Creamy Christmas Jello Balls
A quick and easy festive holiday treat combining fruity jello with a luscious creamy layer, perfect for parties and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Jello mix (3 oz / 85 g packets) – red and green flavors like cherry, strawberry, lime, or apple
- Boiling water – 1 cup (240 ml) per packet
- Cold water – 1 cup (240 ml) per packet
- Whipped topping (8 oz / 227 g) – thawed Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup / 120 ml)
- Gelatin sheets or powdered gelatin (1 tbsp) – optional
- Green and red sprinkles or shredded coconut for rolling and decorating
Instructions
- Dissolve the jello: In a medium bowl, pour 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water over each 3 oz (85 g) packet of jello. Stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved. If using gelatin powder separately, bloom it in cold water first.
- Cool the mixture: Add 1 cup (240 ml) cold water to each bowl. Let the jello sit at room temperature until it starts to thicken but isn’t fully set, about 15-20 minutes. It should be warm but not hot to the touch.
- Prepare the creamy base: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk with 8 oz (227 g) whipped topping. Gently fold together until smooth and creamy. Fold, don’t stir vigorously, to keep it fluffy.
- Combine jello and cream: Slowly fold the creamy mixture into the thickened jello. Work gently to keep the mixture light and airy. The mixture should have an even pink or green color depending on your jello flavor.
- Chill the mixture: Place the bowl in the fridge for about 30-45 minutes until it firms up enough to shape.
- Shape the balls: Using wet hands or a small scoop, form the jello mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter. Roll each ball in sprinkles or shredded coconut for a festive touch.
- Final chill: Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: Pop these creamy Christmas jello balls onto a pretty platter and enjoy.
Notes
If the mixture is too runny to shape, chill longer. If too stiff, let sit at room temperature a few minutes before shaping. Fold whipped topping gently to keep airy texture. Use wet or lightly oiled hands to prevent sticking. Variations include dairy-free substitutions, adding cocoa powder for chocolate peppermint twist, or inserting fresh fruit pieces inside the balls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jello ball (approx
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 2
Keywords: Christmas, jello balls, holiday treats, creamy dessert, festive, easy recipe, party food, kid-friendly