Raffaello Candies

Delicious Coconut and Hazelnut Candy Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 candies

Who doesn't love a sweet treat that takes you back to childhood? These Coconut and Hazelnut Candies are a perfect choice for indulgent moments or to surprise friends and family with a quick and simple dessert. Inspired by traditional family recipes, this recipe will captivate you with every bite!

Ingredients:
- 200 g soft butter (ideally at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 125 g powdered milk (you can use whole powdered milk for a richer taste)
- 200 g coconut (buy high-quality coconut for an authentic flavor)
- Freshly squeezed juice from one orange (about 100 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a subtle and delicious fragrance)
- Hazelnuts (as many as possible, to fill each candy)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, for better mixing. Chat with family or listen to your favorite music while preparing to create a pleasant atmosphere.

2. Cream the butter with sugar:
In a large bowl, place the soft butter and gradually add the sugar. Use an electric mixer or spatula to combine the two ingredients until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This is the delicious base for your candies.

3. Add the dry ingredients:
Incorporate the powdered milk and 150 g of coconut into the butter mixture. These ingredients will give the candies a creamy and flavorful texture. Mix well until everything is evenly integrated.

4. Adding flavors:
Squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the mixture, along with the vanilla extract. These will add a note of freshness and natural sweetness. Mix again until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

5. Forming the candies:
Using a teaspoon, take portions of the obtained mixture and form small balls. In the center of each ball, insert a hazelnut, ensuring it is well covered by the coconut mixture. This will provide a crunchy and delicious contrast.

6. Coating with coconut:
In a separate bowl, place the remaining 50 g of coconut. Roll each candy in the coconut, making sure it is well coated. This step will add an appealing look and pleasant texture.

7. Cooling:
Place the candies on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help them firm up and become easier to serve.

8. Serving:
After they have cooled, you can take them out of the fridge and arrange them on a nice platter. These candies are perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but also as part of a more sophisticated dessert, alongside a chocolate sauce.

Practical tips:
- If you enjoy more intense flavors, you can add a little rum or amaretto to the mixture.
- For a tropical twist, you can also add some finely chopped dried pineapple to the candy mixture.
- If you prefer a vegan version, you can replace the butter with plant-based butter and the powdered milk with a nut or soy alternative.

Nutritional benefits:
These candies are rich in healthy fats from coconut and hazelnuts, providing a source of energy and essential nutrients. Coconut is known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I make them without hazelnuts? Yes, you can replace the hazelnuts with nuts or leave the candies plain, without filling.
- How long do they last? These candies can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, making them ideal for preparing in advance.
- Can I use flavored powdered milk? Sure! You can experiment with vanilla or chocolate powdered milk to add a new layer of flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get to work! These Coconut and Hazelnut Candies are not only easy to make but also a delight that will impress everyone. Enjoy every moment of the process and, most importantly, savor every bite! Enjoy your meal!