Pineapple Christmas Balls are a festive holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Sweet, tangy pineapple is combined with creamy white chocolate, rolled into bite-sized balls, and coated with coconut or sprinkles to create a colorful and delicious treat. Perfect for Christmas parties, holiday cookie exchanges, or as a sweet snack for the family, these pineapple balls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy no-bake treat
- Sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor
- Perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving
- Kid-friendly and fun to make
- Can be customized with different coatings
📝 Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (for rolling)
- Optional: colored sugar, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for coating
🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
In a large bowl, combine drained pineapple, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls.
2. Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to make the mixture easier to handle.
3. Form the Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions of the chilled mixture and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands.
4. Coat the Balls
Roll each ball in sweetened shredded coconut or your choice of coating (colored sugar, sprinkles, or chopped nuts). Make sure each ball is fully coated.
5. Chill Again
Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to firm up.
6. Serve
Arrange the Pineapple Christmas Balls on a festive platter. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
💡 Tips for Success
- Drain pineapple well to avoid a runny mixture.
- Soften cream cheese fully for easy mixing.
- Chill the mixture before rolling to make handling easier.
- Experiment with coatings for variety: crushed candy canes, finely chopped nuts, or colored sugar add a festive touch.
- Make ahead: These balls can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
🔄 Variations
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip each pineapple ball in melted white or milk chocolate before rolling in coconut.
- Tropical Twist: Add finely chopped macadamia nuts or dried mango pieces.
- Mini Size: Make smaller bite-sized balls for holiday cookie trays.
- Festive Colors: Use colored sugar or edible glitter for a bright holiday presentation.
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Pineapple Christmas Balls are a quick, no-bake holiday treat that brings sweetness and festivity to any occasion. With their creamy, tangy filling and versatile coatings, these bite-sized delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or a fun family activity.
Print
Pineapple Christmas Balls – Sweet, Festive, and Irresistible
Ingredients
• 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained (reserve 1 tbsp juice)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (divided; or powdered erythritol for keto)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: green & red sanding sugar or sprinkles for holiday flair
Instructions
- In a fine-mesh strainer, press pineapple to remove all excess liquid (this is key—wet pineapple = mushy balls!). Measure ½ cup drained pineapple; set aside.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, reserved 1 tbsp pineapple juice, and drained pineapple. Mix well.
- Stir in coconut and nuts until a thick, moldable dough forms. Chill 30 mins (or freeze 15) to firm.
- Roll into 1″ balls (about 24). Place on parchment-lined tray. Freeze 15 mins.
- Place remaining ½ cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball until fully coated—like tiny snowballs!
- Optional: Roll edges in green/red sprinkles for a candy-cane effect. Chill 10 more mins to set. Store refrigerated in an airtight container up to 5 days.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 20 mins (+45 mins chill/freeze), Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins, Yield: 24 balls
Calories: 75, Net Carbs: 10g, Fats: 4g, Protein: 1g
✅ Keto version: Use powdered erythritol + unsweetened coconut + ½ cup almond flour to absorb moisture — net carbs drop to ~2g/ball.