No-Bake Choco-Coco Bites

Welcome to Ms. Nicolette's Pantry! So happy to have you here and in the kitchen with your kiddo adding something new to your lifestyle.

I have hand-picked recipes and activities that are easy for you to create at home with the help of your children. Based on their age you can decide which tasks they can help you with, and which ones they should let an adult do. Make this a learning experience for you both - let your child explore the baking/cooking process and explain each item, ingredient, and step to them, and watch how your child interacts!

I hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed their holidays, and perhaps a bit of time off to spend with friends and family. Personally, I spent mine baking Christmas cookies and DREAMING of turning off my oven for a while! So I thought this would be a good recipe to bring in for January - everyone is tired of cooking, baking, etc. - let's leave the oven off! These are a sweet snack perfect for getting into the New Year! Happy 2025!

Tools Needed:

• Mixing bowl

• Spatula

• Small cookie scoop

• Cookie sheet or plate

• Parchment paper

• Wax paper

• Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

• 1 can (300ml) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 1/2 cups dried coconut flakes

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Line a cookie sheet or plate with wax paper. Set aside. Tip: if needed, to prevent paper from rolling up again, lightly spray the corners of the cookie sheet or plate with cooking spray, then press paper down gently to stick.

2. In a mixing bowl, add melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Tip: to remove all the sweetened condensed milk from the can, lightly spray a spatula with cooking spray and then scrape out - this will prevent a sticky mess!

3. 3. Add 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and reserve the rest for later.

4. Add coconut flakes and chocolate chips.

5. Stir until mixture is well combined.

6. Chill mixture - in the fridge for about an hour, or in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.

7. Using a small cookie scoop or a Tablespoon, portion and roll into balls.

8. Roll the bites in the reserved graham crackers crumbs. Place on cookie sheet or plate lined with wax paper.

9. Put the bites into the fridge until firm - about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Enjoy!

NOTES:

• Feel free to switch up the type of chocolate chips based on your preference! The "standard" recipe calls for traditional semisweet chocolate. I typically use milk chocolate chips, but use whatever you've got on hand or what you like best!

• If you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity - never fear! Most grocery stores now carry gluten free graham crackers you can use as a substitute. If you can't find them, you can also use pretty much any cookie you'd like - just make sure its crushed up finely!

• Remember to ENJOY and HAVE FUN!