Cocoa Balls (No Bake)

Cocoa balls are a fun way to ring in the holidays. ✨They’re festive and healthy! And these shiny ones are made from dark cocoa and natural peanut butter. No baking needed.

Working in event planning for a decade, I learned to be creative with food to decorate a plate for events like this…

The ingredients are simply rolled up and then dipped in melted dark chocolate… and then zhughed with some fun nonpareils. The recipe is below. ❣️

…I love how a little uniform tiny confectionary dots can add a smile that reminds me of childhood innocence. I’m easily amused. 😊

Old-fashioned nonpareils bring a nice, FUN texture candy crunch or sprinkle to a party table. I’m sure Girl Meets Farm Molly Yeh would agree with me. 🥳

And their perfectly round shape balance an imperfect confectionary creation for us imperfect humans.

We can put our own stamps on these cocoa balls.

These ones could have been cocoa powder dusted (like a chocolate truffle) with a dry look.

But I think the step of giving a tempered chocolate coating-look bring some added happy temperaments. 😋

Getting a best melted chocolate coating without making a ganache is seconds-easy, and healthy with plant-based ingredients like dark chocolate that’s also anti-inflammatory healthy.

Then you can roll these cocoa balls into their fun paper candy holders that are ready to be shared or popped in your mouth.

…I guess you could say these please the girl scrapbooker in me that likes anything paper and dainty you could use for parties! 🎊 A piñata and a few balloons never hurt either! 🎈

Then with any extra melted chocolate you have leftover, while still wet and room temperature, you can mix in peanuts, raisins, other nuts, or dried fruits to make a healthy snack or plate decoration.

And this type of festive Fiesta plate can be one of your dessert table centerpieces that you can make in advance and set out.

For parties, it’s always good to make more than you think you will need, so you can plate up quickly if needed.

And actually, I could’ve turned this plate into a decorative wreath piping in green leaves and red accents or adding mint leaves and glace maraschino cherries like on this Christmas bundt cake if I wanted to get all decked out. 🍒

Another simple and festive no-bake recipe you can add to your festive table is mint chocolate biscuits.