Sweet Holiday Magic: Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls Recipe

Crafting delightful mom’s christmas jello balls brings back warm memories of holiday gatherings.

Festive treats like these spark joy and connection around the table.

Sweet memories dance through each colorful bite of these classic desserts.

Generations have treasured this simple yet magical recipe passed down with love.

Cheerful colors and playful shapes make these jello balls irresistible to kids and adults alike.

Delicate and fun, they promise to brighten any holiday celebration.

You’ll want to start mixing these delectable morsels right away!

Mom’s Classic Christmas Jello Balls

• Quick Family Dessert: Irresistible sweet treat that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum enjoyment.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Requires only three main ingredients, making it a budget-friendly and stress-free recipe perfect for last-minute gatherings or surprise dessert cravings.
• Festive Holiday Charm: Delivers a classic Christmas feel with its bright red color and coconut coating, ideal for seasonal celebrations and potluck parties.
• Kid-Friendly Creation: Offers a fun and interactive dessert that children can help prepare, turning cooking into a playful family bonding experience with easy rolling and coating steps.

Ingredients for Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls

Main Ingredients:

Cream: A rich, thick base that provides a smooth and creamy texture to the Jello balls.

Red Jello: A vibrant, flavored gelatin powder that adds color and fruity taste to the dessert.

Desiccated Coconut: A dry, finely grated coconut that adds texture, flavor, and a delightful coating to the Jello balls.

• Tablespoon: A standard measuring tool used for scooping and forming the Jello balls.
• Baking Sheet: A flat tray used for placing and setting the Jello balls in the refrigerator.
• Mixing Bowl: A standard container used for combining and mixing the ingredients.
• Mixing Tool: A spoon or similar utensil used for stirring and incorporating ingredients.

• Desiccated Coconut: An additional layer of coconut used for rolling and coating the Jello balls.

How to Make Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Jello Base

Grab a mixing bowl and pour in the thick cream. Sprinkle the entire red Jello package into the cream.

Grab a spoon and mix everything together with enthusiasm. Stir until the Jello powder completely dissolves, creating a vibrant and smooth mixture that looks like a festive sunset.

Step 2: Fold in Coconut Magic

Add the desiccated coconut into the creamy Jello mixture. Gently fold and mix the ingredients until the coconut is evenly distributed.

Make sure no dry coconut clumps remain, creating a perfectly blended treat.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Coconut Spheres

Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the mixture.

Roll each portion between your palms, creating smooth, round balls. Aim for consistent size and shape, making each ball look like a perfect little snowball.

Step 4: Roll and Chill Coconut Treasures

Spread the remaining coconut on a plate. Carefully roll each Jello ball in the coconut, ensuring a complete and even coating.

Place the coated balls on a baking sheet or tray. Pop the tray into the refrigerator and let the treats chill for at least 2 hours.

This helps them set and develop a delightful, firm texture that melts in your mouth.

Pro Tips for Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls

• Swap regular cream for coconut cream to create a dairy-free version that's equally delicious and creamy.
• Chill mixing tools and bowl beforehand to help the mixture set faster and maintain a better consistency.
• Select fresh, high-quality desiccated coconut for maximum flavor and a more appealing texture in the final product.
• Keep Jello balls refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Consider using different Jello flavors like strawberry or raspberry to add variety and surprise to the classic recipe.

Variations to Try on Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls

• Tropical Coconut Fusion: Replace red Jello with pineapple or mango flavor for a tropical-inspired version. Add crushed macadamia nuts for extra crunch and island flair.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Balls: Substitute regular Jello with sugar-free version. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Christmas Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check Jello and coconut brands for potential gluten contamination.
• Vegan Winter Spheres: Swap cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use plant-based gelatin alternative or agar-agar powder to create similar consistency and binding effect.

Pairing Ideas for Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls

• Complement the sweet, creamy Jello balls with a chilled glass of traditional eggnog. The rich, velvety texture and warming spices of the holiday drink will beautifully balance the light, coconut-infused dessert.
• Brew a smooth vanilla-infused coffee that echoes the dessert's creamy profile. The warm beverage will provide a delightful contrast to the cool, refreshing Jello balls, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Select a crisp, slightly sweet sparkling white wine like Moscato d'Asti. Its effervescent nature and subtle sweetness will elegantly complement the red Jello's fruity notes and the coconut's tropical undertones.

Storage Advice for Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls

• Refrigerate: Store Jello balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Carefully place Jello balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Quick Thaw: Remove frozen Jello balls from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
• Avoid Warm Storage: Never leave Jello balls at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use a different flavor of Jello?

Yes, you can substitute the red Jello with any flavor you prefer. Just ensure the color and taste complement the dessert.

• Is it possible to make these without coconut?

While coconut is a key ingredient, you could replace it with crushed graham crackers or finely chopped nuts for a similar texture.

• How do I prevent the Jello balls from sticking to my hands while rolling?

Lightly wet your hands with cold water before rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms.

• Can children help make these Jello balls?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients and roll the balls, making it a fun family activity. Just supervise them during the process.

Moms Christmas Jello Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Mom’s Christmas Jello Balls blend nostalgia with sweet holiday cheer. Creamy gelatin treats sparkle with seasonal joy, offering families a delightful dessert that brings warmth to winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (3 oz) package red jello
• 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut (finely grated)
• 170 mL (3/4 cup) high-fat content cream (Fussell’s or Carnation brand)

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Instructions

1. Blend thick cream and red Jello powder in a mixing bowl, stirring until the powder completely dissolves and creates a uniform crimson mixture.
2. Fold in desiccated coconut, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the creamy base, eliminating any dry or uneven patches.
3. Utilize a tablespoon to portion out the mixture, carefully rolling each scoop between palms to create smooth, consistent spherical shapes approximately one tablespoon in size.
4. Prepare a separate plate with remaining desiccated coconut for coating. Gently roll each formed ball through the coconut, ensuring complete and uniform coverage on all surfaces.
5. Arrange coconut-coated balls on a clean tray, maintaining slight separation between each piece to prevent sticking.
6. Refrigerate the prepared Jello balls for 2 hours at 40°F, allowing them to firm up and develop a compact, chilled texture. The cold environment will help maintain their shape and enhance their refreshing quality.

Notes

• Chill your hands briefly under cold water before rolling the Jello balls to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform spheres.
• Use full-fat cream for richer texture and better binding of the Jello mixture, ensuring the balls hold their shape perfectly.
• For a gluten-free version, double-check that the Jello powder is certified gluten-free and use alternative coconut brands if needed.
• Experiment with different Jello flavors like strawberry or raspberry to create vibrant color variations and unique taste experiences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 263
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg