The holidays are a time to gather around, share delicious treats, and make memories that last a lifetime. One of my favorite no-bake holiday desserts is these festive Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but their bright colors and coconut coating make them a stunning addition to any dessert table. Plus, they’re perfect for kids to help out with—fun to roll and even more fun to eat!
Let’s dive into how you can create this simple yet delightful candy that requires just one bowl and a few ingredients. No oven needed!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (3 oz.) package red Jell-O (I used cherry)
- 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut, finely grated (not shredded), divided
How to Make Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls
- Whisk the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and the red Jell-O powder until the mixture is fully combined. The vibrant red color is so festive—just wait until it all comes together! - Add Coconut
Stir 1-3/4 cups of the desiccated coconut into the Jell-O mixture. The coconut adds that perfect chewy texture while balancing out the sweetness of the Jell-O. Mix until it’s well incorporated. - Roll Into Balls
Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll it between your hands to form small balls. The mixture should hold together easily. Place each ball onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s a bit of a messy but super fun step—great for little helping hands! - Chill
Once all the balls are formed, pop the baking sheet into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will help the candies firm up and hold their shape. - Coat With Coconut
After chilling, roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of coconut to give them that classic snowy look. It’s like rolling little edible snowballs! - Store and Enjoy
Store your Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for up to a week, but trust me—they’ll be gone long before that!
Details and nutritional information
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Yield: 30 candies
Nutrition:
Serving Size: 1 candy (approx.)
Calories: 45 calories
Sugar: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Coconut: For best results, use unsweetened desiccated coconut. It’s finely grated and absorbs the Jell-O mixture better than shredded coconut.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these a day or two before your holiday gathering, giving you more time to focus on other dishes or, better yet, spending quality time with your family.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a wonderful recipe to make with kids. They’ll love rolling the mixture into balls and helping coat them in coconut.
Substitutions and Variations
- Switch Up the Jell-O Flavors: If you prefer a green and red combo for your Christmas table, simply swap the red Jell-O for green (lime) in some batches. You can alternate the colors for a beautiful, eye-catching presentation.
- For a Sweeter Treat: If you prefer sweeter coconut, you can substitute sweetened coconut for the unsweetened variety. Keep in mind that this will make the candies much sweeter.
- Different Holidays, Different Colors: This recipe works beyond Christmas! Try using orange Jell-O for Halloween or pastels for Easter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Jell-O to match the theme of your holiday or event. Cherry and lime are perfect for Christmas, but lemon or strawberry would be great for a springtime treat.
Do these candies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s important to store these in the refrigerator since they contain heavy cream. They will last up to a week when kept in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the Jell-O balls?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture may change, and the coconut coating may not hold up well once thawed.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 7 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for your holiday spread.
More Festive Recipes You’ll Love
These Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls are festive, fun, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert or something fun to make with the kids, this recipe is a holiday winner. Enjoy!
Print
Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls
- Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Yield: 30 candies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Coconut Jell-O Balls are a quick and easy no-bake treat perfect for the holiday season! With just a few simple ingredients, these festive, colorful coconut balls come together in no time, making them a great addition to your dessert table. They’re fun to make, and the coconut adds the perfect chewy texture. Whether you’re making them with the kids or prepping for a holiday party, these delightful candies are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (3 oz.) package red Jell-O (cherry flavor)
- 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut, finely grated (not shredded), divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream and red Jell-O until fully combined.
- Add 1-3/4 cups of desiccated coconut to the Jell-O mixture. Stir until well mixed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Roll the chilled balls in the remaining 1/4 cup of coconut to coat.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap cherry Jell-O for lime to create green and red candy for an extra festive look.
- These coconut balls will keep fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- This recipe is kid-friendly and perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy (approx.)
- Calories: 45 calories
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg