Christmas Jello Balls (Print version)
Festive, bite-sized Jello confections with pineapple, marshmallows, nuts, and coconut—chilled and coated.
# What goes in:
→ Jello Mixture
01 - 2 packages (3 oz each) strawberry or cherry flavored gelatin dessert mix
02 - 1 cup boiling water
03 - 1 cup cold pineapple juice
→ Add-Ins
04 - 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
05 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
06 - 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
# Cooking steps:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly dissolve both packages of gelatin dessert mix in boiling water, stirring continuously for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
02 - Blend in the cold pineapple juice and combine until the mixture is uniform.
03 - Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill the mixture for 60 to 90 minutes, until it thickens but is not fully set.
04 - Gently fold in the chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, and 1 cup of the sweetened shredded coconut.
05 - Return the bowl to the refrigerator and continue chilling for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture becomes firm enough for shaping.
06 - With clean hands, scoop and form the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls.
07 - Roll each formed ball in the remaining 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut until evenly coated.
08 - Arrange the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
# Tips from flavorandfeast:
01 -
- They’re so simple that even little hands can help and actually have fun doing it.
- The coconut coating keeps each bite soft, sweet, and ready for that one-more ball moment.
02 -
- If you try to shape the balls before the mix is firm enough, you’ll end up with sticky hands and frustration—I learned that the hard way.
- Switching to vegetarian gelatin works great, but be sure to check the sweetness and adjust if needed.
03 -
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the coconut for a sweet-savory surprise—it really pops.
- Chilling the pineapple juice before adding keeps your Jello setting on schedule.