I always start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so our cookie balls won’t stick. My daughter Olivia loves helping with this step because she says it feels like we’re getting our ‘dessert stage’ ready.
In a large bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Olivia usually volunteers to do the stirring while I hold the bowl steady. It becomes thick and creamy and smells absolutely amazing.
Add the graham cracker crumbs and salt to the bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture looks like soft cookie dough. I let Olivia sprinkle the crumbs slowly so we don’t make a kitchen snowstorm.
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Olivia always tries to sneak a few while we mix, and honestly, I don’t blame her because they’re irresistible.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for about 30–45 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up so it’s easier to roll. We usually use this time to clean the kitchen together.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your hands to form smooth balls. Olivia calls these ‘little snowballs of happiness.’
Roll each ball in the shredded coconut, pressing gently so it sticks all around. Olivia loves watching them turn into fluffy white dessert balls.
Place the coconut-covered balls on the tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up into the perfect chewy no-bake cookie balls.
If you like, press a few extra mini chocolate chips on top for decoration. Serve these chilled. Olivia always insists we taste one right away for ‘quality control.’