As I stood in my kitchen, the tropical scent of coconut began to fill the air, whisking me away to the sandy beaches of Brazil. That’s when I remembered the sheer joy of biting into a Beijinho, those delightful coconut balls that are not just a treat but a celebration of flavor and texture. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are incredibly easy to whip up—no baking required! With just a handful of ingredients, including sweetened condensed milk and grated coconut, you can create these creamy morsels that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Whether it’s a festive gathering or a quiet evening at home, these little bites of heaven bring joy to any moment. Plus, their versatility means you can customize them with toppings or variations to suit any palate. Trust me, once you try making Beijinhos, you’ll find them hard to resist! Let’s dive into this simple, scrumptious recipe that will turn your home into a tropical paradise.
Why love Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)?
Irresistible flavor: Beijinhos are a sweet, creamy delight that bursts with coconut goodness in every bite.
No-bake simplicity: With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip these tropical treats up without any baking hassle.
Customizable options: Feel free to experiment with various toppings like chocolate or nuts, making each batch uniquely yours.
Perfect for gatherings: These delightful bites are ideal for birthday parties, celebrations, or quiet evenings at home, making them the ideal crowd-pleaser.
Quick preparation: You can make them in under 30 minutes, offering a delicious homemade dessert without the lengthy wait.
Experience the joy of these delightful treats in your own kitchen! If you enjoy incredible homemade desserts, check out our easy dessert recipes for more inspiration.
Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls) Ingredients
For the Beijinho Mixture
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds rich sweetness and creaminess; can be substituted with coconut milk-based condensed milk for a vegan twist.
- Unsweetened Grated Coconut – Provides that tropical coconut flavor; feel free to use fresh, dried, or lightly toasted coconut for varied textures.
- Unsalted Butter – Brings a luscious richness to the mixture; swap with coconut oil to keep it dairy-free.
For Rolling and Presentation
- Grated Coconut for Rolling – Enhances the texture and makes the beijinhos visually appealing; use finely shredded coconut for a seamless coating.
- Whole Cloves – Serve as a charming decorative touch; insert into the beijinhos before serving for an authentic Brazilian experience.
How to Make Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, mix together sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut, and unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir gently to ensure an even blend.
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Cook Thoroughly: Let the mixture cook for about 10-20 minutes, stirring continuously. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, reaching a temperature of 190º-200ºF (88º-95ºC).
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Cool Down: Transfer the thickened mixture onto a greased plate, spreading it into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
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Shape the Balls: Once cooled, lightly grease your hands with butter and scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Roll it into smooth balls, similar in size to cherries (this should yield around 20-25 beijinhos).
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Finish and Serve: Roll each ball in grated coconut for a delightful coating and poke a whole clove into the center for that authentic touch. Serve as-is or in small paper cups, reminding guests to remove the cloves before enjoying.
Optional: For a fun twist, try adding colorful sprinkles to the grated coconut for a festive look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Beijinho
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Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements to ensure the perfect consistency of your Beijinho mixture; too much coconut can make it crumbly.
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Check Temperature: Use a thermometer to gauge the mixture’s temperature; it should reach 190º-200ºF (88º-95ºC) for the right texture and don’t rush it!
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Keep Hands Greased: Grease your hands before rolling the balls to prevent sticking; it makes forming them easier and keeps them smooth.
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Chill Before Rolling: If the mixture is too soft, allow it to cool in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping to make handling easier.
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Storage Tips: Store your Beijinhos in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge or up to three months if frozen.
Storage Tips for Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)
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Room Temperature: Keep your beijinhos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This allows them to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing other odors.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the beijinhos for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
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Reheating: To enjoy frozen beijinhos, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
What to Serve with Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)?
Creating the perfect meal means pairing your delicious treats with delightful companions that enhance the experience.
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Fresh Tropical Fruit: A vibrant fruit salad of mango, pineapple, and kiwi harmonizes beautifully with the coconut, bringing a refreshing zing.
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Coconut Milkshake: Indulge further with a creamy coconut milkshake that mirrors the beijinho’s flavor while adding a delightful drinkable option.
