Beijinho de Coco – Brazilian Coconut Balls Recipe

Indulge in a taste of Brazil with the irresistibly delicious Beijinho de Coco, also known as Brazilian coconut balls. This traditional sweet treat will transport your taste buds to the sunny beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these bite-sized delights are a breeze to prepare and are sure to impress your friends and family.

History and Cultural Significance of Beijinho de Coco

Beijinho de Coco holds a special place in Brazilian culture and is often associated with celebrations and gatherings. This delightful treat is commonly served at birthday parties, weddings, and other festive occasions. Its name, Beijinho de Coco, translates to “coconut little kiss,” which perfectly encapsulates the sweet and tender nature of these coconut balls.

The origins of Beijinho de Coco can be traced back to the state of São Paulo in Brazil. It is believed to have been inspired by another popular Brazilian sweet, brigadeiro, which is made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Beijinho de Coco takes this classic recipe and replaces the cocoa powder with desiccated coconut, resulting in a coconut lover’s dream come true.

Beijinho de Coco - Brazilian Coconut Balls Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dessert

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 4 People

Calories 108 kcal

Indulge in a taste of Brazil with the irresistibly delicious Beijinho de Coco, also known as Brazilian coconut balls.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Medium-sized saucepan
• 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• 1 A small bowl for the extra desiccated coconut.

Ingredients

  

123

• ▢ 1 can (14 ounces) Of sweetened condensed milk
• ▢ 2 tbsp Of unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 cup Of Desiccated coconut (plus extra for coating)
• ▢ Cloves or chocolate sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions 

• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
• Add the desiccated coconut to the saucepan and continue to stir. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10-15 minutes or until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it is safe to handle.
• Once the mixture has cooled slightly, take small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands. Place each ball on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Pour some extra desiccated coconut into a small bowl. Roll each coconut ball in the coconut until it is fully coated. Gently press the coconut onto the balls to ensure it sticks.
• If desired, garnish each Beijinho de Coco with a clove on top or sprinkle some chocolate sprinkles for added decoration.
• Place the baking sheet with the coconut balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until they are firm and set.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips for Perfecting Your Beijinho de Coco

• Make sure to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• If the mixture becomes too thick and difficult to handle, you can add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up.
• For extra flavor, you can toast the desiccated coconut before adding it to the mixture. Simply spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
• To make the rolling process easier, lightly grease your hands with butter or oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Nutrition

Serving: 30 gCalories: 108 kcalCarbohydrates: 16 gProtein: 2.2 gFat: 4.2 gCholesterol: 11 mg

Keyword Beijinho de Coc, Coconut balls

Tried this recipe? Mention @KitchenChaosUnlocked or tag #KitchenChaosUnlocked!

Variations and Creative Twists on the Traditional Recipe

While the classic Beijinho de Coco recipe is already incredibly delicious, you can add your own creative twists to make it even more exciting. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Chocolate Beijinho: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture along with the desiccated coconut for a chocolatey twist on this traditional treat.
2. Nutty Delight: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, to add a delightful crunch to your coconut balls.
3. Fruit Infusion: Experiment with different flavors by incorporating fruit essences or extracts, such as strawberry or pineapple, into the mixture for a fruity twist.

Feel free to let your imagination run wild and create your own unique versions of Beijinho de Coco!

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

Beijinho de Coco is typically served as a standalone sweet treat, but you can also get creative with how you present and serve these delightful coconut balls. Here are a few ideas:

1. Party Platter: Arrange the Beijinho de Coco on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
2. Gift Boxes: Package the coconut balls in small gift boxes or bags tied with colorful ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.
3. Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the Beijinho de Coco over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tropical twist.

No matter how you choose to serve them, Beijinho de Coco is sure to be a hit at any gathering or occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beijinho de Coco

Q: Can I use shredded coconut instead of desiccated coconut? A: While shredded coconut can work in a pinch, desiccated coconut provides a finer texture and better absorbs the flavors of the mixture.

Q: How long will Beijinho de Coco stay fresh? A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Beijinho de Coco can stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze Beijinho de Coco? A: Yes, you can freeze Beijinho de Coco for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Beijinho de Coco in Popular Brazilian Cuisine

Beijinho de Coco is just one of many delicious treats found in Brazilian cuisine. Alongside brigadeiros and other confections, it adds a touch of sweetness to the vibrant culinary landscape of Brazil. Whether enjoyed during festivities or as an everyday indulgence, Beijinho de Coco is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and love for coconut in Brazil.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Beijinho de Coco is a delightful Brazilian sweet treat that will transport your taste buds to the sunny beaches of Rio de Janeiro. With its creamy coconut center and irresistible coating of desiccated coconut, these bite-sized coconut balls are a joy to make and share. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, Beijinho de Coco is the perfect choice. So, whip up a batch and savor the taste of Brazil with every bite.