Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls are back—and they’re better than ever! Whether you remember them from your childhood or this is your first time making them, these no-bake, coconut-coated, colorful gems bring instant holiday cheer. They’re sweet, creamy, just the right amount of chewy, and they look like something straight out of Santa’s workshop. 💚❤️

Perfect for cookie trays, classroom parties, family get-togethers, or just late-night nibbling with a hot cup of cocoa—this recipe is foolproof, fast, and festive. Plus, they’re no-bake, so no oven, no stress, and no sweating through your ugly Christmas sweater.

What Are Christmas Jello Balls?

Think of these as soft, sweet, coconut-covered snowballs—infused with fruity Jello flavor and holiday magic. Originally a retro treat from decades past, Mom’s Jello Balls are making a serious comeback. Their bouncy, chewy texture, bright colors, and sparkle from coconut or sugar make them almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

They’re basically a mix of thick cream (like Carnation or Fussell’s), flavored Jello powder, and coconut. That’s it! Mix, roll, chill. Done. You don’t even need to turn on the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these little holiday bites:

No-bake: No oven, no hassle.
Fast & Easy: 10 minutes of hands-on time.
Budget-Friendly: Few ingredients, big impact.
Customizable: Use any Jello flavor or color.
Festive AF: Bright colors and a frosted finish.
Nostalgic: Classic taste that brings back memories.
Kid-Approved: Let the little ones help!

Seriously, these are the kind of treats people will ask you to bring every year.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you need:

¾ cup thick cream – Use Fussell’s, Carnation, or other thick creams. Not whipping cream or milk.
1 package (3 oz) Jello powder – Red (strawberry or cherry) or green (lime) for classic Christmas colors.
2 cups desiccated unsweetened coconut – Super fine works best for texture and appearance.

Optional: Use additional coconut or fine sanding sugar to roll them for a sparkling finish, like the ones in the photo!

Let’s Talk Jello Flavors and Colors

You’ll notice in the image that we have pink/red, green, white, and orange balls. That means more than one batch was made using different Jello flavors. You can replicate this by splitting the recipe and using:

Strawberry or Cherry for red/pink
Lime for green
Orange for vibrant orange
No Jello / just cream and coconut for white

The result? A rainbow of holiday joy.

Pro Tip: You can even mix colors for a marbled effect, as seen in a few of the orange and red balls in the photo.

Tips for Getting the Right Texture

Want that glossy, round, perfectly chewy texture like in the photo? Here’s how:

Use thick cream, not light cream or milk. You need that richness to bind.
Use super-fine desiccated coconut – coarse shreds will make the balls fall apart.

Mix until smooth, but not overmixed. Aim for a soft dough-like consistency.
Chill before serving, so they set firmly but stay creamy inside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get into it!

Smooth the Cream
In a mixing bowl, stir ¾ cup thick cream until smooth and creamy. No lumps!

Add the Jello Powder
Sprinkle in the 3 oz Jello powder. Stir, stir, stir! It’ll look dry at first, but keep going until it’s fully dissolved and evenly colored—this takes around 5 minutes.
Add Coconut
Add 1½ cups of desiccated coconut. Mix well with a spoon or your hands until it forms a thick dough.
Form into Balls
Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. It should be smooth and hold its shape.

Coat in Coconut ( by choice )
Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup of coconut (or sanding sugar for sparkle) for a snowy, frosted look.
Chill to Set
Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

That’s it! You just made the easiest holiday candy of the season.

Visual Guide: Matching the Photo

Want them to look exactly like the ones in the photo?

Here’s the secret:

Glossy Finish: Add just a touch less coconut in the dough if you want a more translucent, shiny look.
Color Pop: Use gel-based Jello or a tiny drop of food coloring if your Jello isn’t vibrant enough.

White Streaks: To get the white swirls in the orange balls, don’t mix the Jello in fully—leave streaks for a marbled look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Let’s save you the trouble:

Using Thin or Light Cream
Light cream won’t give you the thick consistency you need. It’ll turn into a sticky mess that won’t roll. Stick with something like Fussell’s or Carnation thick cream.

Using Sweetened Coconut
Sweetened shredded coconut is too moist and chunky. It throws off the texture and makes the mixture overly wet. Always go for unsweetened, finely grated coconut.
Not Mixing Long Enough
When you combine the Jello and cream, you need to stir for a good 4–5 minutes until everything is fully incorporated. Rushing this step can leave you with streaky, unevenly flavored balls.
Skipping the Chill Time
These treats need to firm up in the fridge. If you skip chilling, they’ll be too soft and sticky. Two hours minimum—but overnight is even better.

Overpacking Coconut Coating
A light roll in the coconut is all you need. If you overdo it, it can overpower the flavor and dull the color.

How to Store Your Jello Balls

These little sweet bombs are perfect for prepping ahead! Here’s how to store them right:

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Use parchment between layers if stacking.

