Coconut Buttercream Easter Eggs

By srumbel

Homemade coconut buttercream Easter eggs are such a happy memory from childhood. I remember how pretty they looked through the cellophane on the box they came packaged in. It took the place of honor in my Easter basket amid the colored hard-boiled eggs, tall chocolate bunny, jelly beans and the pair of lace-edged socks to wear with my new Easter dress. Try these easy-to-make chocolate covered coconut Easter eggs.
from gratefulprayerthankfulheart.com

Ingredients

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 lbs confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 14 ounces flaked coconut
• 1 pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips (more if you coat each egg thicker)
• OR
• 1 pkg light or dark melting candy disks
• almonds (optional)
• additional melting disks in various colors for decorating, if desired
• Sprinkles, jimmies for decorating, if desired

Preparation

Step 1

In mixer, combine softened butter and cream cheese.

Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, salt, and vanilla; mixing well.

Stir in the coconut, and mix until well blended.

Chill in freezer for about 30 minutes.

Remove from freezer; form into egg shapes. (I used a small ice-cream scoop and then rolled and shaped)

Place on cookie sheet, covered with a silicone mat or waxed paper.

If desired, top with two almonds, pressing slightly, to secure.

Refrigerate or freeze for an hour or so (I refrigerated overnight, covered with plastic wrap).

COATING

Melt the chocolate in glass bowl in microwave following package instructions.

Using two forks, roll egg in chocolate to coat, tapping the fork on the side of the bowl to allow excess to drip off.

Slide chocolate covered egg off of fork onto silicone covered baking sheet.

When all eggs are coated, chill in refrigerator until chocolate is hardened.

To store, place eggs into a container with a lid, separating layers with waxed paper. Cover tightly and keep in fridge until ready to serve.

NOTES:

I have made these eggs many times and have used both melted chocolate chips and melted candy disks. We found little difference in taste and I thought the disks were a little easier to work with when coating each egg. If using chocolate chips, you might want to add a teaspoon of Crisco when melting to help with coating.

If decorating with sprinkles or jimmies, sprinkle them on right after dipping when the chocolate is still soft.

I love coconut, but, if you prefer, you can omit it from the recipe.