Homemade chocolate balls

Homemade chocolate balls – an irresistible delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 8 hours
Total time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 balls

Introduction

Who can resist a homemade chocolate ball? This simple and delicious dessert brings back memories of childhood and moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones. Making chocolate balls is an activity that combines the joy of cooking with the delight of enjoying a homemade sweet treat. Whether you are preparing them for a party, as a gift, or simply to indulge yourself, these balls are sure to be a hit. I invite you to discover the steps needed to create the finest homemade chocolate balls.

Ingredients

- 200 ml water
- 375 g sugar
- 500 g milk powder
- 50 g cocoa
- 125-250 g margarine (depending on preference)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Optional: coconut, nuts, or raisins for decoration and additional flavors

Ingredient details

Sugar is the main ingredient that sweetens the preparation, and the use of white sugar is the most common. If you want to experiment, you can try brown sugar for a more caramelized taste. Milk powder is essential, providing a creamy flavor and fine texture. Cocoa adds an intense chocolate flavor, while margarine helps bind the ingredients. Vanilla sugar adds a fragrant and delicious note.

Preparation – Step by step

1. Preparing the syrup
In a saucepan, add 200 ml of water and 375 g of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the syrup to boil for about 10 minutes until it becomes slightly viscous.

2. Adding the margarine
Once the syrup is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and add 125-250 g of margarine (depending on how rich you want the balls to be). Mix well until the margarine completely melts and incorporates into the syrup.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 50 g of cocoa, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, and 500 g of milk powder. Mix the dry ingredients to distribute them evenly. Then, pour the warm syrup over these ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

4. Forming the balls
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then, with damp hands, form balls of the desired size. If you like, you can add chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut inside for a personal touch.

5. Cooling and decorating
Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in silicone molds. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and let cool for 8 hours or overnight. If desired, after they have hardened, you can roll them in coconut, ground nuts, or walnuts for a special look and taste.

6. Serving
Once the balls have hardened, you can cut them into desired shapes or leave them whole. Serve them as they are or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. These delicious chocolate balls are particularly popular and can be an excellent option for friends visiting or as a gift.

Variations and tips

- Adding flavors: You can experiment with flavors like rum or orange essence to give the preparation a different taste.
- Using chocolate: Instead of cocoa, you can use melted chocolate to achieve richer and creamier balls.
- Enriching the composition: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or candied fruits for a unique flavor.

Nutritional benefits

These homemade chocolate balls are a good source of calories, thanks to the sugar and fat content from margarine. However, milk powder also adds protein, and cocoa is rich in antioxidants, making this dessert a better choice than many other processed sweets.

Useful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate mixing.
- If you want softer balls, reduce the cooling time.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine for a richer taste.

2. Can I use whole milk powder?
Absolutely! Whole milk powder will give the balls a creamier texture.

3. How long can I keep the chocolate balls?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

4. What drinks pair well with chocolate balls?
They pair perfectly with flavored coffee, fruit tea, or even a glass of warm milk.

In conclusion, homemade chocolate balls are not only an easy dessert to prepare but also a wonderful way to impress your friends and family. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!