Chokladbollar (Swedish Chocolate Balls) are a classic and beloved treat in Sweden. These no-bake, bite-sized delights are made from simple ingredients like oats, cocoa, butter, sugar, and coffee, then rolled in coconut flakes or other coatings. They’re easy to make and perfect for fika (a Swedish coffee break), or just as a sweet snack whenever the craving strikes!
Here’s a simple recipe to make Chokladbollar:
Chokladbollar (Swedish Chocolate Balls)
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp strong coffee (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Desiccated coconut (for rolling)
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional, for extra coating)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add Butter and Flavorings:
- Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. If you’re using coffee, add it now, along with the vanilla extract.
- Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together. You can use your hands or a spoon to incorporate the butter and create a sticky, dough-like consistency.
3. Form the Balls:
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. The mixture will be sticky, but that’s normal, so just be sure to work quickly to form the balls.
4. Coat the Chokladbollar:
- Roll the chocolate balls in desiccated coconut until they are fully coated. You can also roll them in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or chopped chocolate if you prefer a different coating.
5. Chill the Balls:
- Once coated, place the chokladbollar on a tray lined with parchment paper. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up and set.
6. Serve:
- After chilling, your chokladbollar are ready to be served. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success:
- Butter: If you want to make a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or margarine.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your taste.
- Coffee: The coffee gives a rich depth of flavor, but if you don’t like the taste of coffee, you can substitute it with milk or water.
- Coatings: Be creative with the coatings! You can use everything from colored sugar, cocoa powder, or crushed nuts to give each batch its own unique twist.
Variations:
- Nutty Chokladbollar: Add chopped nuts (like hazelnuts or almonds) to the mixture for extra crunch.
- Coconut-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of coconut, roll the balls in crushed graham crackers or even a mixture of cocoa powder and powdered sugar.
Chokladbollar are not only delicious but are also a part of Swedish culture, often served at parties or as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family. They’re a fun and easy way to indulge in a little Swedish tradition! Enjoy!
