), form a ball, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place an unsalted nut or almond in the center. Close it back up and give it a round shape. 5. Roll each candy in the remaining coconut to coat well. 6. Arrange the candies on a tray or plate. After you've shaped them all, refrigerate them for at least an hour. The butter will harden, and the candies will hold their shape well. Why I make this recipe often They are quick to make, and you don't need a food processor or oven. They keep well in the fridge and can be taken on the go or given to kids without stress. The ingredients are readily available, and you can easily make a lot at once. Tips and variations Tips If the butter is too hard, let it sit at room temperature before you start working. Don’t try to heat the mixture, as it risks melting the coconut. The mixture should not be liquid. If it seems too soft, add a bit more milk powder or coconut. If you don’t have time to shape all the candies at once, keep the mixture in the fridge and continue later. Substitutes You can also use store-bought coconut flakes, brand does not matter. Regular milk powder works well, but so does instant. Nuts can be replaced with almonds or, if you don't want to use nuts, simply leave them out. Variations Instead of simple balls, you can make slightly larger candies and place them on baking paper for a neater appearance. You can add a bit of vanilla essence to the mixture if you want a subtle extra flavor. If you want the candies to be crunchier, lightly roast the nuts or almonds beforehand. Serving ideas They can be placed directly on a platter, in small paper cups, or in gift boxes. At a larger table, they pair well with coffee or tea. Frequently asked questions 1. Can the candies be made ahead of time? Yes, it’s actually recommended to let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. They hold their shape and become firmer. 2. Does the butter need to have a specific fat percentage? It doesn’t matter too much, but classic butter with 80-82% fat works best. Using margarine will change the texture, and I don’t recommend it. 3. Can I reduce the sugar? Sugar helps with texture, not just taste. You can try with a little less, but the candies will be softer. 4. How do I choose the right milk powder? Any milk powder for consumption works, just make sure it’s whole. Don’t use skim milk powder, the candies will come out drier. 5. Can the candies be frozen? I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture changes when you thaw them and they can release water on the surface. Nutritional values Estimation for one candy (from about 45 pieces): 110-120 kcal, 2 g protein, 7 g fat, 10-12 g carbohydrates. This is just an estimate; values may vary depending on size and what kind of nut/milk powder you use. They are quite calorie-dense, given the butter and sugar. Storage and reheating The candies should be kept in the fridge, in a lidded container, for up to a week. They don’t need reheating and are served directly from the fridge. If they sit too long at room temperature, they become softer, but they don’t spoil easily. I don’t recommend freezing.

Raffaello Candies

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