These Christmas Jello Balls are a fun and festive treat! Made with colorful jello and a little bit of citrusy flair, they are sure to bring joy to any holiday gathering.
Rolling them in sugar makes them sparkle like holiday lights! I love serving them on a big platter. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike, and they disappear fast! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jello Gelatin: The red and green jello will give you that festive look. If you want a different flavor, you can try blue raspberry or orange for a unique twist!
Unflavored Gelatin: This is crucial for helping the Jello hold its shape. If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can experiment with agar-agar as a vegetarian option, but the texture may vary.
Shredded Coconut: This adds a nice texture and makes the Jello look frosty, perfect for winter! If you’re not a coconut fan, try rolling the balls in colored sugar or edible glitter instead.
How Do I Get My Jello Balls to Set Perfectly?
To ensure your Jello balls set just right, follow these tips:
- Mix the gelatin thoroughly in boiling water until fully dissolved to avoid any graininess.
- Don’t skip the cold water step; it helps cool the mixture which is key for proper setting.
- Be patient! Let your Jello chill until completely firm in the refrigerator. This usually takes at least 4 hours.
- When popping them out, be gentle to prevent breaking the spheres. A light squeeze around the molds usually helps!
Christmas Jello Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Jello Balls:
- 1 package (3 oz) red Jello gelatin (e.g., cherry or strawberry)
- 1 package (3 oz) green Jello gelatin (e.g., lime)
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 cup boiling water (for each color, total 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup cold water (for each color, total 1 cup)
- 1/2 tsp lemon or lime zest (optional for extra flavor)
For Rolling:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil (for greasing molds)
For Molding:
- Silicone half-sphere molds or small round molds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and festive treat will take about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. Perfect for making ahead of your holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grease the Molds:
Start by lightly greasing your silicone molds with nonstick cooking spray or oil. This step is essential to help you easily release the Jello spheres later!
2. Prepare the Jello Mixtures:
In two separate heatproof bowls, pour 1 cup of boiling water into each bowl. Add the red Jello to one bowl and the green Jello to the other. Stir each well until the Jello is fully dissolved.
3. Add Unflavored Gelatin:
Sprinkle one envelope of unflavored gelatin into each bowl and stir until it is completely dissolved. This will help firm the Jello balls for better shaping.
4. Add Cold Water:
Next, pour in 1/2 cup of cold water into each bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. If you like, you can add lemon or lime zest to give your Jello a refreshing citrus flavor!
5. Fill the Molds:
Carefully pour the red and green mixtures into the molds, filling each one to the top. Try to pour gently to avoid making a mess!
6. Refrigerate:
Now, pop the molds into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm. This is a good time to tidy up and get ready for your holiday festivities!
7. Pop Them Out:
Once the Jello is set, gently squeeze the molds to pop out the gelatin spheres. Be careful not to break them!
8. Roll in Coconut:
Take half of your red and green Jello spheres and roll them in shredded coconut to give them a lovely frosted appearance!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the Jello balls on a serving plate. You can chill them until you’re ready to serve at your holiday party. Get ready for smiles all around as everyone enjoys these colorful treats!
These Christmas Jello Balls are not only a festive treat, but they also bring a delightful burst of flavor and fun texture to your celebrations. Enjoy your sweet creation that melts in your mouth!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jello?
Absolutely! You can mix and match flavors to your liking. For example, blueberry and orange make a vibrant combination, or try grape and lime for a fun twist!
How Do I Ensure the Jello Balls Hold Their Shape?
To ensure they stay firm, make sure to thoroughly dissolve both the Jello and the unflavored gelatin in hot water before adding cold water. Let them chill completely for at least 4 hours in the fridge.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare these Jello balls up to 2 days in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What If I Don’t Have Silicone Molds?
No worries! You can use any small round molds or even muffin tins lined with plastic wrap. Just ensure they are well-greased for easy removal of the Jello balls.
