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Easy Christmas Jello Balls (No Bake!)
The holiday season is all about festive colors, quick recipes, and delightful treats that bring family and friends together. Easy Christmas Jello Balls are the perfect no-bake dessert that checks all those boxes. Bursting with flavor, bright red and green colors, and a soft, bouncy texture, these jello balls are a hit at parties, potlucks, or just for a fun holiday snack at home.
Whether you’re new to making jello desserts or an experienced holiday baker looking for a no-fuss option, this recipe will become your go-to festive treat. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients, no oven, and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
- Jello Balls
- 2 packages (3 oz each) flavored gelatin (e.g., strawberry and lime)
- 1 cup boiling water per package
- 1/2 cup cold water per package
- Filling
- 1 cup whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Coating
- 1 cup shredded coconut, divided
- Food coloring (optional, for extra festive colors)
Instructions
- Prepare Gelatin: Dissolve each gelatin package in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 1/2 cup cold water to each. Pour into separate shallow containers and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours until firm.
- Scoop Jello Balls: Using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop jello into bite-sized balls. Work gently to keep balls intact.
- Prepare Coating: Divide shredded coconut between two bowls. Optionally, tint one portion with green food coloring for a festive look.
- Coat Balls: Roll half of the balls in plain coconut and half in colored coconut. Place coated balls on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up before filling.
- Prepare Filling: Beat whipped cream (or cream cheese frosting) with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Transfer to a piping bag for easier filling.
- Assemble Jello Balls: Make a small indentation in each jello ball and pipe in a tiny amount of filling. Press gently to seal.
- Final Chill: Place filled balls back in the fridge for 30–60 minutes to set. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Jello Balls
- Use firm gelatin: Gelatin that is too soft may collapse when scooped.
- Chill trays: Keeping your trays in the freezer for 10 minutes before rolling balls can help prevent sticking.
- Uniform size: Use a melon baller to ensure all jello balls are roughly the same size for even presentation.
- Make ahead: Jello balls can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Variations
- Flavor swaps: Try cherry and lime, raspberry and orange, or cranberry and apple for unique holiday color combinations.
- Chocolate twist: Dip jello balls in white or dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Festive shapes: Press jello into mini silicone molds shaped like stars or trees for a themed presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a holiday dessert platter with fresh mint, berries, or candy canes.
- Pair with eggnog or hot chocolate for a complete Christmas-themed snack table.
- Perfect for children’s parties—easy for little hands to grab and enjoy.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
- Jello salads and desserts have been a staple in American holiday cuisine since the 1950s, often appearing on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.
- Using layered colors in jello balls gives a festive vibe reminiscent of holiday ornaments.
- The no-bake nature of this recipe makes it a modern twist on traditional gelatin desserts, reducing prep time while keeping the fun and colorful aesthetic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, no oven required.
- Vibrant holiday colors that impress guests.
- Customizable flavors to suit any preference.
- Kid-friendly and safe to prepare together as a family activity.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as jello texture can change when thawed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per 2 balls)
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
Easy Christmas Jello Balls (No Bake!)
Festive, no-bake Christmas jello balls perfect for holiday parties.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow containers
- Parchment-lined tray
- Melon baller or spoon
Ingredients
Jello Balls
- 2 packages flavored gelatin 3 oz each, e.g., strawberry and lime
- 1 cup boiling water per package
- 0.5 cup cold water per package
Filling
- 1 cup whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- 0.25 cup powdered sugar optional
Coating
- 1 cup shredded coconut divided
- food coloring optional
Instructions
- Dissolve each gelatin package in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 1/2 cup cold water. Pour into separate shallow containers and refrigerate until firm.
- Using a melon baller or spoon, scoop jello into bite-sized balls.
- Divide shredded coconut between two bowls. Tint half with green food coloring if desired.
- Roll jello balls in coconut, place on parchment-lined tray, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Beat whipped cream (or cream cheese frosting) with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Transfer to piping bag.
- Make a small indentation in each jello ball and pipe in filling. Press gently to seal.
- Chill filled balls in fridge for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Notes
Jello balls can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
