Mocha Cookie Balls

Have you ever given or received a Holiday Gift in a Jar? Consider preparing this no-bake recipe for Mocha Cookie Balls as a gift. Arrange balls in jar or other decorative container. Attach gift tag with raffia or ribbon. (*See 11-5-09 post for Jar-Assembly Tips.)

Mocha Cookie Balls

1-3/4 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (9 to 11 crackers)
1-1/2 cups (8 ounces) chocolate-covered coffee beans, coarsely chopped
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon instant coffee powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, coffee beans, walnuts, coffee powder, if desired, and salt in large bowl; stir well.
2. Stir in corn syrup and vanilla. Knead by hand until mixture comes together. Shape into 1-inch balls.
3. Spread powdered sugar on baking sheet; roll balls in sugar to coat.
4. Arrange balls in jar or other decorative container. (If desired, place balls in small paper candy cups before placing in jar.) Cover top of jar with fabric. Attach gift tag with raffia or ribbon. (Makes about 48 cookies.)

Tip: To make graham cracker crumbs, place crackers in food processor or blender, and process until finely ground. Or place in resealable plastic food storage bag, and use rolling pin to crush into fine crumbs.

Variations: Roll balls in unsweetened cocoa powder. Or, omit chocolate-covered coffee beans and instant coffee powder; substitute 1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped bite-size chocolate-covered toffee pieces.

(Recipe taken from Holiday Gifts from a Jar, Publications International, Ltd.)