Christmas Jello Balls (Easy No-Bake Holiday Treat)

These festive Christmas Jello Balls are a classic holiday treat that has shown up on dessert trays for generations, and after testing different versions, this one captures exactly what people love about them. With just four simple ingredients, everything comes together in minutes and sets into a chewy, jiggly treat everyone loves.

A white bowl filled with red and green coconut-covered balls, with Christmas ornaments and greenery in the background.

Christmas Jello Ball Recipe

The holidays are my favorite time of year for making old fashioned desserts, and these Christmas Jello Balls are one of my favorites. These beautiful red and green coconut-coated gems are easy to make with just four basic ingredients, and they always end up the star of my dessert table.

I’ve perfected the balance of sweetened condensed milk and coconut to get it just right. Too much liquid makes the mixture sticky while too much coconut makes it dry, so the right measurements ensure everything is soft and easy to roll. With my simple instructions, you’ll get perfect little bouncy treats that are great for Christmas parties, cookie boxes, and gifting.

Why My Coconut Jello Ball Recipe Is the Best

Perfected ratios from lots of practice – I’ve tested and tweaked the balance of condensed milk and coconut so the dough rolls smooth every time with no sticking.
Proven method for vibrant colors – Mixing the Jello directly into the base isn’t just a trick, it’s a technique I’ve learned to lock in brighter jewel tone colors.
Consistency you can count on – With my simple steps, every batch comes out party‑ready, whether you’re making one tray or ten.

Ingredients To Make My Christmas Jello Balls

Ingredients of Christmas Jello Balls include a bowl of red jello, green jello, sweetened condensed milk, and finely grated sweetened coconut, on a white surface with a red-checked cloth.

Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.

Red Jello – Strawberry or cherry Jello gives the red mixture a bright holiday color.
Green Jello – Lime Jello has the classic green color and adds a fresh, sweet flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk – Creates a soft, chewy base that holds the coconut together.
Finely grated sweetened coconut – The texture helps the mixture bind and makes the balls easy to roll.

Substitutions or Variations

Not a lime fan? You can swap the lime for green apple if you prefer.
Want to use this recipe year round? Simply use other Jello colors for different themes.
Craving extra coconut flavor? Add a few drops of coconut extract.
Prefer them a little sweeter? You can mix in a tablespoon of confectioner’s sugar into the dough.

How To Make Christmas Jello Balls

Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.

First step in preparing Christmas Jello Balls is to use a clear glass bowl with red liquid, a bowl of shredded coconut, a small pitcher of cream, and a red plaid towel on a white surface.

Next process in preparing Christmas Jello Balls is to mix a bowl of coconut to the mixture. A bowl of milk, grated coconut and checkered linen are also seen.

Make the Red Mixture

Combine the red Jello with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl.
Add the remaining 1½ cups finely grated coconut and stir until combined.
Chill for 20 to 30 minutes until firm enough to roll.

The next process in making Christmas Jello Balls is to prepare the green balls. To do this, combine the green Jello with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk in a separate bowl.

Adding grated coconut on green jello mixture for Christmas Jello Balls.

Make the Green Mixture

Combine the green Jello with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk in a separate bowl.
Add the remaining 1½ cups finely grated coconut and stir until combined.
Chill for 20 to 30 minutes until firm enough to roll.

A hand holds a green Christmas Jello Balls over a glass bowl of green mixture, with a bowl of shredded coconut and a tray of red coconut-covered balls nearby.

A tree-shaped platter holds red and green Christmas Jello Balls arranged in rows, with pine branches and holiday decorations nearby.

Form the Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop portions of each color. Roll between your palms to form smooth balls – about the size of a walnut.
Roll in extra coconut for a snowy look.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

A hand picks up a piece of Christmas Jello Balls from a white bowl filled with similar treats, with festive decor in the background.

Press the mixture firmly when rolling – to prevent loose spots.
Keep your hands slightly damp – to help the mixture roll cleanly.
Use a small cookie scoop – to portion each ball evenly.
Work in small batches – if the mixture softens while rolling.

FAQs

Why are my Jello Balls too sticky to roll?

The mixture needs more chilling time. Place the bowl back in the refrigerator until it firms up.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, they hold up well for several days in the refrigerator and stay soft.

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

You can, but the mixture will be drier and may need extra condensed milk.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate – For the best texture, you’ll want to keep them in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week.
Freeze – I don’t recommend freezing Christmas Jello Balls because the texture changes once they thaw.

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