No-Bake Holiday Treats...Featuring Coconut-Pecan Truffles #nobaketreats #holidaytreats #chocolate #easyholiday

The holiday baking season is officially underway! If you have cookie exchange parties on your calendar -- or simply need an easy holiday treat to serve last-minute guests -- I've got the perfect recipe for you! These no-bake Coconut-Pecan Truffles are made in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Even better? These sweet treats can be made up to a day ahead since the chocolate truffle mixture needs to chill before being rolled in crushed pecans. It's the holiday happiness trifecta: quick to make...no oven required...and delicious!

Coconut-Pecan Truffles

adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients (makes 24 bite-size truffles):

• 8 oz. good-quality dark chocolate, chopped [NOTE: I used Ghirardelli 60% Dark Chocolate Chips]
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 TBS butter
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. coconut extract
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/4 cups toasted pecans, finely chopped/ground 

Directions:

Step 1: Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring cream and butter to a simmer in a small saucepan over Medium heat, stirring occasionally. NOTE: Do not let mixture boil! Pour hot cream mixture over the chocolate, and let stand 1 minute.

Step 2: Whisk chocolate until smooth and shiny. Add vanilla and coconut extracts, cinnamon, salt, and coconut to chocolate mixture. Stir to combine, scraping down side of bowl as necessary. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours...up to overnight...until the truffle mixture is firm. Roll heaping teaspoons of the chilled mixture into small balls. 

Step 3: Finely chop the pecans -- a small food processor works great! Gently roll the truffles in the chopped pecans to completely coat. Place coated truffles in small fluted paper candy liners, then place on a festive holiday plate. Cover and refrigerate truffles for 1 hour before serving. Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These simply decadent truffles are so good! Be sure to use good-quality chocolate, because the chocolate is definitely front and center in these silky truffles. The combination of coconut and pecans is iconic here in the South -- think Hummingbird Cake and German Chocolate Cake. These versatile truffles are a fabulous hostess gift...or a great addition to a holiday cookie/sweet platter. Trust me...they'll go quick!