Chocolate Balls

Today I am happy to present one of my childhood favorites!  In Israel Chocolate Balls are considered kids dessert but I assure you that adults happily enjoy these as well. I made a batch for my birthday picnic last summer and they were gone in no time!

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These balls are simple and quick to make, contain 5 ingredients, and require no baking – almost too good to be true!

However, there is one problem, might be a tiny one – the main ingredient of these balls are cookies known in Israel in their French name: Petit Beurre (the little butter…) – these are typical french butter cookies – in Israel, due to kosher rules, you can get these dairy free – aka – vegan!

In English and German the cookies are known as Leibniz Keks – the German company that makes them. So far I couldn’t get  butterless butter cookies here in Germany. In the few times I had no Israeli Petit Beurre  [one of the things I always bring back with me from Israel], I used the German Zwieback – a kind of a sweet toast that has a vegan version as well. It’s not the same as using the Petiti Beurre but when you have nothing else… it works as well! Americans, I am sure there’s something suitable for you out there! 🙂

So, once we sorted this out, let’s see what we need – for 16 big balls or 20+ medium balls:

  • 500 gr. vegan Petit Beurre
  • 2 spoons of brown sugar
  • 2 spoons of cocoa powder
  • 1.5 cups non-dairy milk (I use soy milk usually)
  • 100 gr. margarine or a butter substitute, I use Sojola, a soy base margarine

  • For coating: coconut flakes, sugar streusel, pistachios flakes, almond flakes etc.

Directions:

  • Break cookies into small pieces – I put them in a plastic bag and squash them to crumbs with my hands. Breaking them in a food processor is also a good option, fast and clean!
  • In a big bowl – mix cookies crumbs, 2 spoons of sugar, 2 spoons of cocoa powder, margarine, and milk

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  • Make sure to add the milk gradually – the mix should not be too wet or sticky  – add 1/2 cup at a time and mix very well

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  • Create balls – messy work… I use disposable gloves for this mess 🙂
  • Roll the balls in your choice of topping – coconut is my favorite, kids love the sugar streusel and any kind of nuts makes them look  fancy

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  • Let cool in the fridge before serving – at least an hour

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What else can be added to the mix?

  • Rum or other liquor
  • Raisins
  • Pieces of nuts
  • Pieces of dry fruits
  • Vanilla extract

 

Enjoy!

 

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