These Chocolate Balls are not your typical dessert bites—they come with a rich depth of flavor, thanks to browned butter and a hint of sea salt. The combination of nutty, caramelized butter with chocolate and a touch of saltiness gives these treats an irresistible gourmet twist.
Let’s dive into how to make them at home, with easy-to-follow steps and pro tips to ensure perfection!
The Ingredient Lineup
- 100g butter
- 100ml sugar
- 300ml oatmeal
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee
- A few pinches of sea salt
- Desiccated coconut (for rolling)
Here’s How to Make It
1. Brown the Butter
This step sets these chocolate balls apart! Start by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The butter will foam up before settling into a golden brown hue, releasing a nutty, caramel-like aroma.
Be patient and watch closely—you want the butter browned, not burned. Once it reaches the desired color, take it off the heat.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, oatmeal, and vanilla sugar. For a smoother texture, you can pulse the oatmeal in a food processor until it’s slightly finer, though keeping some texture adds a pleasant chew to the finished product.
3. Bring Everything Together
Pour the browned butter directly into the dry ingredients, followed by the brewed coffee. Add a couple of pinches of sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavors. Mix everything well until a crumbly dough forms. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold together when pressed.
4. Chill for Easier Shaping
Transfer the dough to the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to shape into balls. Pro Tip: If the dough feels too soft to handle after chilling, let it sit for a little longer.
5. Shape the Chocolate Balls
Once chilled, take the dough out and begin shaping it into small, bite-sized balls. Tip: Dampen your hands slightly to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling. Aim for uniform size for even chilling and presentation.
6. Roll in Coconut
In a shallow bowl or plate, spread out the desiccated coconut. Roll each ball in the coconut until fully coated. The coconut adds a lovely texture and complements the rich chocolate flavor. Optional: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can use finely chopped nuts, cocoa powder, or sprinkles as an alternative coating.
7. Chill Again and Serve
Place the rolled chocolate balls back into the fridge for another 10-15 minutes to set. Once firm, they’re ready to be enjoyed! The cooling process not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the balls hold their shape.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Balls
- Sophisticated Flavor Profile: The browned butter adds a deep, nutty richness that makes these treats stand out from traditional chocolate balls. Paired with the slight saltiness, the taste is perfectly balanced.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these indulgent bites in under an hour (including chilling time).
- Versatile Treat: These chocolate balls make a great snack for coffee breaks, festive gatherings, or even as homemade gifts. They’re easy to store and can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips for Success
- Brown Butter Mastery: The key to nailing this recipe is getting the butter just right. It should turn a rich amber color and smell nutty. If it turns too dark, it may taste bitter, so remove it from heat just as it reaches a golden-brown shade.
- Coffee Substitutes: If you prefer to skip the coffee, you can replace it with milk or water, though the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making it too strong.
- Custom Coatings: Feel free to experiment with different coatings—crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or even chocolate sprinkles can give your chocolate balls a new twist.
Storing and Serving
These Chocolate Balls are best served cold. After chilling, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them and thaw for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat with a creamy texture.
With these Chocolate Balls with Browned Butter and Sea Salt, you’re in for a gourmet treat that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress with their rich flavors and delightful textures.
Chocolate Balls with Browned Butter and Sea Salt Recipe
Ingredients
Browned Butter
- 100 g butter for browning
Dry Ingredients
- 100 ml sugar
- 300 ml oatmeal
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
Wet Ingredients & Coating
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee
- sea salt a few pinches
- desiccated coconut for rolling
Instructions
Brown the Butter
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the butter turn a golden brown color for a nutty flavor, but be careful not to burn it.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, oatmeal, and vanilla sugar. Use a food processor if you prefer a finer texture.
Combine and Chill
- Pour the browned butter and brewed coffee into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add a few pinches of sea salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
Shape the Balls
- Once chilled, roll the dough into small balls.
Coat and Chill Again
- Roll the balls in desiccated coconut until evenly coated.
- Chill the chocolate balls in the refrigerator until firm.
Notes
- For a finer texture, grind the oatmeal in a food processor.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt to your preference for a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
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