Raffaello

Delicious Raffaello Recipe with Milk Powder

When nostalgia and love for sweets intertwine, the result is a Raffaello recipe that will bring a smile to your face. This simple and quick dessert, made from common ingredients, is perfect for satisfying a sweet craving and impressing guests with an elegant treat. Additionally, it’s a great way to use those packets of milk powder lying around in drawers!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20

Necessary ingredients:
- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 180 g milk powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 150 g coconut flakes + 30 g for decoration
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon chocolate sauce
- Almonds (optional roasted, for filling)

Step by step:

1. Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft, at room temperature, so it mixes easily with the powdered sugar.

2. In a large bowl, add the butter and powdered sugar. Use a spatula or mixer to mix them until they become a smooth, creamy, and fluffy foam. This step is crucial for achieving a fine texture for the candies.

3. Gradually add the milk powder and mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous. If it feels too thick, don’t worry! This is normal. Continue mixing until you get a uniform paste.

4. Now, add the vanilla, lemon juice, and 150 g of coconut flakes. Mix everything with your hands, as the mixture becomes more viscous and hard to mix with a spatula. Ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one part, add the cocoa and chocolate sauce. Mix well until the cocoa is completely integrated. This will provide a delicious hue and an intense chocolate flavor.

6. It’s time to form the balls! From the white mixture, take a small portion and flatten it in your palm. Place an almond in the center of the ball and close it, shaping it into a perfectly round ball. Repeat this step until you finish the white mixture.

7. For the ones made with cocoa, follow the same process, but instead of an almond, you can use, if desired, a small piece of chocolate or simply leave them plain.

8. Once all the balls are formed, roll them in the remaining coconut flakes. For the cocoa ones, I suggest toasting the coconut flakes slightly in a dry pan to give them a more pronounced flavor.

9. Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for a few hours (at least 2 hours) until they harden. This will help set the shape and intensify the flavors.

10. When ready, enjoy the delicious Raffaello balls with a cup of black coffee or flavored tea. These sweets are perfect for serving at a party or simply to indulge after a long day.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a little almond extract to the mixture.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with other nuts! You can replace almonds with pistachios or pecans for a different version.
- These sweets keep well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for several days (if you manage to keep them!).

Nutritional benefits:
- Almonds provide an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Coconut is rich in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, and has antioxidant properties.
- Milk powder is a good source of calcium, protein, and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer. Make sure they are roasted for added flavor.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, this recipe contains dairy and animal products, but you can try adapting it using vegan butter and nut milk powder.

3. How can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can replace powdered sugar with a natural sweetener, but always check the measurement equivalents, as each sweetener has a different level of sweetness.

These Raffaello balls with milk powder are more than just a simple dessert; they are a sweet escape into childhood memories and a way to bring a touch of joy into every day. Try them and don’t forget to share your impressions!