No-Bake Swedish Chokladbollar
Sweden is known for its delicious treats, and no-bake Swedish chokladbollar are a true classic. These chocolate oat balls are incredibly easy to make, with a rich combination of oats, cocoa, and butter that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Whether you’re craving a quick snack or looking for a fun activity to do with kids, chokladbollar make the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and no need for an oven, you’ll have these bite-sized delights ready in no time.
What are chokladbollar?
Chokladbollar (directly translated as chocolate balls) are one of Sweden’s favourite little bites of deliciousness. Although people have known the name chokladbollar since the early 20th century, the recipe itself has evolved over the years.
The first versions of these chocolate balls featured a soft center with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Initially made from simple ingredients like oats, cocoa, and sugar, the recipe adapted during times of food scarcity, particularly during World War II, when people often substituted butter with margarine or oil.
A pivotal moment their history came when a little girl submitted a recipe for chokladbollar to a Swedish newspaper in 1956. The recipe included butter as a key ingredient and helped popularize the version we recognize today.
What do chokladbollar taste like?
Chokladbollar are somewhat like a hard truffle, with a rich combination of cocoa, oats, coffee, and butter. The cocoa gives them a deep chocolate flavor, while the oats add texture, making them satisfying to bite into. The coffee adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness, and the butter ties it all together, giving the balls a smooth, velvety finish.
Although people in Sweden love chokladbollar, recipes vary depending on region or personal preference. Some recipes call for melted butter, creating a smoother, truffle-like texture that’s decadent and creamy. In contrast, this recipe uses softened butter, which gives a firmer consistency. The end result has almost a crumbly texture while still holding together well enough to roll into balls. It’s difficult to describe exactly, but the difference becomes clear when you taste it.
I think the best way to understand the texture difference is simply to make them yourself. The process is simple, and you’ll get a clear sense of what I mean once you take that first bite. Trust me, it’s worth it to see (and taste) the difference firsthand.
The perfect kids’ recipe
Kids absolutely love making no bake Swedish chokladbollar. There’s something incredibly fun about combining a few simple ingredients and turning them into delicious little treats. What makes this recipe especially kid-friendly is its simplicity. There are no complicated baking or precise measurements are required. You simply mix together the ingredients and roll them into balls. It’s that easy. Plus, it’s a hands-on experience, meaning your little ones get to get their hands dirty (literally) in the kitchen.
The best part is that they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as they roll the balls and watch them come together into a tasty snack. And since you don’t need an oven, you can avoid the stress of hot baking trays, making it an even easier activity for young chefs
This recipe is ideal if you want to encourage your kids to get involved in the kitchen without worrying about difficult steps or long preparation times. It’s a great way to introduce them to cooking while also giving them a fun and rewarding activity. And since no baking is required, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor almost immediately! So, if you’re looking for a simple, interactive, and enjoyable kitchen activity for your children, this is the perfect recipe to try.
How to decorate chokladbollar
More traditional varieties typically feature coconut flakes or pearl sugar as the main coating. I decided to add a bit of colour to my chokladbollar, so in addition to using coconut and pearl sugar, I also opted for some pretty sprinkles. You can choose whatever toppings you fancy, whether that’s crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or even tiny candies. However, I found that rolling them in coconut was the easiest and most straightforward.
Surprisingly, my kids, who are teenagers, agreed that the coconut-coated version tasted the best. I was convinced that the sprinkles would win hands down, as they’re still drawn to a little colourful sugar, no matter their age. But when it came to the actual taste, they reported that the sprinkles just didn’t complement the chokladbollar as well as the coconut did. It turns out that sometimes, the classic options are the ones that win.
More simple Swedish recipes
If you’re interested in more simple Swedish recipes, there are plenty of easy treats and baked goods to try as well. These recipes capture the essence of Swedish cuisine with minimal effort:
- No knead frallor (bread buns)
- Kärleksmums (Swedish chocolate cake tray bake)
- Lime and blackberry Swedish mudcake
- Caramel apple and blueberry smulpaj (crumble)
- Classic Swedish kladdkaka
- Rye and wholegrain spelt bread
- Applekaka (apple cake)
- Chocolate sockerkaka
Simple Swedish Chocolate Oat Balls (Chokladbollar)
Ingredients
- 150g (⅔ cup) butter (room temperature)
- 180g (⅞ cup) sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla sugar (see note 1)
- 40g (⅜ cup) cocoa
- 3 tbsp cold strong brewed coffee (see note 2)
- 280g (3 cups) oats
Decoration
- coconut, pearl sugar or sprinkles (use as much as needed to cover the balls).
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light.
- Add the other ingredients, one at a time (in order of appearance) until everything comes together.
- Roll into around 18 balls of a size a little smaller than a golf ball (although it doesn't matter how big or small you make them).
- Place whatever you are using as decoration in a bowl and roll the balls in it until they are covered.
- Place in a container and keep in the fridge for an hour or so. The chokladbollar will last several days in the fridge. Enjoy!
Notes
- Vanilla sugar is common in Swedish baking, but if you don't have it, you can substitute 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- Brewed coffee is the norm in Sweden, (though not as common in the UK). Substitute brewed coffee for 1 tablespoon instant coffee mixed with three tablespoons of cold water.