Christmas Jello Balls
These Christmas Jello Balls are a fun and festive no-bake Christmas treat made with just a handful of ingredients! Sweetened condensed milk, strawberry and lime Jello, and sweet coconut come together to make soft, chewy little candies in beautiful Christmas colors. Rolled in even more coconut for a snowy finish, they’re perfect for holiday cookie trays, Christmas parties, and homemade candy gifts!
I don’t know what it is about Christmas, but the minute November rolls around, I start thinking about all the little treats I want to make for the holidays. Not just the big desserts like cheesecakes, pies, and cakes, but all those fun little candies and cookies that look so pretty arranged together on a Christmas tray.
Honestly, I think a big plate of homemade Christmas goodies might be one of my favorite things about the season.
There’s something so nostalgic about walking into someone’s house during the holidays and seeing a tray filled with all kinds of little treats. You’ve got your peanut butter balls, fudge, sugar cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and maybe a few things you haven’t seen since you were a kid. Everyone grabs a little of this and a little of that, and before you know it, half the tray is gone.
And I especially love adding something colorful to those trays.
Don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate as much as anyone, but when you’re putting together a Christmas dessert platter, it’s nice to have a few treats that really bring in those festive red and green colors.
That’s exactly why I love these Christmas Jello Balls.
They’re bright, they’re fun, they’re covered in snowy white coconut, and they look like something you’d find on an old-fashioned Christmas candy tray. But the best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make.
You don’t have to turn on the oven, melt chocolate, use a candy thermometer, or stand over the stove waiting for sugar to reach a certain temperature. You just mix everything together, chill it, roll it into little balls, and you’re done.
And we’re only using a few simple ingredients.
The red balls are made with strawberry or cherry Jello, while the green ones are made with lime Jello. Both flavors get mixed with sweetened condensed milk and finely grated coconut to make a thick, sweet mixture that you can roll into little candies.
Then each one gets rolled in even more coconut, which gives them that pretty snowy appearance.
I think that’s my favorite part. The white coconut against the bright red and green candy makes them look so festive without needing any complicated decorating.
They’re also a really fun recipe to make with kids. Once the mixtures have chilled enough to handle, rolling them into little balls is the kind of kitchen job that little hands love helping with. And since there’s no baking involved, you don’t have to worry about hot cookie sheets or taking things in and out of the oven.
Of course, you might end up with coconut all over the counter, but that’s half the fun of Christmas baking anyway.
One thing I do want to mention is that these are definitely a sweet little treat. Between the flavored Jello powder, sweetened condensed milk, and sweetened coconut, they’re meant to be enjoyed like candy rather than a big dessert.
That’s why I like making them small. A couple of little bites are just perfect, especially when there are plenty of other Christmas goodies to try.
And if you’re someone who likes getting your holiday baking and candy making done ahead of time, these are a great recipe to keep in mind. They need some time in the refrigerator to firm up, and they store well in the fridge for several days.
That means you can make them before your Christmas party or family gathering and have one less thing to worry about when the day arrives.
Whether you’re filling a holiday cookie tray, making homemade Christmas candy gifts, or just looking for a fun no-bake treat to make with the kids, these Christmas Jello Balls are such a cute addition to your holiday recipe collection.
They’re simple, colorful, sweet, chewy, and just plain fun.
What Are Christmas Jello Balls?
Christmas Jello Balls are a no-bake holiday candy made with flavored gelatin powder, sweetened condensed milk, and shredded coconut.
Instead of preparing the Jello with water like you normally would, the dry gelatin powder is mixed directly with sweetened condensed milk and coconut. This creates a thick, sweet mixture that can be chilled and rolled into small balls.
Half of the batch is made with red strawberry or cherry Jello, while the other half is made with green lime Jello.
Each ball is rolled in additional shredded coconut, giving the candies a snowy white coating with pretty red and green centers.
They’re soft, chewy, fruity, and perfect for Christmas candy trays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required. You don’t even have to turn on the oven.
- Only a handful of ingredients. Everything is simple and easy to find.
- Beautiful Christmas colors. The red and green candies look so festive.
- Perfect for holiday trays. They’re a colorful addition to Christmas cookies and candies.
- Fun to make with kids. Rolling the little balls is an easy kitchen activity.
- Sweet and chewy. The coconut gives them a delicious texture.
- Easy to make ahead. They store well in the refrigerator.
- Customizable flavors. Use strawberry, cherry, lime, or other gelatin flavors.
- No special equipment needed. Just mixing bowls, a spoon, and your hands.
- Makes about 24 candies. Perfect for sharing during the holidays.
When To Serve Christmas Jello Balls
These little candies are perfect for just about any Christmas celebration.
I especially love them for Christmas Eve dessert trays, Christmas parties, holiday cookie exchanges, classroom celebrations, family gatherings, and homemade candy platters.
They’re also a cute addition to Christmas treat boxes. Just make sure they’re kept refrigerated, since they’re made with sweetened condensed milk.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, arrange the red and green balls together on a white platter or mix them in with your favorite Christmas cookies for a really pretty display.
And because they’re no-bake, they’re especially handy when your oven is already full of Christmas cookies, casseroles, and other holiday dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry or Cherry Jello – One 3-ounce box of strawberry or cherry Jello gives half of the candies their beautiful bright red color and fruity flavor. You’ll use the dry gelatin powder directly from the box, so there’s no need to prepare it with water.
Lime Jello – One 3-ounce box of lime Jello creates the festive green candies. The lime flavor pairs nicely with the sweet coconut and gives the finished treats a little fruity tanginess.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – One cup of sweetened condensed milk holds the coconut and Jello powder together while adding sweetness and a rich, creamy texture. Make sure you’re using sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut – Three cups of shredded sweetened coconut are divided between the red and green mixtures. Finely grated coconut works especially well because it helps the candies hold together and gives them a more uniform texture.
Additional Shredded Sweetened Coconut – One extra cup of coconut is used for rolling the finished candies. This creates the pretty snowball appearance and helps keep the outside from feeling too sticky.
How To Make Christmas Jello Balls
Step 1. Add the strawberry or cherry Jello powder to a medium mixing bowl. You want to use the dry gelatin powder straight from the box, without adding any water.
Step 2. Pour ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk into the bowl with the red Jello powder. Stir until the gelatin powder is completely incorporated into the condensed milk.
Step 3. Add 1½ cups of finely grated sweetened coconut to the red mixture. Stir until the coconut is evenly coated and the mixture becomes thick and sticky.
Step 4. In a second mixing bowl, combine the lime Jello powder with the remaining ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well combined.
Step 5. Add the remaining 1½ cups of coconut to the green mixture and stir until the coconut is evenly coated and the mixture is bright green.
Step 6. Place both bowls in the refrigerator for approximately 20–30 minutes. This helps the mixtures firm up and makes them much easier to roll.
Step 7. Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut to a shallow bowl or dish.
Step 8. Remove the chilled mixtures from the refrigerator. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out evenly sized portions.
Step 9. Gently press and roll each portion between your hands to form a small ball. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly dampen your palms with water.
Step 10. Roll each ball through the extra coconut until the outside is completely coated.
Step 11. Arrange the finished red and green balls on a parchment-lined tray, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 12. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes, or until the candies have firmed up enough to hold their shape.
Step 13. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Substitutions
Cherry Jello – Cherry Jello can replace strawberry Jello if you prefer a stronger cherry flavor. Both give the candies a beautiful red color.
Green Apple Jello – If you can find green apple Jello, it can replace lime for a different fruity flavor while keeping the festive green color.
Unsweetened Coconut – Unsweetened coconut can be used instead of sweetened coconut, but the candies will be less sweet and may have a slightly drier texture.
Different Gelatin Flavors – You can experiment with other red and green gelatin flavors as long as the colors work for your holiday theme.
Variations
Grinch Jello Balls
Make the entire batch with lime Jello for bright green candies. After rolling them in coconut, add a small red heart sprinkle to each one for a fun Grinch-inspired Christmas treat.
Extra Coconut Jello Balls
Add a few drops of coconut extract to each mixture if you want the coconut flavor to be a little stronger. This is especially delicious if you love coconut candy.
