Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls are the ultimate festive treat to brighten your holiday season with festive flavor and simple joy. These no-bake delights combine classic chocolate biscuits, the minty crunch of Peppermint Crisp, the fruity indulgence of Cherry Ripe, and coconut for a chewy, satisfying texture. Condensed milk binds everything together, turning a handful of ingredients into irresistible bite‑sized delights. Easy to make and perfect for gift‑giving, these balls deliver big flavor without hours in the kitchen. Whether you bake for yourself or share with friends and family, these treats capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls
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Simplicity meets indulgence: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe lets you create something decadent without complicated steps or baking time.
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Festive flavour fusion: The combination of mint, cherry, chocolate biscuits, and coconut creates a rich, layered taste that feels uniquely Christmas.
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Perfect for gifting and sharing: These balls are ideal for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or homemade gifts — compact, easy to transport, and loved by both kids and adults.
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Make‑ahead convenience: They can be prepared in advance and stored, saving time during the busy holiday rush while still tasting fresh.
Ingredients
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1 packet Choc Ripple biscuits, crushed (about 200g)
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1 bar Peppermint Crisp chocolate, finely chopped (approximately 100g)
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1 bar Cherry Ripe chocolate, finely chopped (approximately 100g)
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1 cup finely desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)
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1 tin (approximately 395g) sweetened condensed milk
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls
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Begin by placing the choc ripple biscuits into a food bag or large bowl and crush them until they resemble coarse crumbs. If using a bag, seal and crush with a rolling pin or heavy object, or pulse briefly in a food processor.
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Transfer the crushed biscuits into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped Peppermint Crisp and Cherry Ripe chocolates.
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Stir in one cup of desiccated coconut. Mix thoroughly to combine dry ingredients evenly.
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Pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Using a spatula or spoon, fold the mixture until it becomes sticky and all ingredients are evenly coated and starting to bind together. If the mix feels too dry, add a teaspoon of extra condensed milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more crushed biscuit or coconut.
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Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form compact balls.
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Spread extra desiccated coconut on a plate, then gently roll each ball in the coconut, ensuring all sides are coated.
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Place the finished balls on a tray lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to set firm. Once firm, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Helpful Tips
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Uniform chopping helps: Finely chop the Peppermint Crisp and Cherry Ripe so you get bits throughout every ball — uneven chunks can make rolling difficult.
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Chill your hands briefly: If the mixture becomes too soft and sticky while rolling, pop your hands in the fridge or dampen them slightly with cold water — this prevents sticking and helps shape tidy balls.
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Portion consistency: Use a small cookie scoop or standard tablespoon to ensure all balls are roughly the same size — this helps with even setting and consistent portioning when gifting or serving.
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Adjust sweetness: If you find the balls overly sweet (this recipe is quite rich), consider reducing the condensed milk slightly or adding extra coconut or crushed biscuit to balance.
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Coconut coverage: For a richer coconut flavor and a snow‑white exterior, roll the balls generously in coconut. For a darker, chocolatey look, lightly dust instead of full coverage.
Substitutions And Variations
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Alternative biscuits: If you cannot find Choc Ripple biscuits, any plain chocolate or cocoa‑based biscuit will work. Digestive biscuits offer a lighter, less sweet base.
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Different chocolate bars: Swap Cherry Ripe with other fruity or nutty bars such as Mint Crisp, Crunchie, or even nougat, depending on your flavor preference. For a more traditional chocolate taste, use milk or dark chocolate chunks.
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Nutty twist: Add a quarter cup of finely chopped nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts) to the mixture for added crunch and flavor depth.
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Dairy‑free option: Use a dairy‑free condensed milk alternative and coconut‑based biscuits to make these vegan‑friendly. Ensure the chocolate bars used are dairy‑free as well.
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Mini‑version: Roll smaller, bite‑sized balls (about 1 teaspoon each) for party platters or as part of a dessert board — they make excellent finger-food treats.