Freezing: Yep, you can freeze them! Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a container. They’ll keep for 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Tip: Don’t leave them out on the counter too long during parties—especially if your home gets warm. They can soften.

Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls 🎄

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Lora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Category: Dessert / No-Bake Treats / Holiday Sweets

Print Recipe

Description

💚 Sweet, festive, and oh-so-easy! These nostalgic Jello balls are chewy, coconutty, and bursting with holiday color — perfect for Christmas cookie trays or gifting! ❤️✨

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup thick cream (such as Fussell’s or Carnation)
1 (3 oz) package red Jello powder (or green for variety)

2 cups very finely grated or desiccated unsweetened coconut

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

🥣 In a bowl, stir the thick cream until smooth. Add the Jello powder and mix until fully dissolved and evenly colored. (≈ 5 minutes)

🥥 Add 1½ cups of the grated coconut to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a thick, sticky mixture. (≈ 3 minutes)
🎅 Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. (≈ 5 minutes)
❄️ Roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup coconut to coat completely for that snow-dusted look. (≈ 2 minutes)

🎄 Chill the Jello balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm and set. (2 hours)
🍬 Serve cold or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

These Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive no-bake dessert made with crushed pineapple, coconut, and condensed milk — perfect for quick holiday prep.

Chill them well before serving for the best texture and flavor.
You can roll them in shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or sprinkles for variety.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week — they actually taste better after a day as the flavors blend!

Nutrition

Serving Size: ~18 balls
Calories: 120–140 calories per ball

Flavor Variations to Try

Want to get a little creative? Go for it! The base recipe is super flexible.

Flavored Jello Ideas:
- Strawberry (classic pink/red)
- Lime (bright green)
- Orange (vivid orange)
- Raspberry (deep red)
- Pineapple (yellow, pairs well with coconut!)
Coconut Twist:
Add ½ teaspoon of coconut extract to enhance the coconut flavor.

Citrus Zing:
Grate in a little lemon or orange zest to brighten things up.
Holiday Spice:
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to make it taste more “Christmas-y.”
Boozy Version (Adults Only):
Swap a tablespoon of cream for rum or coconut liqueur for a cheeky twist.

You may like also :

Creamy Cranberry Pecan Christmas Tree Appetizers

Christmas White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Candy Recipe – The Ultimate Festive Treat

Making It a Family Activity

These are seriously fun to make with the whole crew.

Let kids stir the Jello mixture (with supervision).
Set up a rolling station with bowls of coconut or colored sugar.

Let them choose the colors and even decorate with edible glitter or sprinkles.
Play holiday music and turn it into a mini baking party—without turning the oven on.

Bonus? They’ll feel proud seeing their treats on the table.

Perfect for Gifting

Want to win at holiday gifting without spending a ton? These Jello Balls are PERFECT.

Gifting Tips:

Place 6–8 in mini paper candy cups, and nestle in a holiday-themed box or mason jar.
Tie with ribbon and a cute gift tag (include storage instructions!).

Store in the fridge until gifting day to keep them fresh and firm.

They’re eye-catching, delicious, and a super thoughtful homemade gift.

Other No-Bake Holiday Treats You’ll Love

Pair these Christmas Jello Balls with other festive treats to build an epic dessert spread or gift basket:

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Coconut Ice Squares
White Chocolate Pretzel Bites
Peppermint Bark
Rice Krispie Wreaths
Mini Cheesecake Cups

Combine them for the ultimate no-bake cookie tray that everyone will rave about.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls. They’re more than just a sweet treat—they’re a memory, a tradition, a flashback to childhood. They don’t need fancy ingredients, special skills, or even an oven. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a few minutes of your time.

And the best part? They look like they took hours to make—but only you’ll know the secret. 😉

Whether you make them all red and green or go full rainbow like the ones in the photo, these colorful, chewy, coconut-covered bites will steal the show at any holiday event.

So grab some cream, pick your Jello flavor, and roll into the holiday spirit. Happy no-baking and Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them up to a week in advance. Just store them in the fridge in an airtight container.

2. Can I use whipping cream or milk instead of thick cream?
Nope—whipping cream or milk won’t give the same consistency. You need that thick, almost spoonable cream like Fussell’s or Carnation.

3. Can I use sweetened coconut?
Technically yes, but it changes the texture and adds extra sweetness. Unsweetened, finely grated coconut is best.

4. What if the mixture is too dry or too wet?
If too dry, add a tiny splash of cream. If too wet, sprinkle in more coconut a tablespoon at a time until it’s rollable.

5. Can I freeze Jello Balls?
Yes! Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container. They’ll keep for 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.

Hi, I’m Lora!

I'm so glad you've found your way here. My kitchen is my happy place, and if you're just starting your own cooking journey, I want you to know you're in the right place.

About Me