Christmas Sprinkle Jello Balls
Mix a few red, green, and white Christmas sprinkles into the coconut used for rolling. This adds even more festive color to the finished candies.
Mini Christmas Jello Balls
Use a smaller cookie scoop to make tiny bite-sized candies. This is a great option if you’re putting together a large Christmas dessert tray with lots of different treats.
Valentine’s Day Jello Balls
Make the entire batch with strawberry or cherry Jello and roll the candies in coconut mixed with pink and red sprinkles.
Easter Jello Balls
Use pastel-colored gelatin flavors and roll the candies in coconut for a cute springtime treat.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not prepare the Jello. The dry gelatin powder goes directly into the recipe. No hot or cold water is needed.
- Use finely grated coconut. Smaller coconut pieces help the mixture hold together and make the balls easier to shape.
- Chill before rolling. The mixture is sticky when first combined, so refrigerating it for 20–30 minutes makes a big difference.
- Roll firmly but gently. Compress each portion slightly as you roll so the candies hold together.
- Lightly dampen your hands. If the mixture keeps sticking to your palms, a little water can help.
- Use a small cookie scoop. This makes it easier to keep the red and green balls approximately the same size.
- Don’t skip the coconut coating. It gives the candies their snowy appearance and helps prevent sticking.
- Chill again before serving. The final 30-minute chill helps the candies firm up.
- Keep them refrigerated. These candies are best stored chilled rather than sitting out for long periods.
- Make them ahead. They’re a convenient treat to prepare before a busy holiday gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Jello Balls
Do I need to prepare the Jello before making these?
No! This is probably the most important thing to remember about this recipe.
You use the dry Jello powder directly from the box. Do not mix it with boiling water or cold water like you would when making regular Jello.
The dry gelatin powder is mixed with sweetened condensed milk and coconut to create the thick candy mixture.
Why are my Christmas Jello Balls too sticky to roll?
The mixture is naturally sticky because of the sweetened condensed milk.
If you’re having trouble shaping the candies, place the mixture back in the refrigerator for another 10–15 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
You can also lightly dampen your hands before rolling.
Can I make Christmas Jello Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are a great make-ahead Christmas candy.
You can prepare them several days before your holiday party or cookie exchange and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
I actually love having recipes like this ready to go before Christmas because it means one less thing to make when everything gets busy.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
No, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Sweetened condensed milk is much thicker and sweeter than evaporated milk. It helps bind the coconut and gelatin powder together so the mixture can be rolled into balls.
Evaporated milk is much thinner and won’t give you the same consistency.
Can I use different Jello flavors?
Yes! That’s one of the fun things about this recipe.
Strawberry or cherry works beautifully for the red candies, while lime gives you the traditional Christmas green.
You can also experiment with other flavors and colors for different holidays, birthday parties, or special occasions.
Do Christmas Jello Balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because they’re made with sweetened condensed milk, these candies should be stored in the refrigerator.
Keep them in an airtight container and enjoy them within one week.
When serving them at a party, put out a smaller portion at a time and keep the rest chilled until needed.
Can I freeze Christmas Jello Balls?
You can try freezing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers, although the coconut texture may change slightly after thawing.
For the best texture and appearance, I recommend making them fresh and storing them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serving Ideas
These Christmas Jello Balls are especially pretty when arranged on a holiday dessert tray with other homemade Christmas candies.
I love the idea of placing the red and green balls in alternating rows on a white platter. The snowy coconut coating makes the colors stand out beautifully.
You can also tuck them into Christmas candy boxes with fudge, peanut butter balls, chocolate-covered pretzels, sugar cookies, and other little holiday treats.
For a Christmas party, arrange them in mini cupcake liners so guests can easily pick one up without getting coconut on their fingers.
They’re also cute on a dessert table with Christmas cookies, peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, and other no-bake holiday goodies.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store Christmas Jello Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you’re stacking them in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to help keep them from sticking together.
These are a great make-ahead treat because they need time to chill anyway. You can prepare them a day or two before your Christmas party and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
For the prettiest presentation, arrange them on your serving tray shortly before guests arrive.
Avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than two hours.
Christmas Jello Balls
Christmas Jello Balls are a fun, colorful no-bake treat that looks so pretty on holiday cookie and candy trays. These soft and chewy little bites are made with sweetened condensed milk, finely grated coconut, and red and green Jello for a fruity Christmas treat that's incredibly easy to put together. Each ball gets rolled in even more coconut for a snowy finish that makes the bright red and green centers pop.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-ounce) box strawberry or cherry Jello
- 1 (3-ounce) box lime Jello
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, for rolling
Instructions
- Add the strawberry Jello powder to a mixing bowl. Pour in ½ cup sweetened condensed milk and mix until the gelatin is completely incorporated.
- Fold 1½ cups finely grated coconut into the red mixture. Keep stirring until the coconut is evenly coated and you have a thick, sticky mixture.
- In a second bowl, combine the lime Jello with the remaining ½ cup sweetened condensed milk.
- Add another 1½ cups coconut and stir until evenly combined and bright green.
- Place both bowls in the refrigerator for about 20–30 minutes. Chilling the mixtures will make them much easier to handle.
- Add the remaining 1 cup coconut to a shallow dish.
- Scoop out small portions of the chilled mixtures and use your hands to shape them into balls.
- As each ball is formed, roll it through the extra coconut until the outside is completely coated.
- Transfer the red and green balls to a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 235Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 12gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 139mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 4gSugar: 23gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information provided on this website is an estimate only and is offered as a courtesy and can be incorrect. These calculations are generated automatically using an online nutrition calculator, so results may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, substitutions, and portion sizes used.I am not a nutritionist or registered dietitian, and this information should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for dietary or nutritional guidance specific to your needs.
More Easy Christmas Candy & No-Bake Treats
Christmas is the perfect excuse to make ALL the yummy little treats! LOL! I absolutely love having a big assortment of homemade Christmas candy and sweet goodies to share with family and friends. Whether you’re filling up holiday treat boxes, putting together a Christmas dessert tray, or just looking for something fun to make with the kids, these easy recipes are sure to bring a little extra sweetness to your holiday season!
Christmas Jello Roll Ups – These colorful, fruity little treats are so much fun to make! They’re sweet, chewy, and perfect for adding a pop of Christmas color to your holiday dessert trays!
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints – These adorable little candies are sweet, creamy, and practically melt in your mouth! They’re perfect for Christmas parties, homemade gifts, or sneaking a few while you’re making them. LOL!
Christmas Gumdrops – Soft, chewy, and covered in sparkly sugar, these homemade gumdrops are such a fun Christmas treat! They’re perfect for candy dishes, holiday gift boxes, and making sweet memories with the kids!
Christmas Tree Cake Balls – Everyone loves those little Christmas Tree Cakes, and turning them into delicious bite-sized cake balls makes them even better! These festive treats are perfect for Christmas parties and dessert trays!
Christmas Pecan Pralines – Sweet, buttery, and packed with delicious pecan flavor, these homemade pralines are a wonderful addition to your Christmas candy collection! They also make fantastic homemade holiday gifts!
No Bake Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake – Rich, creamy chocolate cheesecake with a delicious peppermint twist! This festive no-bake dessert is perfect for Christmas gatherings and makes a wonderful sweet ending to your holiday meal!
These Christmas Jello Balls are such a fun little holiday treat, and I love how something so simple can look so festive.
With the bright red strawberry or cherry candies, the green lime candies, and that snowy coconut coating, they’re absolutely perfect for Christmas cookie and candy trays.
They’re sweet, chewy, fruity, and incredibly easy to make, which is exactly what I want when I’m already busy with all the other holiday cooking and baking.
I especially love that they’re no-bake, because by the time Christmas rolls around, my oven usually has plenty of other things going on.
Whether you’re making them with the kids, bringing them to a Christmas party, or filling homemade candy boxes for friends and family, these Christmas Jello Balls are a cute, colorful addition to your holiday treats.
And if you’re making a big Christmas candy tray, don’t be surprised when everyone reaches for the pretty red and green ones first!
