Coconut Ladoo Recipe
Coconut ladoo is a quick and delicious Indian sweet made with desiccated coconut, condensed milk, ghee, and cardamom powder. These soft, chewy ladoos are easy to prepare in under 20 minutes and are perfect for Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and other festive occasions.
Ingredients
Coconut Ladoo Recipe
- 2 cups Desiccated coconut For the ladoo mixture
- 200 ml Sweetened condensed milk For sweetness and binding
- 1 tsp Ghee For roasting and greasing hands
- 1/4 tsp Cardamon powder For flavour
- 3 tbsp Desiccated coconut For coating the ladoos
Instructions
- Roast the Coconut – Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat. Add 2 cups of desiccated coconut and roast for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously without browning it.
- Add Condensed Milk – Lower the heat and add 200 ml of sweetened condensed milk to the roasted coconut. Mix well until the coconut is evenly coated and the mixture starts to thicken.
- Cook Until Thick – Cook the mixture for 5–7 minutes on low heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Add a pinch of cardamom powder and cook until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Shape the Ladoos – Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for 3–4 minutes. Grease your palms with a little ghee and roll the warm mixture into small, smooth balls.
- Coat and Serve – Roll each ladoo in the reserved desiccated coconut for a beautiful finish. Allow them to cool completely, then serve your homemade coconut ladoos or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
What's the difference between condensed milk ladoo and khoya ladoo?
Condensed milk ladoo is quicker and more forgiving; khoya ladoo has a deeper, more traditional milky flavour but takes longer. Khoya (also called mawa) is milk solids reduced from full-fat milk — either homemade, which is a slow hour-plus process, or store-bought.| Feature | Condensed Milk Ladoo | Khoya Ladoo |
|---|---|---|
| Prep time | 15–20 minutes | 30–40 minutes (with ready khoya) |
| Extra ingredients needed | None beyond coconut and ghee | Sugar, khoya, milk |
| Shelf life at room temperature | About a week | 3–4 days |
| Texture | Soft, slightly chewy | Denser, richer, more traditional |
| Best for | Beginners, quick festive prep | Special occasions, richer sweets |
| Sweetness control | Fixed by the condensed milk | Fully adjustable |