Christmas Jello Balls Recipe

Introduction

Bright, festive, and delightfully tangy, Christmas Jello Balls are the perfect sweet treat for holiday gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create colorful, creamy bites that look like little snowy gems on your holiday platter.

Ingredients

• 1 box (3 oz) Lime Jello
• 1 box (3 oz) Strawberry Jello
• 6 ½ cups Sweetened Desiccated Coconut
• 1 ½ cups Plain Greek Yogurt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Divide 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt evenly into two medium-sized mixing bowls, placing ¾ cup in each bowl.
2. Step 2: Add the entire box of lime Jello to one bowl and the strawberry Jello to the other. Mix each with a small whisk or fork until no dry powder remains and the mixture is thick and pasty.
3. Step 3: Cover both bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the mixtures to firm up slightly.
4. Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, portion the chilled mixture and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. If the mixture sticks, dampen your hands with a little water.
5. Step 5: Spread the desiccated coconut on a large plate or shallow bowl. Roll each ball gently in the coconut until fully coated, pressing lightly for the coating to adhere.
6. Step 6: Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set completely.

Tips & Variations

• Swap lime Jello for green apple or pineapple flavors to change up the green hue and flavor profile.
• Use raspberry or cherry Jello instead of strawberry for a different red tint.
• If only shredded coconut is available, pulse it briefly in a food processor to achieve a finer texture.
• Try unsweetened coconut for a less sweet coating option.
• For a creamier texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt, or substitute with thick, plain coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store Christmas Jello Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled. If they soften too much before serving, a brief chill in the fridge will help them firm back up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Jello balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them up to 2 days in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just ensure they are covered well to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t have desiccated coconut?

You can use finely shredded coconut as a substitute, but pulsing it briefly in a food processor will give the best texture and coating effect.

Christmas Jello Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

Christmas Jello Balls are vibrant, festive bite-sized treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with lime and strawberry Jello mixed into creamy Greek yogurt and coated in snowy desiccated coconut, these colorful bites offer a tangy, sweet flavor with a delightful texture. Simple to make, no baking required, and great for sharing at parties or gifting during the holidays.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: About 36 balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Jello Mixtures

• 1 box (3 oz) Lime Jello powder
• 1 box (3 oz) Strawberry Jello powder
• 1 ½ cups Plain Greek Yogurt

Coating

• 6 ½ cups Sweetened Desiccated Coconut

Instructions

1. Divide and Conquer: Pour ¾ cup of plain Greek yogurt into each of two medium-sized mixing bowls. This separation will help you keep the colors distinct when mixing with Jello powders.
2. Bring on the Color: Add the entire box of lime Jello powder to one bowl and the strawberry Jello powder to the second bowl. Use a small whisk or fork to mix thoroughly until no dry powder remains and the mixture becomes thick and pasty.
3. The Chill Factor: Cover both bowls with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes. This chilling firm up the mixtures, making them easier to handle and roll.
4. Time to Roll: Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls between your palms. If the mixture sticks, dampen your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking.
5. The Snowy Coat: Spread desiccated coconut on a large plate or shallow bowl. Roll each Jello ball in the coconut to fully coat, pressing lightly so the coconut adheres well, transforming them into festive snowy treats.
6. The Final Set: Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the balls to fully set and firm up for the perfect bite-sized texture.

Notes

• For a different green flavor, substitute lime Jello with green apple or pineapple Jello.
• Strawberry Jello can be swapped out with raspberry or cherry for alternative red hues.
• If only shredded coconut is available, pulse it briefly in a food processor to create finer desiccated coconut texture.
• Unsweetened coconut can be used for a less sweet coating option.
• Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest texture, but low-fat is acceptable.
• For a dairy-free alternative, use thick, plain coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• Lightly dampening your palms with water prevents sticking when rolling the balls.
• Do not skip chilling steps to ensure proper texture and ease of rolling.

Keywords: Christmas Jello Balls, holiday dessert, jello treats, festive snacks, no-bake dessert, coconut coated balls, Greek yogurt dessert