• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers & Dips
    • Bars & Brownie Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Brunch & Breakfast Recipes
    • Cakes & Cupcakes
    • Cheese Recipes
    • Chocolate Recipes
    • Condiments & Sauces
    • Cookies & Crackers
    • Desserts
    • Fruit Recipes
    • Grains & Legumes
    • Muffins and Quick Breads
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Pies & Tarts
    • Readers' Favorite Recipes
  • Collections
    • Freezer Friendly
    • Heritage Recipes
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Fall
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Vintage Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
  • Basic recipes
  • About this blog
    • The author
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility statement

Vintage Kitchen Notes logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Seasonal
  • Vintage
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Holidays
    • Seasonal
    • Vintage
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Candy

    Published: Nov 12, 2021 · Modified: Aug 24, 2023 by Paula Montenegro · Income from ads and affiliates

    White Chocolate Coconut Truffles

    Jump to Recipe
    Grey plate with silver and white chocolate truffles, brown text overlay

    These sweet truffles are incredibly easy to make and delicious! Full of white chocolate, ground nuts, and a hint of rum, they are festive and can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator or frozen. You can easily vary the booze and the type of nuts to your personal preference.

    Table of Contents Open
    What are white chocolate truffles?
    Ingredient list
    How to make white chocolate truffles
    Coating the truffles
    Kitchen notes
    Variations
    Related recipes you might like:
    White Chocolate Coconut Truffles
    Bitten white chocolate truffle on grey plate, more silver white truffles in background


    I've been making these white chocolate balls for years and they never disappoint!

    Smooth and easy to make, they're great for holiday gatherings, cocktails, as a gift or a small treat with coffee after a dinner party. Just like the vanilla fudge.

    What are white chocolate truffles?

    They are small chocolate balls with a smooth texture, made by melting chocolate (any type) with cream and chilling the mixture first before forming the truffles. They can have different add-ins, flavorings, and coatings.

    The fact that they can be frozen or refrigerated for several days makes them convenient, and end-of-year baking is hectic, we do need simple recipes that can be made ahead.

    Two ingredients can vary: the type of nuts and the liqueur. The nuts can even be substituted for ground graham crackers.

    Close up of white coconut truffles, silver truffles, all on grey blue plate

    Ingredient list

    • White chocolate: melting chocolate wafers work well or any white chocolate that you already use. Mercken's coating melting wafers, Callebaut white chocolate wafers, or a white chocolate baking bar. 
    • Nuts: any nut can be used. I am partial to macadamia nuts, walnuts, or pecans when it comes to combining with white chocolate.
    • Cream: heavy, whipping, or double cream, they all work.
    • Rum: any rum works, though gold or spiced, are better because they are mellower. I use Captain Morgan spiced rum. Also, a rum essence or emulsion works, like LorAnn Rum baking emulsion or Cook's pure rum extract.
    • Vanilla: I use pure vanilla extract or pure vanilla paste when available, but a good vanilla essence (artificially flavored) also works and is infinitely cheaper. 
    White surface with ingredients in bowls including white chocolate, nuts, coconut, cream, flavorings

    How to make white chocolate truffles

    The method is extremely easy and, since the truffles are coated in coconut, you don't have to worry about dipping them in melted chocolate, which is more laborious.

    • Making the ganache: the recipe starts with a simple white chocolate ganache that involves adding very hot cream to the chocolate (image 1) and stirring it until it's smooth and shiny (image 3).
    • Chopped chocolate: make sure it's finely chopped, especially if it's not melting chocolate. The cream is a very small amount so the finer the chocolate the quicker it will melt and mix before the cream loses temperature.
    • Mixing: as you stir it will look like there's just not enough cream to melt the chocolate well, but it will. At first, it will look thick and the chocolate pieces will be large (image 2). But it will eventually be completely smooth.
    • What if it doesn't melt completely? You can use the microwave in 10-second spurts and mix well after each one until it melts completely.
    • Adding the nuts and liquor: ground walnuts and rum are added to the chocolate mixture (image 4). The mixture will be thick but not enough to form the truffles. So it needs to be chilled for several hours.
    Collage with white chocolate in glass bowl, adding cream, stirring mixture with whisk
    White chocolate mixture dripping from whisk, glass bowl with truffle mixture; a collage

    Coating the truffles

    There are several ways to finish the truffles, but this recipe is a super simple one so we use shredded coconut or sprinkles. It pairs very well with the rest of the flavors without overpowering them.

    • Unsweetened shredded coconut: I don't recommend using sweetened coconut unless you like very sweet desserts.
    • Sprinkles: they are a great option to change the color depending on the holiday or celebration. We use silver for Christmas and pastel colors for Easter.
    • Cookie scoop: it's the easiest way to make uniformly medium-sized balls.
    • Shallow bowl: use it to roll the truffles in the coconut and then transfer them to a plate or serving dish.
    Top view of bowls and grey plate showing white chocolate truffle mixture process
    Stack of white and silver truffles on marble surface, grey background

    Kitchen notes

    • Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, equipment, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
    • Chocolate: If you ever worked with white chocolate, you probably know it's much harder to melt than other types. So, I recommend using tempered or melting chocolate that will melt more easily and make the process simpler. If you use the regular kind, make sure it's finely chopped as the amount of cream is small, and if it's in large pieces, they will not melt before the cream loses its temperature.
    • Storing: truffles can be made ahead and refrigerated, well covered or in a container, for several days or in the freezer for a month. Use wax paper or parchment paper to separate them into layers. To defrost, transfer to the refrigerator until soft enough to eat.
    • Size: don't be tempted to make large truffles. They should be about the size of a whole walnut.
    Top view of grey plate with white coconut and silver truffles

    Variations

    • Nuts: as mentioned before, any type of groundnut can be used. I make them with either walnuts or macadamia nuts, but almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, they all work.
    • Liquor: rum is a very friendly type of booze that combines with most nuts so it's a great choice. Which one is your favorite? You can probably use it.
    • Great combinations include pecans with orange, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier, hazelnuts with Frangelico, coffee liqueur such as Kahlua with walnuts or pecans, cognac or brandy instead of rum work with most nuts.
    • Coating: instead of coconut you can use very finely ground nuts, plain cookie crumbs, sprinkles, or melting chocolate for dipping.
    Blue grey plate with white coconut and silver sprinkle truffles

    Related recipes you might like:

    • Pile of white chocolate fudge squares on a wooden surface.
      White Chocolate Vanilla Fudge
    • Dulce de leche truffles with coconut and sprinkles piled inside a grey bowl.
      Dulce de Leche Coconut Fudge
    • White surface and blue background with squares of chocolate nut fudge leaning into each other.
      Microwave Fudge (any chocolate)
    • Easter Bark

    Let me know in the comments below if you made this recipe and loved it and if you had issues so we can troubleshoot together. I love to hear what you think, always. Thanks for being here. It's much appreciated.
    You might also consider subscribing to our FREE email series to Boost your Home Baking Skills! And our regular newsletter.
    And let's connect via Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

    Print
    clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
    Single bitter white truffle with other silver and white on bluish grey plate

    White Chocolate Coconut Truffles

    ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

    No reviews

    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe Recipe Saved

    These truffles are incredibly easy to make and delicious! Full of white chocolate, ground nuts, and a hint of rum, they are festive and can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator or frozen. You can easily vary the booze and the type of nuts to your personal preference. 

    They do not travel well long distances as they need to be refrigerated. So they're not the best recipe for a homemade gift. 

    • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
    • Yield: 24 truffles

    Ingredients

    Units
    • 8 ounces white melting chocolate, finely chopped (see Notes below)
    • 1 cup walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts, finely ground (I use the food processor)
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • 2 tablespoons rum (see Notes below)
    • ¾ cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut, lightly toasted

    Instructions

    1. Put finely chopped white chocolate in a bowl.
    2. Heat cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer, just before boiling, and add to the chocolate, trying to cover as much as possible. But it won't cover completely.
    3. Let stand 10 seconds and start to stir both ingredients together. The chocolate will start to melt.
    4. Mix until well incorporated, smooth, and shiny.
    5. If the chocolate does not melt completely, you can microwave the mixture (make sure you use a microwave-safe bowl) in 5-10 second spurts, mixing well after each time until the chocolate is completely melted. 
    6. Add the ground nuts, the rum and mix well.
    7. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 3 hours. Or freeze for about 1 hour. The mixture should be firm enough to make balls with it. 
    8. Scoop heaping teaspoons of the mixture, form into a ball with your palms, and roll in shredded coconut.
    9. Chill, covered until ready to serve.
    10. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers. Or in the freezer.

    Notes

    Organization: always read the recipe first and make sure you have all the ingredients, at the right temperatures, and also the rest of the equipment and space to make it. This will make the process so much easier!

    White chocolate: any white baking chocolate works but I like to use melting chocolate because it melts more easily. You can buy it online, Merckens coating melting wafers or Ghirardelli white melting wafers. If you use the regular baking chocolate, make sure it's finely chopped. I don't recommend white chocolate chips as they don't tend to melt well. 

