With a rich caramel flavor and bits of toasted coconut, these toasted coconut rum balls combine the essence of multiple delightful desserts into one. Evoking memories of coconut macaroons and sticky toffee pudding, their chewy texture is complemented by a bittersweet chocolate exterior. The secret lies in the browned butter and toasted coconut, which give depth and richness to every bite.

Ingredients

• 5 medium Medjool dates, pitted
• Boiling water, as needed
• 4 tablespoons cold salted butter, cubed (plus 2 additional tablespoons for topping)
• 1/2 packed cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white or dark rum (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/4 cups chopped bittersweet chocolate

Instructions

1. Prep the Dates: Place dates in a heatproof bowl, covering them with boiling water. Let them sit for 5 minutes, then drain and cool before chopping into a paste.

2. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant and browned. Pour the brown butter into a heatproof bowl.

3. Combine Ingredients: Mix in brown sugar, rum (if using), salt, and a couple of tablespoons of the reserved date water into the brown butter. Incorporate the chopped dates.

4. Toast the Coconut: Wipe the saucepan clean and toast the shredded coconut over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until golden brown.

5. Mix the Coconut with the Mixture: Combine the toasted coconut with the sugar mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

6. Form Balls: Wet your hands and form tablespoon-sized balls from the mixture, placing them on parchment paper. Freeze for 5-10 minutes.

7. Coat with Chocolate: Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until nearly melted, then mix in the remaining butter until smooth. Dip each chilled coconut ball into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.

8. Chill and Serve: Return coated balls to parchment and drizzle with leftover chocolate, if desired. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy them stored in the fridge where they’ll last up to two weeks.

Tips

For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the rum with additional reserved date water from step 1.

These delightful rum balls make for a perfect treat at parties or as a sweet indulgence for yourself!