Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Fun: Simple to make with minimal ingredients and steps.
- Festive and Colorful: Bright red and green hues make these treats stand out.
- Customizable: Swap out flavors or add your unique twist to match your preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: A great recipe to make with the little ones.
- Make Ahead: Can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package (3 oz) red jello mix (strawberry, cherry, or raspberry)
- 1 package (3 oz) green jello mix (lime)
- 1 cup hot water (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers (divided)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (divided)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Directions
- Prepare the Jello Mixtures:
In two separate bowls, dissolve the red and green jello mixes each with 1/2 cup hot water. Stir until completely dissolved. - Combine the Ingredients:
Add 3/4 cup of the crushed vanilla wafers and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to each bowl. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and sticky. - Chill the Mixtures:
Place the bowls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mixtures are firm enough to handle but not fully set. - Roll the Balls:
Scoop out a tablespoon of the jello mixture and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture. - Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Roll each ball in powdered sugar to give them a snowy, festive appearance and reduce stickiness. - Serve or Store:
Arrange the jello balls on a serving platter or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. - Enjoy:
Serve these vibrant treats at your holiday gatherings and watch them disappear in no time!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 24 balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Swaps: Try different jello flavors to suit your preferences or create new color combinations.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in finely chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Candy Coating: Replace powdered sugar with crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Option: Drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wafers or crackers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store Christmas Jello Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable, as these are served chilled.
FAQs
1. Can I use sugar-free jello for this recipe?
Yes, sugar-free jello works just as well for a lower-sugar version of these treats.
2. What can I use instead of coconut?
You can substitute coconut with finely chopped nuts, sprinkles, or additional crushed wafers.
3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These balls can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
4. Are these gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
5. How can I make the balls less sticky while rolling?
Lightly coat your hands with powdered sugar or chill the mixture longer before rolling.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved to meet your needs.
7. Can I use another type of cookie instead of wafers?
Yes, graham crackers or digestive biscuits work well as substitutes.
8. Are these safe for kids to make?
Yes, with supervision, kids can easily help with rolling the balls and coating them.
9. How do I achieve vibrant colors?
Use quality jello mixes and ensure the mixtures are thoroughly dissolved for the best color payoff.
10. What other coatings can I use?
Crushed candies, sprinkles, or cocoa powder are great alternatives to powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Christmas Jello Balls are the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and festivity. Their bright colors and chewy texture make them a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple treat to share, these easy-to-make bites are sure to bring joy and holiday cheer. Give them a try this Christmas season—you’ll love the results!
Print
Christmas Jello Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Jello Balls are colorful, chewy holiday treats that bring festive cheer to your celebrations. Made with fruity jello flavors, crushed cookies, and coconut, these easy-to-make balls are perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re a delightful addition to any dessert table and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3 oz) red jello mix (strawberry, cherry, or raspberry)
- 1 package (3 oz) green jello mix (lime)
- 1 cup hot water (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers (divided)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (divided)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jello Mixtures:
Dissolve red and green jello mixes in separate bowls with 1/2 cup hot water each. Stir until dissolved. - Combine Ingredients:
Add 3/4 cup crushed vanilla wafers and 1/2 cup shredded coconut to each bowl. Mix until thick and sticky. - Chill the Mixtures:
Refrigerate bowls for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until firm but not fully set. - Roll the Balls:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into balls. - Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Roll each ball in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive appearance. - Serve or Store:
Arrange on a platter or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
- Add a festive touch by coating balls in crushed peppermint candies or colorful sprinkles.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
