Raffaello candies

The "Raffaello" candies are an irresistible delight, bringing together the delicate flavors of coconut and almonds in a combination that evokes thoughts of exotic vacations. These little sweet jewels are not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself during your moments of relaxation.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25

Ingredients

- 200 g powdered milk (unsweetened or sweetened, depending on your preference)
- 100 g blanched almonds
- 2 bottles of rum essence
- 100 g grated coconut (plus extra for decoration)
- 100 g powdered sugar (only if using unsweetened powdered milk)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g vanilla wafers (crumbled)

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by letting the butter come to room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. If you're in a hurry, you can cut it into small cubes to soften it faster.

2. Creating the cream base: In a large bowl, combine the soft butter with the powdered sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to mix well until you achieve a smooth and fluffy mixture. If you chose sweetened powdered milk, you can skip the powdered sugar.

3. Adding the powdered milk: Gradually incorporate the powdered milk into the butter mixture, continuously mixing to avoid lumps. It is essential to achieve a smooth cream, which will be the base of your delicious candies.

4. Preparing the wafers: If you don't have a food processor, you can crumble the wafers manually using a rolling pin or by placing them in a plastic bag and gently hitting them. Add the crumbled wafers to the butter and powdered milk mixture.

5. Flavoring: Open the bottles of rum essence and pour them into your mixture. This essence will add a note of sophistication and an inviting aroma.

6. Shaping the candies: Now comes the fun part! Moisten your hands with a little oil or water to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the mixture and form balls the size of a walnut. Each ball should contain an almond in the center, which you will wrap with the cream mixture.

7. Decorating: Once you have shaped the balls, roll them in the grated coconut, ensuring they are evenly covered. This layer will add a crunchy texture and a delicious flavor.

8. Cooling: Place the candies in candy molds or simply on a plate. Refrigerate them for about 30 minutes so that they firm up and take a nice shape.

Serving

The "Raffaello" candies are perfect to be served as a sweet snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea, but also as a dessert at parties or birthdays. You can arrange them on a beautiful platter and decorate them with a little grated coconut or whole almonds for a more elegant appearance.

Practical tips

- Healthy option: If you want to reduce calories, you can replace the butter with almond butter or another type of plant-based butter.
- Making them nut-free: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the almonds and use only coconut cream.
- Experimenting with flavors: Instead of rum essence, you can also try almond or vanilla essence to change the flavor profile of your candies.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of "Raffaello" candies contains approximately 80-100 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. These candies are a good source of healthy fats from nuts and butter, but they also have a high sugar content, so it's best to consume them in moderation. Almonds provide protein and fiber, while coconut is rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I make them a few days in advance? Yes, these candies keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- How can I avoid the mixture sticking? Make sure to use the butter at the right temperature and moisten your hands to shape the balls.
- Can I replace powdered milk? There are alternatives like almond milk powder, but the result will be different.

In conclusion, the "Raffaello" candies are not just a quick dessert, but also an opportunity to experiment and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these sweet delights are definitely an inspired choice. Enjoy!