How to make Coconut Laddu at home full Recipe Step-by-step (Nariyal ke laddu)

There is something truly comforting about the aroma of coconut sweets during any occasion. Do you agree with me ? These soft, sweet, and lightly fragrant laddus are often prepared during festivals, family gatherings, poojas, or simply as a craving.

You really don’t have to be an expert to prepare coconut laddus. It is simple, beginner friendly and does not take much time. It can be done by either using fresh coconut or desiccated coconut but the result is always soft and delicious.

These versions of coconut laddu preparation are easy to make using simple and easily available ingredients. 

Why you’ll love this recipe 

The main reason you’ll love this coconut laddu recipe is that it uses only a few simple ingredients that are easily available at home. There are no complicated steps involved and hence even beginners can prepare it without any confusion. It is perfect for festivals, pooja, family gatherings, or even small sweet cravings. Since this recipe is quick, easy, and does not require any special skills, it becomes one’s favourite after being made once !

In this post, I’ll be sharing 2 easy versions of preparing coconut laddus. You can prefer any one you wish to make. 

• Version 1 of coconut laddus is made using condensed milk and it is quick to prepare. 
• Version 2 is the traditional style of coconut laddus which includes milk and jaggery in the process. 

Version 1 – Quick coconut laddu with condensed milk

This version is the easiest and fastest way to make coconut laddus at home. It is prepared using a very few ingredients and can be made in 15 minutes. The condensed milk is used to make the laddus soft, and perfectly sweet.

Ingredients required : 

• Desiccated coconut – 2 cups
• Condensed milk – 1 cup
• Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon 
• Ghee – 1 tablespoon (optional)

Step-by-step method : 

1. In a pan, take condensed milk and ghee.Heat both the ingredients in low flame. To the same pan add desiccated coconut. Mix everything together.
2. Keep stirring continuously on low flame for 5-7 minutes until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan. 
3. The mixture should look thick like a soft dough but be careful it should not get dry or crumbly.

4. Once it has reached the perfect consistency, turn off the heat and add cardamom powder to the mixture and mix it well.
5. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
6. The mixture should feel warm and comfortable to touch. If it is too hot, you won’t be able to shape the laddoos properly.
7. Then slowly start by taking small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to prepare smooth and round balls.

8. In case the mixture feels sticky, you can apply a little amount of ghee to your palms and then start forming laddus.

Few tips for perfect laddu mixture 

• Avoid overcooking the mixture on high flame and always use low heat in the preparation. 
• If the mixture becomes too dry, you can make it right by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of warm milk and give it a gentle mix.
• If the mixture becomes too sticky, just add 1 to 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut for the perfect consistency.
• It is important to shape the laddus while the mixture is a little bit warm because if it cools completely, it may become hard to shape.
• Store the prepared laddus in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.  
• You can always adjust the sweetness of the laddus by reducing the condensed milk slightly and by adding a little warm milk instead. 
• Always taste the mixture’s sweetness before shaping them into round laddus.

Version 2 – Traditional Coconut Laddu with milk and jaggery 

This second version of coconut laddu is made in the traditional way which includes using fresh coconut, milk, and jaggery. It has a rich taste when compared to the version 1 which is made using condensed milk. This version is commonly prepared during poojas, festivals, and special family occasions. Unlike the quick version, this version demands just a little more patience while cooking and its preparation but the result will give you soft and flavorful laddus.

Ingredients required : 

• Fresh grated coconut – 2 cups
• Grated jaggery – ¾ cup 
• Milk – ½ cup
• Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
•  Ghee (optional) – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-step method : 

1. Take a pan and add grated coconut and milk to it. Cook both the ingredients on low flame for about 5 minutes.
2. The coconut should become soft and slightly moist in consistency. Keep stirring continuously. 
3. Now add grated jaggery to the pan and mix well. The mixture will start to loosen because jaggery melts and keeps releasing moisture. 
4. Keep cooking and stirring the mixture for 10 minutes until the mixture starts thickening.
5. Do not overcook the mixture as jaggery can get hard if it is cooked for too long.
6. Turn off the heat and add in cardamom powder. Stir it well. Let the mixture get cool for about 8-10 minutes. 
7. Start shaping the laddus by greasing your palms with ghee and by taking small portions of the mixture.
8. Roll the complete mixture into small, round balls. Your traditional style coconut laddus are ready ! 

Variations you can try 

If you want to try something different, here are some simple variations you can try out with coconut laddus.

1. With dry fruits :

 You can do this by simply adding finely chopped almonds, cashews, or pistachios to the mixture. This way, it gives the laddus a nice crunch and makes them richer. 

2. With cocoa powder : 

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder while cooking the mixture. It will result in a slightly chocolaty flavour and kids especially will love this version. 

3. With khoya : 

Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of khoya into the coconut mixture. This will make the laddus softer and more creamy in taste. 

4. Vegan version : 

This is done by skipping the milk and condensed milk. You can use coconut milk and jaggery instead. You can also add a little coconut oil instead of ghee.

5. 3-ingredient version : 

Just use only desiccated coconut, condensed milk, and cardamom powder. This is the quickest and easiest version for beginners.

Everything about the recipe 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes 

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Servings: 12-15 laddus

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is nariyal laddu good for health ?

Yes, nariyal laddu which is also known as coconut laddu can be a healthy snack, especially when made with jaggery instead of white sugar. It provides healthy fats and boosts immunity. 

2. What are some common mistakes while making coconut laddus ?

Some common mistakes when making coconut laddus include overcooking the mixture which results in hard, dry balls, improper sugar consistency, shaping the laddus when the mixture is cold, and adding too much moisture.

3. What is the shelf life of coconut laddu ?

Coconut laddus generally have a shelf life of 1 to 2 weeks when they are properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.

4. What are the ingredients in the easy coconut laddu ?

This easy coconut laddu recipe ingredients include desiccated coconut or fresh coconut, condensed milk, sugar or jaggery, and cardamom powder.

5. Why is my coconut laddu not binding ?

Coconut laddu usually fails to bind due to lack of sufficient moisture, overcooking the sugar syrup, or even by using a coconut which is too coarse.