Kadurei Shokolad, or chocolate balls/chocolate truffles in English, are easily one of the most popular sweet treats in Israel. Everyone loves them, from little kids and teens to adults and not-so-grown-up big people. For the young ones, the bright colors and textures make them so appealing and attractive. For those with a few extra years of life under the belt, they simply bring back that simple childish satisfaction.
Even if you didn’t grow up eating these, once you taste your first one, you’ll feel like you did. Each little chocolate ball tastes like magic and it’s hard to stop eating them after that first one. No one really knows where or when the craze originated, but it’s still going strong. Despite the popularity, you’ll be strapped to find these chocolate balls in any store or bakery. That’s because they’re made only in people’s kitchens at home.
This easy chocolate balls recipe is a simple all-in-one, with no baking time or any expertise required at all. In fact, it’s so simple that chocolate balls are perfect to make with kids, which is also part of the nostalgia that many adults have associated with these yummy joys.
This recipe for chocolate balls is also super customizable. The traditional toppings are desiccated coconut or colorful sprinkles, but I also like using crushed pretzels or cocoa powder. You can also introduce your own flavors into the mixture, with a touch of orange or mint essence, and even a bit of wine or rum for an adult-friendly version of rum balls.
Bring a perfect tray of these little treats to a kids’ birthday party, gift them to a host or a loved one for Valentine’s Day, serve them at a lunch date, or share them as after-dinner delights. They’re even great to have as a snack. In fact, homemade Israeli chocolate balls pretty much tick any box that’s asking for something sweet.
Notes
- When you’re crushing the biscuits, you can either fully process them, which will give a more consistent fudgy texture to the chocolate balls. Alternatively, you can break them up manually, which will leave some cookie chunks in the balls. It’s just a matter of personal choice.
- Besides using the double boiler method, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave.
- This is such an easy recipe to double or triple for big events.
FAQs
What are the best toppings for chocolate truffles?
Here are some chocolate truffle topping suggestions:
- Shredded coconut
- Crushed pretzels
- Crushed nuts: walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or peanuts.
- Sprinkles
- Extra cocoa powder
- Melted chocolate or chocolate ganache for a luxurious chocolate truffle taste.
- Powdered sugar
What else can you add to chocolate balls?
There are so many chocolate ball recipe variations to make it work for you. Here are some suggestions:
- If you want an even more truffle-like texture, you can replace some of the dark chocolate with tahini paste.
- For more flavor, add half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- To add depth to the chocolate flavor, add one teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
- Use either bittersweet chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to swap it for milk chocolate to make milk chocolate balls.
- In Israel, we use Petit Beurre cookies. But you can use any plain vanilla or chocolate tea biscuits. Other options include vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or Oreos for Oreo balls.
- Substitute the vanilla for a different flavor, like peppermint extract, orange extract for chocolate orange balls, rosewater essence, or almond extract.
- Instead of rolling them in nuts, add them to the dough.
- Add chopped dried fruit like apricots or chopped mini marshmallows instead.
- Another option is chopped candy bars.
- Add a tablespoon of spiced rum, port, or sherry for chocolate rum balls.
- For peanut butter balls, stir up to two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter or almond butter into the melted chocolate.
How do you make a vegan version?
Simply substitute the milk for your favorite non-dairy milk alternative and double-check your biscuits are vegan. Then you’ll instantly have vegan chocolate truffles.
How do you store these?
Store leftover chocolate balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Can you freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze chocolate truffles in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Can you make chocolate balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These easy chocolate balls will last up to one week in the fridge so feel free to make them up to seven days in advance.
Chocolate Balls, Israeli-Style
Ingredients
The Balls
- 14 ounces Shortbread cookies
- 3½ ounces Dark chocolate
- ½ cup Sugar
- ⅔ cup Cocoa powder
- ½ cup Milk of choice
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
The Toppings
- 1 cup Shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, or crushed walnuts, almonds, or peanuts Or ½ cup each of two of the options
Instructions
- Place the cookies in a sealable plastic bag and, using the back of a wooden spoon, crush them until they’re chunks or crumbs, depending on your personal preference. Alternatively, if you want fine crumbs, add the cookies to a blender or food processor and pulse a few times until you achieve a powder consistency.
- Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate over simmering water, then add the sugar, stirring until it’s fully dissolved.
- In a large bowl, mix together the crushed cookies, chocolate mixture, cocoa, milk, and vanilla.
- Place your chosen topping(s) into a small bowl(s) and set aside.
- Gently wet your hands and take a chunk of the chocolate mixture (around 1 tablespoon in size) and roll it into a ball. The ball should be around 1 inch in diameter.
- Dip the ball into your chosen topping, roll it around to cover all sides, then place the ball on a plate or tray. Repeat with the rest of the mixture, rolling them into balls, and covering them with a topping.
- You can serve the balls immediately or refrigerate them for up to an hour to firm them up a bit. The balls can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Nutrition
About the Author: Gila Scherer
Very tasty