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Chocolate Cake: The deep richness of a chocolate cake contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, creamy beijinhos, making it a decadent match.
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Espresso or Coffee: The bold, robust flavors of a freshly brewed espresso perfectly balance the sweetness of the beijinhos, rounding out the dining experience.
Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy evening, each pairing brings out the best in these delightful coconut balls. For dessert lovers, the combination of sweet and savory elements is an invitation to savor each moment.
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Coconut Sorbet: Cool and light, a scoop of coconut sorbet offers a refreshing palate cleanser, enhancing the tropical experience of the beijinhos.
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Lightly Toasted Almonds: Those crispy, nutty bites add a pleasant crunch, providing texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy beijinhos.
Make Ahead Options
These Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls) are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during hectic weeks! You can easily prepare the beijinho mixture up to 3 days in advance; simply make the mixture, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, roll the chilled mixture into balls, coat them in grated coconut, and insert cloves for that authentic flair. This method not only keeps the beijinhos just as delicious but also means you can whip up a delightful dessert with minimal effort when the moment calls for it!
Variations & Substitutions for Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls)
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these variations, enhancing your coconut delight in exciting ways!
- Vegan Option: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk-based condensed milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy vegan treat.
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Mix cocoa powder into the beijinho base or roll the finished balls in cocoa for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts into the mixture for added texture and a deliciously nutty twist.
- Tropical Fruit: Incorporate diced freeze-dried fruits like mango or pineapple into the mixture for a burst of tropical flavor with each bite.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture to warm up the flavor profile, giving it a comforting embrace.
- Edible Glitter: Roll the beijinhos in edible glitter to make them sparkle—perfect for festive occasions or simply to add a touch of fun!
- Flavored Coconut: Experiment with flavored shredded coconut, such as toasted coconut or chocolate-covered varieties, to elevate the taste experience.
- Coconut Cream: Replace some grated coconut with a spoonful of coconut cream in the mixture for an ultra-creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Dive into these delightful variations and make each batch of beijinhos uniquely yours!
Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls) Recipe FAQs
What type of coconut should I use for Beijinho?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using unsweetened grated coconut, which gives that authentic coconut kick. You can opt for fresh, dried, or lightly toasted coconut based on your preference—each will bring a slightly different texture and taste.
How should I store Beijinhos?
To maintain freshness, keep your beijinhos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. For extended storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I make Beijinhos ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare beijinhos in advance! I often make them up to 3 days ahead of time. Just store them in a cool, dry place or refrigerate. If you’d like to freeze them, prepare as directed and pop them into the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving!
What should I do if the Beijinho mixture is too sticky?
Very common! If your mixture feels sticky and hard to handle, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before shaping. This will make it much easier to roll into smooth balls without sticking to your hands.
Are Beijinhos suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! To make these delicious Brazilian coconut balls vegan-friendly, simply swap the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut milk-based alternative and replace butter with coconut oil. Just ensure that any toppings you choose (like grated coconut) are also dairy-free to keep everything in line with the dietary needs.
Can pets eat Beijinhos, especially because of sugar and chocolate?
It’s best to keep beijinhos away from pets. The sweetened condensed milk and sugar can be harmful to them, and don’t let them near whole cloves used for decoration, as they can be toxic to cats and dogs. Always ensure your furry friends stick to their food!
Beijinho (Brazilian Coconut Balls) Recipe FAQs
Beijinho Delight: Easy Brazilian Coconut Balls You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, mix together sweetened condensed milk, grated coconut, and unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir gently to ensure an even blend.
- Let the mixture cook for about 10-20 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, reaching a temperature of 190º-200ºF (88º-95ºC).
- Transfer the thickened mixture onto a greased plate, spreading it into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, lightly grease your hands with butter, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture, and roll it into smooth balls, similar in size to cherries (this should yield around 20-25 beijinhos).
- Roll each ball in grated coconut for a delightful coating and poke a whole clove into the center. Serve as-is or in small paper cups, reminding guests to remove the cloves before enjoying.