Raffaello candies

Name: Raffaello candies - Maria I.
Ingredients: 200 g coconut plus extra for coating 200 g powdered milk 200 g butter 200 g sugar juice from half a lemon unsalted roasted hazelnuts

Dessert - Raffaello candies by Maria I. - Recipia

Whenever I have unexpected guests or want a quick dessert, I think of these coconut and powdered milk balls. They are no-bake, made with ingredients I usually have at home. They are sweet, soft, with a slight crust from the coconut on the outside. Usually, I prepare everything in a single bowl and don’t even have to turn on the oven. If I have it on hand, I also add some crushed wafer for texture. Quick Info Total time: 25-30 minutes Preparation time: 20-25 minutes (without cooling time, if desired) No-bake Servings: about 25-30 pieces (the size of a walnut) Difficulty: easy Recipe type: quick dessert, no-bake, homemade candies Ingredients 200 g coconut (plus extra for rolling the balls) 200 g powdered milk 200 g butter 200 g sugar Juice of half a lemon Roasted, unsalted hazelnuts (for the inside) Instructions 1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, put the butter and sugar over low heat. Stir occasionally and let them melt completely until the butter is fully melted and the sugar is no longer grainy. Do not boil; just melt well. Turn off the heat. 2. Immediately add the powdered milk, all the coconut (200 g), and the lemon juice, quickly mixing with a wooden spoon until you have a homogeneous mixture. If you want a crunchier texture, you can add some crushed wafers, but it's not mandatory. 3. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it is bearable to handle with your hands, but still slightly warm – this makes it easier to shape. 4. Break off pieces of the mixture about the size of a walnut. Shape them between your palms and press lightly, then place a roasted hazelnut in the center. Cover the hazelnut and form a ball as round as possible. 5. Roll each ball in extra coconut so that they are well covered on all sides. 6. Place them on a platter or in a box. They can be served immediately or, if you prefer, they can chill for an hour to firm up slightly. Why I make this recipe often This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, it’s quick, and it doesn’t create a big mess in the kitchen. The ingredients are on hand, and I don’t have to plan anything in advance. The balls can be made smaller or larger, depending on your preference. They keep well for a few days in the fridge. Tips and variations Tips If you have softer butter or powdered milk that absorbs differently, you can adjust with a spoon or two of powdered milk or a little extra coconut if you see the mixture is too soft. Don’t let the mixture cool completely before forming the balls; if it hardens, it becomes difficult to shape. Substitutions Roasted hazelnuts can be omitted or you can use almonds if you prefer. White sugar can be replaced with brown sugar, but it will change the color and slightly the taste. Variations You can add a little crushed wafer to the mixture for an extra crunchy texture if you have it on hand. For a different taste, you can add grated lemon zest, but it’s not in the basic recipe. Serving ideas The balls can be placed in small paper candy molds if you want them to look more elegant at a festive table. If you want to give them as a gift, put a few in a simple box lined with baking paper. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use condensed milk instead of powdered milk? No, the recipe won’t turn out the same with condensed milk. The texture and proportions will be too liquid and won’t bind properly. 2. What type of butter should I use? Any butter with at least 80% fat works well. Don’t use margarine; it doesn’t have the same taste. 3. What do I do if the mixture is too soft and I can’t form the balls? Add a little more coconut or powdered milk until it becomes thick enough to shape. 4. Can these candies be frozen? I do not recommend it. They change texture when thawed, becoming wet and losing their pleasant consistency. 5. How long do they last in the fridge? They keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge, in a closed box. Nutritional values Approximately, one ball (out of 30 pieces) has about 100-120 kcal. Proportionally, they contain quite a bit of fat (from butter and coconut), few proteins (1-2 g/ball), and carbohydrates (10-12 g/ball). Values may vary depending on the size of the candies and the type of ingredients used. Storage and reheating The candies are kept in the fridge, in a closed box, for up to 4 days. No reheating is needed. I do not recommend freezing, as the texture changes when thawed. If left at room temperature for a few hours, they do not soften, but in high heat, they may soften slightly due to the butter. The recipe is simple and practical, ideal when you want something sweet, quick, and hassle-free.

Raffaello candies

Tags

Categories