    Rum: any type of rum works, though gold or spiced is better in my opinion because they are mellower. I use Captain Morgan spiced rum. Also, a rum essence or emulsion works, like LorAnn Rum baking emulsion or Cook's pure rum extract.

    Storing: they can be made ahead and refrigerated, covered, for several days, or in the freezer for a month. To defrost transfer to the refrigerator until soft enough to eat.

    Size: don't be tempted to make large truffles. They should be about the size of a whole walnut. 

    • Author: Paula Montenegro
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Chilling time: 180 minutes
    • Category: Candy - Sweets
    • Method: Mixing
    • Cuisine: International

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1/24
    • Calories: 111
    • Sugar: 6.1 g
    • Sodium: 9.9 mg
    • Fat: 9 g
    • Carbohydrates: 7 g
    • Protein: 1.2 g
    • Cholesterol: 3.4 mg

    Keywords: white chocolate truffles

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @vintagekitchenblog on Instagram and hashtag it #vintagekitchenblog

    Adapted from an old Gourmet magazine

    More Candy and Sweets

    • Top view of wooden board with dulce de leche squares.
      Dulce de Leche Fudge
    • Peanut Butter Fudge (made with frosting)
    • Chocolate fudge squares in a stack with a white background.
      2 Ingredient Fudge (with condensed milk)
    • Stacked strawberry fudge squares on a white plate with a fresh strawberry. White background.
      Strawberry Fudge (2 ingredients!)

    About Paula Montenegro

    I'm Paula, a baker for more than 30 years and your designated recipe developer, sharing the best ones here with simple ingredients + easy-to-follow instructions.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Thank you for leaving a review for this recipe Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. angiesrecipes says

      November 12, 2021 at 8:01 am

      White chocolate is my husband's favourite. He will devour the whole batch in no time!

      Reply
    2. Abdul Rahman says

      May 16, 2013 at 9:13 am

      I just stumbled upon your blog via these amazing looking cookies. I'm glad I did, it's beautiful!
      Saffron in India
      Imported chocolates

      Reply
    3. Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says

      January 29, 2013 at 12:39 am

      oh Paula, you took these truffles to the highest level with the addition of the macademia nuts. What a great idea! They look absolutely fantastic!
      Thanks for bringing them to this month chocolate party

      Reply
    4. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says

      January 22, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      I love, love white chocolate and coconut. These are so pretty!

      Reply
    5. laura west kong says

      January 11, 2013 at 4:37 pm

      Chocolate & Coconut, can only be made better with macadamias! ❤ it!

      Reply
    6. Kathy says

      January 11, 2013 at 12:28 am

      These are just amazing looking…coconut and chocolate...two of my favorite things!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    Person with apron laughing in a kitchen with electric mixer in hand.

    Hi, I'm Paula!

    A baker for over 30 years, I'm your designated recipe tester, sharing the best ones on this blog, with simple ingredients + easy-to-follow instructions.

    More about me →

    Featured in:

    Several colorful logos on white canvas

    Thanksgiving recipes

    • On a white plate and surface, an eaten slice of sweet potato pie with pecans, a silver fork
      Sweet Potato Pie (with Condensed Milk)
    • Cut sweet potato cinnamon swirl yeast bread with sugar topping on a wooden table.
      Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread
    • Pumpkin pie slice, bitten, topped with whipped cream, on a white plate
      Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
    • Hand lifting slice of brown sugar cheesecake with a cake server from whole cheesecake on a white plate. Grey background.
      Brown Sugar Cheesecake
    • Close up of white plate with arugula pear salad being dressed with vinaigrette in a jar.
      Arugula Pear Salad
    • A slice of pumpkin cheesecake topped with cream, grey background
      Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Popular Recipes

    • Square of pumpkin cake with apples and crumble, white greyish surface
      Pumpkin Apple Cake
    • A single golden muffin on a white surface, open paper liner
      Best Oatmeal Muffins
    • Purple bowl with almond cream being lifted with a silver spoon. Grey and white surface and background.
      Frangipane Recipe (almond cream) with video!
    • Lifting a slice of ricotta cheesecake from the whole cake on a white plate with a silver knife. White background.
      Orange Ricotta Cheesecake (crustless)

    Footer

    About

    The author
    Privacy Policy
    Amazon Associate
    Cookie Policy
    Accessibility

    Contact

    Sign Up! for emails and updates
    Contact


    Copyright © 2022 Vintage Kitchen Notes