Quick & Festive Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with these delightful pineapple Christmas balls that sparkle with tropical cheer.

Festive gatherings call for something special and irresistibly delicious.

These bite-sized treats combine creamy coconut and tangy pineapple in a perfectly balanced confection.

Rolled in delicate shredded coconut, each ball offers a burst of tropical flavor that dances on your palate.

Whipping up these delectable morsels takes just minutes and requires minimal ingredients.

You’ll love how simple yet impressive these holiday gems can be.

Guests will be asking for the recipe before the first bite is even savored.

Equipment for Rolling Christmas Balls

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps beat cream cheese to creamy perfection.
• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps get precise amounts of dry jello powder.
• Tablespoon: Used for scooping and shaping mixture into uniform balls.
• Plate or shallow dish: Great for rolling balls in coconut coating.
• Food-safe container: Ideal for storing finished pineapple Christmas balls.

Steps for Making Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Whip Cream Cheese

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth and free of any lumps.

Use an electric mixer for the best results and ensure the cream cheese is perfectly softened at room temperature.

Step 2: Blend Tropical Ingredients

• Crushed pineapple
• Shredded coconut
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Dry gelatin powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated and create a consistent mixture.

Step 3: Chill and Firm

Place the mixture into the refrigerator and let it rest for one hour.

This cooling time helps the mixture solidify and makes it easier to shape into delightful little treats.

Step 4: Create Coconut Spheres

Take small spoonfuls of the chilled mixture and roll them gently between your palms to form perfect round balls.

Immediately roll each ball in the remaining shredded coconut, ensuring they are completely covered with a delicious tropical coating.

Step 5: Preserve and Enjoy

Transfer the coconut-covered pineapple balls to a sealed food-safe container.

Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve these festive and refreshing holiday treats.

Tips for Soft, Chewy Christmas Balls

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before beating to ensure ultra-smooth texture.
• If mixture feels too sticky, chill for an extra 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls for easier handling.
• Lightly toast coconut flakes before coating for deeper, richer flavor and beautiful golden color.
• Use slightly dampened hands when rolling balls to prevent mixture from clinging to your fingers.
• These festive treats can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in refrigerator, making holiday prep easier.

Variations for Festive Pineapple Balls

• Tropical Berry Bliss: Replace pineapple with crushed strawberries or mixed berries for a vibrant fruity version.
• Citrus Zing Spheres: Swap pineapple with orange zest and mandarin segments for a tangy citrus-infused treat.
• Gluten-Free Coconut Dreams: Use gluten-free graham cracker alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegan Fruit Bites: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use plant-based coconut flakes for a completely vegan option.

How to Serve Pineapple Christmas Balls at Parties

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the pineapple Christmas balls on a decorative holiday-themed serving tray, sprinkled with extra coconut for a snowy effect.
• Sweet Dessert Companion: Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful after-dinner treat that complements warm winter beverages.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Package these balls in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons as homemade edible gifts for friends and family during Christmas gatherings.
• Brunch Brilliance: Include these tropical-inspired treats on a holiday morning brunch buffet as a light, refreshing dessert option that adds a burst of flavor.

Storing Christmas Balls for Maximum Freshness

• Store Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Carefully place balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Remove frozen balls from freezer and let sit in refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
• Always keep these treats cold, as cream cheese and pineapple require refrigeration to prevent spoilage and maintain best taste.

FAQs

• What ingredients make these pineapple Christmas balls unique?

The combination of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, graham cracker crumbs, and jello powder creates a sweet, tangy, and tropical flavor profile that sets these treats apart from traditional holiday desserts.

• Are these Christmas balls difficult to make?

No, these are very simple to prepare. The recipe requires basic mixing, chilling, and rolling techniques that even beginner bakers can easily master in under 30 minutes of active preparation time.

• Can I use a different flavor of jello powder?

Yes, you can experiment with different jello powder flavors like strawberry or raspberry to customize the taste and color of your Christmas balls. Just ensure you use the same quantity specified in the original recipe.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Why They’re a Sweet Holiday Bite

• These pineapple Christmas balls come together with minimal prep, making them a super simple dessert for busy holiday moments.
• Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and festive celebrations where you want a sweet bite that everyone will love and enjoy.
• Bring a burst of sunny pineapple flavor to your traditional holiday spread, adding a unique and delightful dessert option that stands out from classic cookies.
• Skip the oven completely and create a delicious dessert that requires zero baking, saving you time and kitchen energy during the hectic holiday season.

Ingredients for Pineapple Christmas Treats

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy foundation that provides richness and binding for the Christmas balls.
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned fruit that adds sweet and tangy flavor to the mixture.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a subtle sweet and crunchy texture to the dessert.

• Coconut, Dry Jello Powder: Adds sweetness, texture, and a festive tropical flavor to the Christmas balls.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive pineapple Christmas balls blend tropical sweetness with holiday cheer. Rich coconut and rum flavors create a delightful no-bake treat that delights guests at seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) graham crumbs

Fruit and Flavor Components:

• 398 milliliters (13.4 fluid ounces) canned crushed pineapple, very well drained
• 3 ounces (85 grams) pineapple jello packet

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whip the cream cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and dry gelatin powder, stirring until all ingredients blend seamlessly.
3. Transfer the mixture into the refrigerator and allow it to chill and firm up for approximately 60 minutes.
4. Using clean hands, gently shape the chilled mixture into uniform bite-sized spheres, ensuring consistent sizing.
5. Roll each prepared ball generously in the remaining coconut, creating a delicate, textured exterior that completely covers the surface.
6. Arrange the finished pineapple balls in a sealed, food-safe container and maintain their freshness by storing in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

• Boost Texture: Toast coconut before coating for a deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch.
• Make Ahead: Prepare balls up to 3 days in advance, keeping them chilled for convenient holiday entertaining.
• Dietary Swap: Use gluten-free graham crackers to create a celiac-friendly version of these festive treats.
• Creative Variation: Experiment with different jello flavors like raspberry or strawberry to customize the taste profile and color.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg