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If you love coconut then Coconut Truffles are going to be a favorite! These are easy homemade truffles with a coconut buttercream-like filling and chocolate coating. They’re perfect for holidays or just because you’re a coconut lover!

truffles covered in chocolate in a white bowl


Coconut Filled Chocolate Truffles

This recipe originated because I was in love with the Hershey’s Coconut Cream Kisses they had years ago – remember those? They discontinued them so I had to make my own – and these are even better!

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • More coconut to chocolate ratio – the more coconut the better!
  • These are really simple to make.
  • They keep for at least a week on the counter and 2 weeks in the refrigerator, making them a great holiday dessert recipe.
ingredients in coconut cream truffles.

What are Coconut Balls made of?

  • Sweetened Shredded Coconut – this is also called Angel Flake and is sold in the baking aisle.
  • Coconut Cream – This is a creamy sweetened coconut mixer you can find in the alcohol section. There is no alcohol in it (it’s used as a mixer in drinks like Piña Coladas) and it adds a ton of coconut flavor.
  • Extract – I add vanilla extract and coconut extract to add even more coconut flavor.
  • Chocolate Melts – These are what I coat the truffles with. I like using Ghiradelli melting wafers or Candiqik, but you can also use semi-sweet baking chocolate. Be sure to follow the package directions when melting chocolate.

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

How to make Coconut Truffles

  • Add butter, powdered sugar and salt to a large bowl and mix until crumbly. Add extracts and 2 tablespoons coconut cream, mixing until thick and smooth, adding up to 2 additional tablespoons of cream of coconut.
  • Drop tablespoon sized balls on a wax paper or parchment paper lined cookie sheet and roll into uniform balls. Chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator or 30 minutes in the freezer before dipping. You can wrap the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill overnight, if needed.
  • When ready to dip, melt candy melts according to package directions. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off the excess, and place on a new cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Sprinkle with sprinkles or toasted coconut, if desired.
  • Chill until set, store in refrigerator. Best served at room temperature.
truffles covered in chocolate in a white bowl

Expert Tips

  • Which mixer you use matters: If you’re using a stand mixer it might come together with just 2-3 tablespoons of coconut cream. If you’re using a hand mixer you might need up to 4 tablespoons because a hand mixer isn’t as powerful.
  • Learn how to dip candy and truffles without crying (pro tip: use a griddle!)
  • If your truffles start to get soft, pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before continuing. I like to remove about 4 truffles from the refrigerator at a time to dip so they don’t get soft.
  • Store chocolate truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
truffles covered in chocolate in a white bowl.

FAQs

Are coconut balls gluten free?

These are gluten free as long as you make sure your powdered sugar is gluten free.

Can you freeze truffles?

You can freeze these truffles but know the chocolate might look a little cloudy upon defrosting.

Do these coconut truffles have creamy centers?

The center of these is creamy almost like buttercream but with a chewy texture from the coconut.

truffles covered in chocolate in a white bowl.

Coconut Cream Truffles

4.87 from 22 votes
These are the perfect coconut truffle: a creamy center filled with coconut flavor and shredded coconut, all surrounded by chocolate. When you can’t find your favorite coconut cream candies at the store, these are the perfect stand-in.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Yield 20 truffles
Serving Size 1 truffle

Ingredients
 

  • ¼ cup (57g) butter , softened
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) powdered sugar
  • Pinch salt (see note)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract
  • 3-4 tablespoons cream of coconut (i.e. Coco Real, see note)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 8 ounces chocolate candy melts (see note)
  • Toasted Coconut , optional, for topping
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Instructions

