How to Make the Perfect Coconut Ladoos
Indian · Easy · 25 min · 8 servings
Coconut ladoos are sweet chewy little balls made with just a few simple ingredients that kids love to roll and shape themselves. These no-bake Indian sweets are a perfect treat for celebrations and after-school snacking.
Why this recipe works
This Coconut Ladoos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 160 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
- 0.5 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 0.25 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 0.5 cup extra desiccated coconut for rolling
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Coconut
Heat ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the desiccated coconut. Stir constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until the coconut turns lightly golden and fragrant being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the toasted coconut and mix well. Add cardamom powder and stir continuously over low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Cool the Mixture
Remove the pan from heat and allow the coconut mixture to cool for about 10 minutes until it is comfortable to handle. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into balls without sticking too much to your hands.
Step 4: Shape and Roll
Grease your palms with a little ghee and roll tablespoons of the mixture into smooth round balls. Roll each ball in the extra desiccated coconut to coat evenly. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ghee → unsalted butter for a similar rich flavor
- sweetened condensed milk → coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking the mixture on too high heat causing it to burn at the bottom
- Not cooling the mixture enough before rolling making the balls sticky and hard to shape
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 160 calories, 3g protein, 22g carbs, 8g fat, 2g fiber.
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