Bon Bon in French literally means "good good". This should tell you how these little bites of indulgence are always a good idea. They’re small but decadent, with glossy shells hiding a world of surprises inside, from creamy centers to nutty textures.
There's something undeniably festive about them too, like they’re made for sharing... or maybe not. Bonbons are easy to make, yet they taste like something you'd expect from a fancy chocolatier. With a few simple ingredients, you can make them your own. Below, you’ll find a classic chocolate bonbon recipe that’s rich and delicious. And, if you're a fan of tropical flavors, stick around for a coconut twist that'll take you straight to paradise.
Chocolate Bonbons
Do not confuse a chocolate bon bon for a chocolate truffle. A chocolate bonbon usually has a smooth, glossy chocolate shell that hides a fun surprise inside—could be nuts, coconut, caramel, or even fruit. The filling is often the highlight, providing a mix of textures and flavors, sometimes layered or even a bit unexpected.
Ingredients
- 225 gm butter or margarine, softened
- 900 gm confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 400 ml sweetened condensed milk (about 1 can)
- 300 gm flaked coconut
- 150 gm finely chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 350 gm semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sifted confectioners' sugar, sweetened condensed milk, flaked coconut, chopped walnuts, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the fridge for about two hours, or until it has firmed up enough to easily roll into balls.
- Once the mixture is thickened, roll it into 1-inch balls. Place each bonbon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, keeping them close but not touching. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the bonbons freeze until they’re completely solid.
- While the bonbons freeze, line another baking sheet with wax paper. In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the semisweet chocolate chips with the shortening, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Using a toothpick or fork, dip each frozen bonbon in the melted chocolate to fully coat. Place each one on the wax paper to set. Let the chocolate dry completely before serving.
Coconut Bonbons Recipe
For a tropical spin on the classic bonbon, this coconut version adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. With a creamy coconut center and that familiar chocolate coating, it’s like a taste of paradise in every bite.
Ingredients
- 225 gm butter or margarine, softened
- 900 gm confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 400 ml sweetened condensed milk
- 400 gm shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 350 gm dark chocolate chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, sifted confectioners' sugar, sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about two hours, until it’s firm enough to roll.
- Once firm, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
- In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil or shortening. Stir until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.
- Dip each frozen bonbon into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Place each coated bonbon on a wax-paper-lined tray. Let them set and cool until the chocolate has hardened.
- These bonbons make perfect little bites of indulgence, whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself. Bonbons are one of those delightful desserts that everyone seems to love, and these two recipes bring different flavors to the table—one classic, one coconut—so there’s something for everyone.
Bonbons are those delightful little indulgences that feel like a treat just looking at them. With a crisp chocolate shell and a hidden center, they pack a mix of textures and flavors that keep each bite exciting. There’s something charming about how versatile they are—just a bit of chocolate, some creative fillings, and you have a dessert that looks and tastes like it belongs in a fancy box. Making bonbons at home adds a personal touch that makes them even more special. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that brings a whole lot of joy in each bite.