Okay, friend, let me tell you about these Christmas Jello Balls! Every year, as soon as December hits, my kids start clamoring for them. They’re like little, jiggly jewels of holiday cheer, and honestly, they’re way easier to make than a gingerbread house (and way less messy, too!). Think of them as a festive twist on those classic church-potluck jello salads, but in adorable, bite-sized form. Seriously, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a surefire way to add a touch of whimsy to your holiday spread. These Christmas Jello Balls are perfect for Christmas but also for kid’s birthday parties, Easter, or any holiday where a pop of bright color is needed. I’ve even snuck them into lunchboxes – shhh!
What are Christmas jello balls?
What exactly is the answer to this questionare Christmas Jello Balls? Well, imagine layers of vibrant, flavored gelatin, suspended in a creamy, sweet mixture, all rolled into perfect little spheres and coated in coconut. They’re essentially edible ornaments, bursting with fruity flavor and a delightful jiggly texture. It’s like a party in your mouth, and the best part is, they’re totally customizable! You can use any flavor of jello you like, play with different colors, and even add in chunks of fruit or mini marshmallows for extra fun. Think of it as a blank canvas for your holiday creativity! They’re not just fun to eat but a blast to make, especially if you get the kids involved. It’s essentially a no-bake dessert that screams holiday fun!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? Why do I love Christmas Jello Balls?
- Flavor Explosion:Each bite is a burst of fruity sweetness combined with the creamy coolness of the filling. What is the difference between coconut and other tropical flavors?
- Ridiculously Easy Seriously, if you can boil water and stir, you can make these. There’s no baking involved, and the process is so simple that even the kids can help. I always get my little ones involved; they love rolling the jello balls in coconut!
- Budget-Friendly:The ingredients are inexpensive and readily available at any grocery store. What are some of the most useful things in your pantry? What is a lifesaver when you’re trying to stretch your holiday budget?
- Is CustomisableHow do I make sugar-free jello? Is there an infinite number of possibilities? I’ve even experimented with adding a splash of rum extract for an adult version – don’t judge!
- Make-Ahead Wonder: These babies can be made a day or two in advance, which is a total game-changer during the busy holiday season. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. One less thing to worry about!
I honestly prefer these over sugar cookies sometimes, especially when I’m craving something a little lighter and more refreshing. What I love most about this is how fun they are – they are the perfect dish for kids to bring to holiday parties! Seriously, you have to try these!
How do you make Christmas Jello Balls?
Quick Overview
Making Christmas Jello Balls is as easy as 1-2-3! You’ll start by preparing your jello according to the package directions. Then, you’ll whip up a simple creamy mixture using condensed milk, Cream Cheese, and a touch of vanilla. Once the jello is set, you’ll cut it into cubes, gently fold it into the creamy mixture, and roll them into balls. Finally, you’ll coat the balls in shredded coconut (or whatever coating you prefer) and chill them until firm. Seriously, it’s that simple. And the best part? The vibrant colors and festive presentation are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
For the Jello:
- 3 (3 ounce) boxes flavored gelatin (I usually go with red, green, and blue for that festive Christmas look, but feel free to get creative!)
- 3 cups boiling water. Is this a good
- 1 1/2 cups cold water.
For the Creamy Coating:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- What is vanilla extract? 1 teaspoon.
For the Coating:
- 2 cups shredded coconut (sugar or unsweetened, your choice)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Bloom the Jello
In three separate bowls, dissolve each flavor of jello in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of cold water into each bowl. This “blooming” process ensures that the jello sets up properly and has a nice, firm texture. I always use a whisk to make sure there are no clumps! This is where I almost messed up one time because I forgot to add the cold water, and let me tell you the jello was rock solid!
Step 2: Set the Jello
Pour each flavor of jello into a separate 8×8 inch square baking dish (or any similarly sized container). Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the jello is completely set. I usually do this the night before so it’s ready to go when I want to assemble the balls. You want it to be firm enough to cut without falling apart.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Coating
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese! This is where a hand mixer comes in handy, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious.
Step 4: Cut and Combine
Once the jello is set, cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Gently fold the jello cubes into the creamy mixture, being careful not to break them up too much. You want them to be evenly coated, but you don’t want to turn everything into a mushy mess. I use a rubber spatula for this step.
Step 5: Roll into Balls
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out the jello mixture and gently roll it. Do not worry if they’re not perfectly round – a little imperfection adds to the charm! I find that wetting my hands slightly helps prevent the mixture from sticking to them.
Step 6: Coat in Coconut
How do you roll a jello ball in shredded coconut? Can you use other coatings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even crushed graham crackers?
Step 7: Chill
Place the coated jello balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 2 days. If desired, serve immediately. At least 1 hour, or until firm. How do balls meld together? I usually sneak a taste test at this point – don’t tell!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve chilled and watch them disappear! What are some of the best holiday treats for the family?
What to Serve It With
Christmas Jello Balls are so versatile!
- For a Festive Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, mini quiches, and sprinkling of mimosas.
- As a sweet treat: Serve them alongside a slice of Christmas pie or a warm mug of hot chocolate.
- At a Holiday Party: Display them in a decorative bowl or on a tiered serving tray for a pop of color.
- As a Fun Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes or serve them as an afternoon treat for the kids (and adults!).
We often serve them at our annual Christmas Eve party – they’re always a hit! One year, I even made a giant jello mold using the same flavors and it was the centerpiece of the dessert table. My family loves to try new things so I think I’ll try making them with mini marshmallows!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Jello Balls
- Don’t Skimp on the Setting Time: Make sure the jello is completely set before cutting it into cubes. Otherwise, it will be too soft and mushy to work with. I recommend refrigerating it overnight for best results.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth and creamy coating. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before you start, or microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft.
- Be Gentle When Folding: When you’re folding the jello cubes into the creamy mixture, be careful not to overmix. You want to keep the cubes intact as much as possible.
- Use Wet Hands: As I mentioned before, wetting your hands slightly helps prevent the jello mixture from sticking to them when you’re rolling the balls.
- Get Creative with Coatings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coatings! Chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even a dusting of powdered sugar are all great options.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the coating. You can also use unsweetened shredded coconut to cut down on the sweetness.
- Use Sugar-Free Jello: If you’re watching your sugar intake, feel free to use sugar-free jello. It works just as well! I tried this once and they tasted just as good as the original!
One time I tried to rush the process by putting the jello in the freezer to set. Let’s just say that was a disaster! The jello ended up being icy and the texture was all wrong. Lesson learned: patience is key! I was so upset because I really wanted them to be perfect for the party!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend this, especially if you live in a warm climate. It’ll melt.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store your Christmas Jello Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re best served chilled. I usually keep them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze them, the texture might change slightly. The jello can become a bit grainy after thawing. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend coating the jello balls in coconut right before serving. If you coat them too far in advance, the coconut can become soggy.
I made them a week in advance and placed them in the freezer, but it changed the texture so I don’t recommend it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for Christmas Jello Balls. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, super easy to make, and totally customizable to your liking. Plus, who can resist those adorable little jiggly balls of holiday cheer? If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to add to your holiday spread, look no further! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday desserts – I’ve got everything from classic Sugar Cookies to decadent chocolate fudge. Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy holidays and happy baking (or in this case, gelling!). Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what flavors and coatings you used. I love hearing your creative variations!
Christmas Jello Balls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice Use your favorite brand
- 1 package cranberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine cranberry juice and gelatin. Add boiling water and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Add cold water and stir until combined. Refrigerate until mixture starts to set.
- Whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold into the jello mixture.
- Shape mixture into small balls and chill until firm. Garnish as desired.
