Tropical Cookie Balls

These Tropical Cookie Balls are a delicious no-bake goodie that will make wonderful Christmas gifts. Just prepare a batch of these no-bake goodies and arrange them in a jar or decorative container. Attach a gift tag with the recipe to the jar using raffia or ribbon. For a special gift, tuck a jar in a pretty basket with wooden spoon, cookie sheet, kitchen timer and instructions.

Tropical Cookie Balls

1 cup crushed coconut bar cookies (about 8 cookies)
1 bag (6 ounces) tropical medley dried fruit, finely minced*
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon rum extract
*Or substitute 1 cup minced dried fruits, such as mango, pineapple, papaya or golden or dark raisins. Spray knife with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

1. Combine cookie crumbs, dried fruit and salt in large bowl; stir well. Add 1 cup pecans, 1/2 cup coconut and cinnamon; mix well.
2. Stir in corn syrup, honey and rum extract. Knead by hand until mixture comes together. Shape into 1-inch balls.
3. Combine remaining 1/2 cup pecans and 1 cup coconut in medium bowl. Roll balls in mixture 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 and recipe with raffia or ribbon. (Makes 36 cookies.)

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

Shipping Tips: Ship your cookies early in the week, so they don't languish in a delivery depot over the weekend. Also, if you're shipping more than one kind of cookie, wrap each type separately so the cookies retain their unique flavors and textures.