Storage Instructions
Store finished Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls in an airtight container. They keep best refrigerated for up to 7 days. If you want to prepare ahead for gifting or holidays, you can freeze them: place in a freezer‑safe container with layers separated by parchment paper. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as the condensed milk can soften noticeably in warm conditions.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per ball)
Assuming the recipe yields about 20 balls, one ball delivers roughly:
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Calories: ~95 kcal
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Carbohydrates: ~12 g
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Sugars: ~9 g
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Fat: ~4 g
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Saturated fat: ~2 g
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Protein: ~1 g
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Fibre: ~0.5 g
Serving Suggestions
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Holiday platter: Serve alongside assorted cookies, fudge bites, and truffles on a festive platter — gorgeous for Christmas parties.
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Chocolate‑lover’s gift: Wrap a dozen balls in festive cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon. Add a small tag for a thoughtful homemade gift perfect for neighbors, co‑workers, or friends.
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With beverages: Pair with hot drinks — peppermint tea, mulled wine (if appropriate), or rich hot chocolate — the mint and coconut flavors match especially well.
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Dessert board: Include as part of a dessert board with nuts, dried fruit, fresh berries, and cheese for a contrast of sweet and savory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls
Can I make these balls without coconut?
Yes. If you do not have coconut or prefer not to use it, you can omit it. The mixture will be stickier, so you may need to reduce the condensed milk slightly or add more crushed biscuits to achieve a firmer consistency. Rolling might be trickier without the coconut dusting, but pressing between palms tightly helps.
What size should the balls be for best results?
A tablespoon-sized ball tends to set well, offering a balanced bite — about 20–22 balls per batch depending on your biscuit quantity. Smaller balls (teaspoon-sized) are great for bite-sized snacks but slightly chewier; larger ones hold together better and provide more indulgence per serving.
Can I use freshly grated coconut instead of desiccated?
Fresh coconut has higher moisture content, which could make the mixture too wet and slow to set. If you choose to use fresh coconut, consider using less or combine with a portion of desiccated. Alternatively, increase the crushed biscuit proportion to absorb excess moisture.
Is it okay to leave these balls out overnight at room temperature?
Because they contain condensed milk and chocolate, it is not recommended to leave them out more than a few hours, especially in warm climates. For freshness and food safety, refrigerate if they will not be consumed immediately.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls as much as I enjoy preparing them for friends and family every holiday season. They are wonderfully easy to throw together, yet feel special and festive. Whether you are indulging yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these bite‑sized delights capture the joy, warmth, and sweetness of the holidays. Thank you for giving this recipe a try, may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and your heart with holiday cheer. Happy baking and happy holidays!
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Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint Cherry Christmas Balls are easy no-bake holiday treats made with crushed Choc Ripple biscuits, Peppermint Crisp, Cherry Ripe, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for gifting, parties, or a festive treat at home. Quick to prepare and full of Christmas cheer!
Ingredients
1 packet Choc Ripple biscuits, crushed (about 200g)
1 Peppermint Crisp bar, finely chopped (approx. 100g)
1 Cherry Ripe bar, finely chopped (approx. 100g)
1 cup desiccated coconut (plus extra for rolling)
1 tin sweetened condensed milk (approx. 395g)
Instructions
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Begin by placing the choc ripple biscuits into a food bag or large bowl and crush them until they resemble coarse crumbs. If using a bag, seal and crush with a rolling pin or heavy object, or pulse briefly in a food processor.
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Transfer the crushed biscuits into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped Peppermint Crisp and Cherry Ripe chocolates.
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Stir in one cup of desiccated coconut. Mix thoroughly to combine dry ingredients evenly.
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Pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Using a spatula or spoon, fold the mixture until it becomes sticky and all ingredients are evenly coated and starting to bind together. If the mix feels too dry, add a teaspoon of extra condensed milk; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more crushed biscuit or coconut.
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Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form compact balls.
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Spread extra desiccated coconut on a plate, then gently roll each ball in the coconut, ensuring all sides are coated.
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Place the finished balls on a tray lined with parchment or wax paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow them to set firm. Once firm, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
Chill your hands before rolling to avoid sticking.
Add extra coconut or biscuit crumbs if the mixture is too wet.
Store in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
Makes a thoughtful edible gift when packed in festive bags.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g