Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
- 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined.
- Mix in the shredded coconut, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up the mixture.
- Line two large sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop or melon baller to form balls from the chilled mixture. You can roll them in your hands for more uniform shapes. Place the formed balls onto the parchment paper and refrigerate again.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. You can divide the mixture in half and dip in batches if preferred.
- Heat the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until mostly melted. Continue stirring until fully smooth.
- Use a fork to dip and roll each candy ball in the melted chocolate. Lift the ball from the chocolate, tap to remove excess, and place it back on the parchment paper to set.
- Repeat the process for all the candy balls. If desired, place the dipped candies back in the refrigerator to set more quickly.
Notes
- For a smoother coating, make sure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth before dipping.
- If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds could be used in place of pecans.
- Refrigerating the candies between steps helps maintain their shape and makes dipping easier.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
