Raffaello Candies

Delicious coconut and powdered milk candies

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1-2 hours
Number of servings: 20-25 candies

A little story about coconut candies: These sweet treats have quickly become favorites worldwide due to their fine texture and aromatic taste. Their origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is known that they were inspired by culinary traditions that combine simple ingredients with a love for sweets. Coconut candies are perfect for serving during celebrations, but they can be enjoyed anytime you want to indulge in something sweet!

Here is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for those who love sweets and want to make something special at home. I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious coconut candies that will surely impress anyone who tastes them!

Ingredients:
- 250 g powdered milk (choose a high-quality powdered milk for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g powdered sugar (this adds a fine sweetness and a soft texture)
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- 100 g coconut + 50 g for decoration (coconut provides a tropical flavor and pleasant texture)
- 100 g butter (make sure it is soft and at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (adds creaminess)
- Unsalted whole nuts or walnut/almond kernels (for filling, they add a crunchy contrast)

Preparation:

1. Prepare all the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. It is important for the butter to be soft, so it may be helpful to leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using an electric mixer or a spatula, mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and creamy. This step is essential to achieve a good base for your candies.

3. Incorporate the powdered milk and coconut: Start gradually adding the powdered milk and coconut, alternating between the two. Mix well after each addition, making sure no lumps remain. The dough should be easy to handle, but if it seems too soft, feel free to add a tablespoon of powdered milk and coconut until you achieve the right consistency.

4. Shape the candies: Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the candies. With slightly damp hands (to prevent sticking), take a portion of the dough and roll it into a ball the size of a nut. In the center of each ball, insert a whole unsalted nut, a walnut kernel, or an almond, then close the dough around it and roll it again to make it perfectly round.

5. Roll in coconut: After you have shaped all the candies, take the remaining 50 g of coconut and roll each candy in the coconut, making sure they are completely covered. This step not only gives them an attractive appearance but also adds an extra flavor!

6. Cooling: Place the candies on a plate or in a plastic container and leave them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to firm up well. This cooling time is essential to achieve the perfect texture.

7. Serving: Your candies are now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as a dessert at a festive meal, give them as a gift to friends, or simply enjoy them during moments of personal indulgence.

Helpful tips:
- To achieve a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar.
- If you want to experiment, try adding different flavors, such as grated lemon or orange zest.
- These candies can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, but they will disappear quickly!

Nutritional benefits:
These coconut and powdered milk candies are a source of energy due to the coconut and nuts content. Powdered milk provides calcium, and butter contributes to a delicious taste, but consumption should be moderated to avoid excess calories.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace coconut with another ingredient?
Yes, you can experiment with cocoa or almond powder to create delicious variations.

2. Can I use another type of nuts?
Sure! You can use almonds, pistachios, or even chocolate chips for a more decadent version.

3. How can I make the candies less sweet?
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or try using an alternative sweetener.

These coconut and powdered milk candies are not only easy to make but also extremely delicious, and each bite will transport you to a world of divine flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to try them and adapt them to your taste! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect indulgence moment!