There’s something wonderfully festive about these Christmas Jello Balls that makes them feel like a warm hug on a chilly holiday evening. Each bite brings a delightful burst of fruity flavor wrapped in a soft, chewy texture and surrounded by the gentle sweetness of coconut. These little treats are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or simply indulging by the fire, making them an irresistible addition to your seasonal celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Colors: The vibrant red and green hues add a cheerful touch to any holiday spread.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can whip these up without a hitch.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with flavors or coatings—there’s room for personalization’s seasonal magic!
Ingredients Needed For Christmas Jello Balls
- 1 (3 ounce) package Strawberry Jello: This provides that lovely red color and a sweet berry flavor.
- 1 (3 ounce) package Lime Jello: The zingy lime perfectly contrasts the sweetness of strawberry for a balanced taste experience.
- 6 1/2 cups Sweetened Desiccated or Finely Chopped Coconut, divided: The coconut adds a lovely tropical essence and a delightful chewiness. Make sure to use sweetened for that extra layer of flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt, divided: This gives the Jello balls a creamy texture while allowing the flavors to shine through. Opt for full-fat yogurt for the best consistency.
How to Make Christmas Jello Balls
- Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two 9×13 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix the Red Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup yogurt, the red Jello, and 2 1/2 cups of coconut. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- Set Up for Rolling: In a small bowl, add about 3/4 cup coconut for rolling the balls.
- Roll the Balls: Using gloves, scoop out slightly heaping 1/2 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the bowl of coconut and place it on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with Green Mixture: For the green Jello, repeat steps 2-4, using fresh coconut for rolling.
- Chill the Jello Balls: Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Enjoy!
How to Serve Christmas Jello Balls
Serve these festive treats as a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table, or present them in small treat bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They also make a fun activity for the kids—watch their eyes light up as they roll the balls and coat them in coconut!
How to Store Christmas Jello Balls
Store the Jello balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time for holiday events or snacking throughout the season.
Tips to Make Christmas Jello Balls
- Use Gloves: Wearing gloves prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and helps keep them clean!
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less fruity flavor, reduce the amount of Jello used slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture.
- Serving Size: Feel free to adjust the size of the balls to your preference—smaller bites might be more kid-friendly!
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Flavors: Try swapping out the Jello flavors for orange and grape for a vibrant twist.
- Alternative Coatings: Experiment with crushed nuts or sprinkles instead of coconut for varied textures and appearances.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for those with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Jello balls can be made a few days in advance, and they taste even better after chilling in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to serve these?
You can serve them directly from the refrigerator or let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly. They look fabulous on a festive platter!
Can I freeze Jello balls?
While you can freeze them, the texture may change once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated for the best taste and consistency.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically yields around 30 Jello balls, making it great for sharing at parties or gatherings.
Are there any alternative coatings I can use?
Definitely! Some tasty alternatives to coconut include crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, or even finely chopped nuts for a different crunch.
Christmas Jello Balls
Ingredients
Jello Mixtures
- 1 package (3 ounce) Strawberry Jello Provides a lovely red color and sweet berry flavor.
- 1 package (3 ounce) Lime Jello Adds a zingy contrast to the sweetness.
Coconut Coating
- 6 1/2 cups Sweetened Desiccated or Finely Chopped Coconut Divided, for coating the balls.
Creamy Base
- 1 1/2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt Divided, opt for full-fat for the best consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Line two 9×13 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup yogurt, the red Jello, and 2 1/2 cups of coconut. Stir until fully combined.
- In a small bowl, add about 3/4 cup coconut for rolling the balls.
- Scoop out slightly heaping 1/2 tablespoon of the mixture, roll into a ball, then roll it in the bowl of coconut and place it on the baking sheet.
- For the green Jello, repeat the previous steps using fresh coconut for rolling.
Chilling
- Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.
