Coconut Cocoa Balls “Kokosbollar”

My young grandchildren and I have fun making these sweet treats, which require no knives and no heat, especially since the best way to mix the ingredients is with your hands. Though traditionally made with coffee, feel free to forego the caffeine and just use water. 

Makes 2 to 3 dozen balls, depending on size. 

1 tablespoon lukewarm water or coffee 

6 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1¼ cups quick-cooking oats*

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup shredded coconut, preferably unsweetened 

Combine all of the ingredients except the coconut in a large bowl. Shape into balls about the size of a teaspoon. Place the shredded coconut on a plate, and roll the balls in the coconut. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

*For best results, do not substitute regular oats unless you first run them through a food processor until finely ground.