Pin It The first time I encountered Moose Bites was at a neighborhood potluck where someone brought these mysterious little balls that disappeared within minutes. I cornered the hostess to demand the recipe, and she laughed as she wrote it down on a napkin, telling me her grandmother called them 'porcupine balls' for the graham cracker coating. Now they are my go-to when I need something sweet but do not want to turn on the oven, especially during those humid summer days when baking feels impossible.
Last December I made three batches for my office holiday party and watched my normally reserved coworker hover by the platter for twenty minutes, eventually admitting she had eaten six. Something about that combination of chocolate and coconut just transports people back to childhood, even if they have never had them before.
Ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the glue that holds everything together and creates that fudge like consistency
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps bind the mixture without making it greasy
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds a warm background note that balances the sweetness
- Dried shredded coconut: Use unsweetened coconut to keep these from becoming overly sweet
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of the mixture and the perfect coating for rolling
- Chocolate chips: Semi sweet chips provide pockets of chocolate throughout each bite
Instructions
- Prepare the wet mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl combine melted butter sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract stirring until completely smooth and glossy
- Add the dry ingredients:
- Pour in graham cracker crumbs coconut and chocolate chips mixing until everything is evenly distributed and no dry patches remain
- Chill the mixture:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour or until firm enough to scoop without sticking
- Shape the bites:
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture then roll into balls about one and a quarter inches in diameter
- Coat and set:
- Roll each ball in extra graham cracker crumbs place on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for fifteen more minutes until set
Pin It My daughter now requests these for every school event and has started adding her own twist with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Seeing her hands covered in graham cracker crumbs while carefully rolling each ball brings back such fond memories of teaching her to cook in our tiny apartment kitchen.
Getting the Right Consistency
The chilled dough should feel like playdough firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to roll without cracking. If it is too cold let it sit on the counter for five minutes before scooping.
Customization Ideas
I have discovered that swapping half the chocolate chips for white chocolate creates a cookies and cream version that kids go crazy for. The key is keeping the total amount of add ins the same so the texture stays consistent.
Serving and Storage
These bites taste best when served slightly chilled but not ice cold. I take them out of the fridge about ten minutes before guests arrive so the flavors can really come forward.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers
- They will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator
- Freeze for up to three months if you want to get ahead
Pin It Every time I serve these someone asks for the recipe which is the highest compliment a home cook can receive.
Questions & Answers
- → How long do moose bites need to chill?
The mixture needs approximately 1 hour in the refrigerator to become firm enough to handle. After rolling and coating, the bites require an additional 15 minutes to set completely before serving.
- → Can I freeze these chocolate coconut bites?
Yes, these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
- → What can I use instead of graham crackers?
Try digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour mixed with a bit of sugar.
- → How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly coat your hands with butter or oil before rolling. You can also chill your hands briefly under cold water and dry them thoroughly. Working with slightly cold mixture helps significantly.
- → Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These can be made up to 5 days in advance when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day or two.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness that complements the condensed milk. However, dark chocolate chips (60% cacao or higher) add sophistication, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter, more nostalgic flavor profile.