Christmas Jello Balls Fun

Nothing says Christmas quite like colorful no bake treats that sparkle with holiday spirit These Christmas Jello Balls are a nostalgic jiggly chewy and delightfully sweet dessert made with vibrant red and green Jello fluffy mini marshmallows and a snowy coating of shredded coconut They look like edible Christmas ornaments soft bouncy and full of fruity flavor Perfect for cookie exchanges classroom parties or a fun family baking afternoon these bite sized treats require no baking and are endlessly customizable

I first made these during a holiday party with my nieces and nephews and it quickly became a family favorite The kids loved rolling the balls and coating them in coconut and sprinkles Making these together is now a fun holiday tradition that brings out everyone\'s inner child

Ingredients

• Red Jello (cherry or strawberry): Provides classic holiday red color and fruity sweetness opt for a high quality brand for best flavor
• Green Jello (lime): Adds vibrant green color and a tangy contrast choose a fresh box to avoid clumping
• Boiling water: Dissolves the Jello powder evenly for a smooth base
• Mini marshmallows: Create a fluffy soft texture and add chewiness pick fresh marshmallows to ensure softness
• Shredded coconut: Coats the balls to resemble sparkling snow and adds texture choose unsweetened for balance or sweetened for extra flavor
• Optional coatings (holiday sprinkles sanding sugar crushed candy canes): Add fun color crunch and festive flair

Instructions

Prepare Two Mixing Bowls:

You will need two medium sized heatproof bowls one for red Jello and one for green Jello Label or separate them to keep colors distinct These bowls are your festive palette ready to become holiday treats

Dissolve the Jello:

Pour half a cup of boiling water over each Jello powder in their respective bowls Stir continuously until the Jello powder is completely dissolved about two minutes no crystals should remain Use a whisk for faster smooth dissolving

Add the Mini Marshmallows:

While the Jello mixture is still hot stir in one cup of mini marshmallows per bowl The heat softens the marshmallows slightly causing them to float to the top forming a fluffy colorful layer They will not melt completely which creates the perfect chewy texture

Chill the Mixture:

Cover both bowls and refrigerate for one to one and a half hours The mixture should be thickened but scoopable soft enough to roll yet not liquid Check after forty five minutes as fridge temperatures vary

Roll into Balls:

Once the mixtures have thickened remove from the fridge Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to take portions and roll between your palms into smooth bite sized balls roughly one inch in diameter If sticky lightly dust hands with powdered sugar or use coconut flakes to help Shape all the red and green mixtures into festive orbs

Coat and Decorate:

Pour shredded coconut into a shallow dish Roll each Jello ball in the coconut until fully coated to resemble tiny snow covered ornaments For extra sparkle try rolling some in holiday sprinkles sanding sugar or crushed candy canes You can mix coatings for variety

Chill Before Serving:

Arrange finished Jello balls on a parchment lined tray Refrigerate for thirty to forty five minutes to firm up Serve cold and enjoy

My favorite ingredient has to be the mini marshmallows The way they soften just enough in the hot Jello creating that fluffy top layer gives these treats a unique chew and softness that elevates them from ordinary gelatin snacks I remember making these with my family and seeing the kids\' faces light up as they rolled and coated the balls a simple activity that became a joyful holiday memory

Storage Tips

Store these Jello balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep well for up to three days any longer and the texture may start to change Avoid freezing as it can affect the softness and chewiness

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer other flavors use different Jello varieties but keep to similar color schemes for the festive look You can swap shredded coconut for crushed nuts or finely chopped candy canes If mini marshmallows are unavailable try marshmallow fluff folded in after dissolving the Jello

Serving Suggestions

Serve these as part of a holiday dessert tray alongside cookies and fudge They also make charming edible gifts in clear boxes tied with ribbons Place them on colorful cupcake liners or holiday plates for extra cheer

These colorful no bake treats are quick fun and perfect for holiday gatherings Serve chilled and watch them disappear

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I get the right consistency for rolling?

Chill the jello and marshmallow mixture until thick but still scoopable—around 1 to 1½ hours in the fridge. It should hold together without being too firm or runny.

→ Can I use different coatings for the balls?

Yes, shredded coconut, holiday sprinkles, sanding sugar, or crushed candy canes all work beautifully to add texture and festive flair.

→ What flavors of jello work best?

Cherry, strawberry, or lime jello are ideal for creating vibrant red and green balls with fruity, festive flavor.

→ Is any baking required to make these?

No baking is needed. Simply dissolve jello in boiling water, mix in marshmallows, chill, roll, and coat.

→ How long do the jello balls keep fresh?

Store them refrigerated and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for best texture and flavor.