Raffaello candies

Rafaello Candies

Who hasn't been delighted by the fine texture and sweet taste of Rafaello candies? These treats are not just an indulgence, but also a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to any occasion. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious recipe at home, step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 20 candies

Ingredients:

- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 260 g milk powder (choose a high-quality milk powder for better taste)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 200 g coconut + 100 g for decoration
- 100 g ground nuts (you can also use walnuts or almonds depending on your preference)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 20 g raisins (optional, for added flavor)

The history of Rafaello candies is fascinating. These sweets were inspired by the tradition of creating small delights from simple yet quality ingredients that bring joy and smiles. Coconut, with its fibrous texture and tropical aroma, is the main ingredient that makes these candies so memorable.

Step 1: Preparing the mixture

Start by preparing a large bowl in which you will mix the ingredients. Add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Use a spatula or mixer to cream the butter with the sugar until it becomes fluffy. This step is essential, as the final texture of the candies will depend on how well you combine these ingredients.

Step 2: Adding the dry ingredients

To the butter and sugar cream, add the milk powder, coconut (reserving 100 g for decoration), ground nuts, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is important to ensure that no lumps remain, so you can use a spatula or even your hands to integrate all the ingredients well.

Step 3: Resting the mixture

Once the mixture is homogenized, add the raisins (if you choose to use them) and mix gently. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step will firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape into balls.

Step 4: Forming the candies

After the mixture has firmed up, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. With damp hands, take a portion of the mixture and form small balls, about 2-3 cm in diameter. Then, roll each ball in the reserved coconut, ensuring they are evenly coated. This layer of coconut not only adds an attractive appearance but also a crunchy texture and tropical flavor.

Step 5: Serving

Once all the candies are formed and coated, place them on a platter and let them rest at room temperature for a while to soften slightly. Rafaello candies can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Practical tips:

- If you desire a more aromatic version, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the mixture.
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or even small pieces of white chocolate for an explosion of flavor.
- If you like a more intense coconut flavor, you can use larger coconut flakes for decoration.
- These candies are perfect for gifting; place them in a beautiful box and surprise your friends!

Calories: Approximately 70 kcal per candy

Nutritional benefits:

- Nuts and ground nuts provide healthy proteins and essential fats for the body.
- Milk powder is a good source of calcium, essential for bone health.
- Coconut adds fiber, aiding digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- While you can use margarine, the final taste will not be as rich as when using quality butter.

2. How can I store Rafaello candies?
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can also be consumed after a few days, but are best within the first 3-4 days.

3. Can I replace milk powder with another ingredient?
- Milk powder is essential for the texture and taste of the candies. I do not recommend replacing it, but you can experiment with soy milk powder or other types of vegan milk powder.

These Rafaello candies are perfect to be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also combine this dessert with ice cream or a fruit mousse for a refined dessert. So, I encourage you to experiment and turn this recipe into a personal and flavorful experience. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious Rafaello candies!