These Christmas Jello Balls are bright, bouncy little bites of holiday cheer. They come together fast, with a creamy coconut center and a sweet, colorful shell that looks right at home on any cookie tray. Make a batch for gifting or let the kids help roll and coat for a memory-making afternoon.
Christmas Jello Balls
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 2 Shallow bowls
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 Cookie scoop (optional)
Ingredients
Base
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
- 2.5 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
- 1.5 cups crushed plain tea biscuits or graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 0.125 tsp fine sea salt pinch
Coating & Flavor
- 1 package strawberry-flavored jelly dessert powder (agar-based) 3 oz; reserve 1–2 tbsp to knead into dough; use remainder for coating
- 1 package lime-flavored jelly dessert powder (agar-based) 3 oz; reserve 1–2 tbsp to knead into dough; use remainder for coating
- 0.5 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut for optional snowy coating
Optional Mix-ins
- 0.25 cup finely chopped dried cherries or cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 0.33 cup mini white chocolate chips
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Set out two shallow bowls; add strawberry jelly powder to one and lime jelly powder to the other for rolling. Reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of each powder to knead into the dough for color and flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add desiccated coconut and crushed biscuits/crumbs. Mix until a soft, tacky dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Knead 1 tablespoon strawberry jelly powder into one half and 1 tablespoon lime jelly powder into the other. If using dried fruit or zest, fold them in now.
- Cover and chill the dough for 10 to 15 minutes so it firms slightly. If it feels too sticky afterward, mix in a spoonful of coconut or crumbs.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll into balls with lightly damp hands.
- Roll red-tinted balls in strawberry jelly powder and green-tinted balls in lime jelly powder. For a snowy look, roll a few in extra coconut. Arrange on the lined tray and refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes to set.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Jello Balls
- No-bake treat that is ready to chill in minutes.
- Festive red and green colors with a soft, chewy center.
- Easy to customize with your favorite fruity flavors.
- Great for gifting, parties, or a make-ahead dessert platter.
Christmas Jello Balls Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sweetened condensed milk: Binds and sweetens the mixture. If you prefer, use coconut condensed milk for a deeper coconut note.
- Unsweetened fine desiccated coconut: Gives the classic chewy texture. Shredded coconut works in a pinch, but pulse it briefly so it’s finer.
- Crushed plain tea biscuits or graham crackers: Adds structure. Use digestive biscuits or shortbread crumbs if you like.
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract: Rounds the flavor without overpowering the fruit.
- Pinch of fine sea salt: Balances sweetness.
- Strawberry and lime flavored jelly dessert powder made without gelatin: Choose a jelly dessert powder made with agar or other plant-based gelling agents for the red and green sparkle. Raspberry or green apple also work.
- Optional mix-ins: Finely chopped dried cherries or cranberries, orange zest, or mini white chocolate chips.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Jello Balls
Step 1: Prep your station
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Set out two shallow bowls and add strawberry jelly powder to one and lime jelly powder to the other for rolling. Reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of each powder to knead into the dough for color and flavor.
Step 2: Make the base
In a mixing bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, alcohol-free vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add desiccated coconut and crushed biscuits. Mix until a soft, tacky dough forms.
Step 3: Add festive flavor
Divide the dough in half. Knead 1 tablespoon strawberry jelly powder into one half and 1 tablespoon lime jelly powder into the other. If using dried cherries or zest, fold them in now.
Step 4: Chill briefly
Cover and chill the dough for 10 to 15 minutes so it firms slightly. If it feels too sticky afterward, add a spoonful of coconut or crumbs.
Step 5: Roll
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion 1 tablespoon of dough at a time. Roll into balls with lightly damp hands.
Step 6: Coat and set
Roll the red-tinted balls in strawberry jelly powder and the green-tinted balls in lime jelly powder. For a snowy look, roll a few in extra coconut. Arrange on the lined tray and refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes to set.
Tips for Success
- Use fine coconut for the best, even texture.
- Lightly damp hands prevent sticking and clumping of jelly powder.
- Adjust texture as needed: more coconut or crumbs if sticky, a drizzle of condensed milk if crumbly.
- Chill before rolling for neat, round shapes.
- Work with small batches to keep the dough cool and easy to handle.
Variations of Christmas Jello Balls
- Citrus twist: Fold in orange zest and coat with orange-flavored jelly powder.
- Berry burst: Use raspberry powder and add chopped dried strawberries for pops of fruit.
- Snowball style: Skip jelly powder and roll all the balls in coconut, then drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Chocolate-dipped: Dip half of each chilled ball in melted white or milk chocolate and let set.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Jello Balls
- Hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or spiced chai.
- A cookie platter with shortbread, ginger snaps, and chocolate crinkles.
- Fresh fruit like clementine wedges, strawberries, or grapes for a bright contrast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
- No reheating needed: If overly firm from the fridge, let stand 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every December, we turn the kitchen into a sprinkle-splattered workshop and roll these little jewels together. The bright fingers, the giggles, and the first taste test always mark the start of the season for us.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor? Absolutely. Orange, raspberry, cherry, or green apple are all lovely. Just choose a jelly dessert powder made with agar or other plant-based gelling agents.
Will the jelly powder stain my hands? A little color can transfer. Work with lightly damp hands, roll quickly, and wash with warm soapy water right after.
What if I do not have condensed milk? Mix 1 cup very thick coconut cream with 1 to 1.25 cups powdered sugar until pourable and sweet, then use as directed. Adjust crumbs to reach a tacky dough.
Can I make them ahead? Yes. Make up to 3 days in advance and keep chilled. For gifting, pack them in mini paper cups inside a tin.
How do I keep them from drying out? Store airtight and avoid long exposure to air. If they dry slightly, a quick roll in fresh coconut refreshes the outside.
Final Thoughts
Colorful, quick, and joyfully festive, these Christmas Jello Balls bring sparkle to any dessert table. Make them once and they will become a sweet tradition year after year.