Holiday Apricot Balls

When the oven is already crammed with cookies and cakes, these no-bake apricot balls are a welcome relief. Just four ingredients, a little mixing, and a couple of hours to firm up, and you’ve got a chewy, tangy-sweet treat for the holiday tray.

Ground dried apricots bring a bright, almost citrusy tartness that cuts through the sweetness, while shredded coconut adds chew and sweetened condensed milk binds it all into a soft, pliable dough.

Roll the mixture into little balls, then roll those in finely chopped nuts for a toasty, crunchy coating that contrasts the soft center.

The only patience required is the rest. Let them stand a couple of hours so they firm into a poppable bite. Naturally gluten-free and easy to make ahead, they keep beautifully for gifting or grazing.

Kitchen Tips

• Grind the dried apricots finely so they bind smoothly. Large pieces make the balls hard to shape and roll.
• If the mixture is too sticky to handle, dampen your hands lightly or chill it briefly before rolling.
• Let the balls firm up the full two hours. Skipping the rest leaves them soft and prone to falling apart.
• Toast the nuts first for a deeper, more fragrant coating.

Variations

• Roll in shredded coconut or sifted icing sugar instead of nuts.
• Add a splash of orange juice or zest, or use dried figs or dates in place of some of the apricots.