  • Beat butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and salt and mix until crumbly.
  • Add extracts and 2 tablespoons coconut cream, mixing until thick and smooth, adding up to 2 additional tablespoons of cream of coconut. If you're using a stand mixer it might come together with 2-3 tablespoons. If you're using a hand mixer you might need up to 4 tablespoons. Stir in coconut.
  • Drop tablespoon sized balls on a wax-paper lined cookie sheet and roll into uniform balls. Chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator or 30 minutes in the freezer before dipping. You can wrap the cookie sheet plastic wrap and chill overnight, if needed.
  • When ready to dip, melt candy melts according to package directions. Dip each ball into the melts, tapping off the excess, and place on a new cookie sheet lined with wax paper. (If your truffles start to get soft, pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.) Sprinkle with sprinkles or coconut, if desired.
  • Chill until set, store in refrigerator. Best served at room temperature.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

  • Butter and salt – If using salted butter, use a pinch of salt. If using unsalted butter, add 1/8 teaspoon.
  • Cream of Coconut – I used CocoReal brand, found in the mixer aisle (near the alcohol). You can also get the can of cream of coconut (found in the same place) but be sure to shake it.
  • Chocolate – I like using Ghiradelli candy melts (found in the baking aisle). They come in milk, dark, or white chocolate flavor. You can also use almond bark or Candiqik or baking chocolate bars.
  • Top with a drizzle of leftover chocolate or some toasted coconut for garnish.
  • Which mixer you use matters: If you’re using a stand mixer it might come together with just 2-3 tablespoons of coconut cream. If you’re using a hand mixer you might need up to 4 tablespoons because a hand mixer isn’t as powerful.
  • If your truffles start to get soft, pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before continuing. I like to remove about 4 truffles from the refrigerator at a time to dip so they don’t get soft.
  • Store chocolate truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1truffle | Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Other Favorite Coconut Recipes

Last Updated on December 14, 2023



Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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91 Comments

  1. I love these — they’re like Mounds truffles! I saw some coconut cream kisses…want me to FedEx some to you? 🙂 With these around, you don’t need them anyway, and I’m sure these are much better! I hate dipping too, but when the end result is something like this, I’ll do it. 🙂

  2. Oh wow, this looks delicious! I’m not much of a coconut person, that’s more of my mom’s style, but I would love to try this!

  3. Did you say NO Coconut Hershey Kisses?! Those are my absolutely favorite! I hoard them. Not even going to pretend I don’t. My husband doesn’t like them but he’ll eat them anyways, and it drives me nuts when they are gone and I’m like, “why would you do that?! You think they are gross!!!” So I started hiding them. With the mini Rolos and Reese’s cups. Shhh. Our secret.

    These truffles look divine! I bet they are even better than Hershey’s kisses. Your photos are so pretty and the white coconut on top really pops out! Pinned for when I feel brave enough to tackle dipping.

  4. They’re so perfect! And thanks for the detailed explanation of why you used (or didn’t use) each coconut product, item, brand, etc. Generic storebrand coconut extract is seriously like 1.99 at my groc store (Ralph’s) so no excuses there! And I like that you said you think dipping them gets easier as you go. I’m glad YOU feel that way Lol. I personally lose massive patience by like ball #5. So can I come scarf down yours? 🙂

  5. My husband would be obsessed with these truffles! He likes coconut in and on everything! Beautiful pictures Dorothy!

  6. I lovveeeee coconut – and I especially like how you packed these truffles with it!! And maybe kale will eventually win you over?? : ) I still don’t like quinoa no matter how many times I try it! I feel like a bad food blogger for saying that! lol

  7. Haha, I’m going to say I would love these! I have a coconut truffle coming soon for Food Fanatic!!! LOVE that you added coconut extract to these 🙂

  8. After looking and looking for the Kisses, I bought the Dove coconut cream eggs, I thought they were 100 times better than Hershey’s. I was going to put them in brownies but they are already half gone. Oops! Think I’ll go have one for breakfast.

    As soon as Dove are off the sleeves you’ve given me my next fix, thank you!

  9. I knew there was a valid excuse why I’m loving and adding coconut to everything. These yruffles are perfect for my coconut craving. Pinned