Chocolate Ball Day in Sweden Date in the current year: May 11, 2024

The chocolate ball (chokladboll), also known as the oatmeal ball (havreboll), is a type of unbaked pastry consisting of oatmeal, cocoa, sugar, vanilla sugar, butter, and sometimes a dash of strong brewed coffee for extra flavor. A splash of cream or water can be added to make the dough softer.

The dough is shaped into balls that are slightly smaller than golf balls. They can be rolled in pearl sugar, sprinkles, or shredded coconut; in the latter case they are often called kokosbollar (coconut balls). The balls can be eaten right away, but it is more common to refrigerate them before serving.

The chocolate balls are believed to have been invented during World War II, when wheat flour was in limited supply due to rationing. A recipe for havregrynskugle (Danish for oatmeal ball) was published in a 1943 Danish booklet for housewives titled Opfindsomhed i en krisetid (“Ingenuity in a Time of Crisis”). A recipe for chocolate balls was also published in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (“The Swedish Daily News”) later that year.

The original Swedish name for the pastry was negerboll (negro ball). The name chokladboll emerged in the 1960s and was used interchangeably with negerboll for the next few decades. Since the early 2000s, the original name has fallen out of favor due to possible racist connotations. Its use is discouraged by the Language Council of Sweden.

Chocolate balls are part of the standard selection in Swedish cafes and grocery stores, as well as a common homemade treat due to being very easy to make. They are a staple at children’s parties. While the pastry has become associated with the Christmas season in Denmark, in Sweden chocolate balls are popular all the year round.

The origin of Chocolate Ball Day is unclear, but there is no doubt that this iconic confectionery item deserves to be celebrated. The chocolate balls are one of many Swedish pastries that have their own holiday, alongside carrot cake, punsch-rolls, waffles, rulltårta (sponge cake roll), cinnamon rolls, whipped cream cake, chocolate mud cake, gingerbread cookies, and other delicious treats.

The best way to celebrate Chocolate Ball Day is to indulge in delicious chocolate balls, which you can easily make at home. Start with heating a pan over medium heat. Add 1 ½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats; toss and shake for about 5 minutes, until lightly toasted.

In a bowl, combine ½ cup white sugar, 3 ½ tbsp cocoa powder, ¼ cup softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup room-temperature coconut oil, 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 pinch kosher salt, and 1 pinch cayenne pepper. Add the oats and mix until thoroughly combined.

Shape the dough into balls by hand or using an ice cream scoop. Roll each ball in shredded coconut and transfer into a baking pan lined with parchment. Let the balls cool in the fridge for about 15 minutes (or until they firm up).