Swedish Chocolate Balls

This is a classic Swedish recipe, beloved by every Swede. It is one of the first things children learn to make, and it's enjoyed greatly by all ages. The balls can either be bite-sized or giant, whichever seems more appealing. Or make one big ball, and many small ones. Additional cocoa powder or chocolate can be added to intensify the flavor.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 48

Ingredients

• 4  cups  regular rolled oats
• 1 1⁄4 cups white sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1  cup butter or 1  cup margarine, softened
• 2  tablespoons  strong coffee
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 (1 ounce)  squares  unsweetened baking chocolate, melted
• 1⁄3 cup coconut flakes

Directions

1. Mix the oats, sugar, and cocoa together in a bowl. Add the butter, and use your hands to mix the ingredients together to make a thick dough. Mix in the coffee, vanilla, and chocolate until thoroughly blended.
2. Place the coconut flakes in a small bowl. Pinch off small amounts of dough and roll between your hands to make small balls, about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Roll the balls in the coconut flakes. Balls are ready to eat, or may be refrigerated 2 hours to become firmer.