Festive Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe: Holiday Joy in Every Bite

Sweet memories often come alive when crafting delightful pineapple christmas balls during festive seasons.

Tropical flavors merge with holiday cheer in this simple treat.

Relatives gather around, anticipating each delectable bite of these delicate confections.

Homemade desserts sparkle with warmth and nostalgia, connecting generations through shared culinary traditions.

Minimal ingredients create maximum happiness in these bite-sized delights.

Rich textures and unexpected pineapple sweetness promise a memorable experience.

You’ll want to savor every moment of making and sharing these magical treats.

What Makes Pineapple Christmas Balls A Favorite

• Conquer Complexity: No advanced baking skills needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners wanting to create a delectable treat without stress.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match personal taste preferences or dietary requirements.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these delightful pineapple Christmas balls in minimal time, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: A versatile sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to bring smiles during holiday celebrations or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients To Make Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Cream Cheese: A smooth, tangy dairy product that provides richness and structure to the mixture.
• Butter: Adds creamy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Powdered Sugar: Contributes sweetness and helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Crushed Pineapple: Brings tropical sweetness and moisture to the Christmas balls.
• Shredded Coconut: Provides a delightful texture and nutty flavor, also used for coating.

• Additional Powdered Sugar: Creates a final sweet dusting that enhances the appearance of the Christmas balls.
• Additional Shredded Coconut: Gives a beautiful exterior and extra crunch to the treat.

How To Assemble Pineapple Christmas Balls

Step 1: Drain Pineapple

Grab a fine-mesh strainer and empty the crushed pineapple into it. Press gently to remove excess liquid, ensuring your mixture stays perfectly balanced and not too soggy.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine cream cheese with butter. Whip these ingredients together until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture that looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture

Pour powdered sugar into the cream cheese blend. Stir thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves and creates a uniform, velvety texture throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Fold in Tropical Goodness

• Drained pineapple
• Shredded coconut

Fold everything together, making sure each ingredient is evenly distributed for a perfect bite.

Step 5: Chill and Firm

Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the mixture become firm and easier to shape into delightful little balls.

Step 6: Prepare Coating Stations

• One filled with additional shredded coconut
• Another with powdered sugar

Step 7: Shape Delicate Balls

Using clean hands, roll the chilled mixture into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Work gently to maintain their perfect round shape.

Step 8: Add Luxurious Coating

• First, coat in shredded coconut
• Then, dust with powdered sugar

Ensure complete and even coverage for a stunning final look.

Step 9: Final Chill

Place the finished pineapple Christmas balls on a parchment-lined tray. Return to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes to set perfectly.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the balls to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. These tropical treats will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days – if they last that long!

Tips For Perfect Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture by pressing crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer to prevent a soggy mixture.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up the consistency, making it easier to shape into smooth balls.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients delicately to maintain a light, even distribution of pineapple and coconut throughout the mixture.
• Coating Tricks: Roll balls first in shredded coconut, then dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, festive finish that adds extra flavor and texture.
• Store with Care: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve the treat's delightful taste and consistency.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Flavor Variations

• Tropical Mango Medley: Replace pineapple with finely diced fresh mango for a sweet, vibrant alternative that offers a different tropical flavor profile.
• Nutty Almond Delight: Swap coconut with finely chopped almonds and add a hint of almond extract for a rich, nutty variation that brings warm depth to the recipe.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use sugar-free powdered sweetener and reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter version suitable for diabetic or health-conscious individuals.
• Vegan Coconut Bliss: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream, use plant-based butter alternative, and incorporate vegan powdered sugar for a completely dairy-free treat that maintains the original's creamy texture.

What To Serve With Pineapple Christmas Balls

• Pair Tropical Sweet Rum Cocktail: Blend white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream for a matching flavor profile that echoes the dessert's tropical essence.
• Complement Crisp White Wine: Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with light sweetness and tropical fruit notes that harmonize with the pineapple Christmas balls.
• Match Creamy Coconut Latte: Craft a warm beverage using coconut milk, espresso, and a touch of vanilla to create a complementary drinking experience that enhances the dessert's rich textures.
• Serve Sparkling Prosecco: Pour a chilled, slightly sweet sparkling wine that cuts through the creamy richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, dense treat.

Storing Pineapple Christmas Balls Correctly

• Transfer pineapple Christmas balls to an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Carefully place balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Remove frozen pineapple balls from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
• Before serving chilled or thawed balls, gently roll again in fresh coconut or powdered sugar to restore their festive appearance and enhance their coating.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Common Questions

• Are these pineapple Christmas balls easy to make?

Yes, they’re super simple! With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create these delicious treats quickly.

• Do I need any special equipment to prepare these?

Not at all! You’ll only need a mixing bowl, fine-mesh strainer, and your hands to roll the balls. Standard kitchen tools work perfectly.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pineapple Christmas balls can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for holiday planning and party prep.

• How can I prevent the mixture from being too sticky when rolling?

Chilling the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping helps significantly. Cold mixture is much easier to handle and creates neater, more uniform balls.

Pineapple Christmas Balls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet pineapple christmas balls deliver festive cheer with tropical flair. Delicate coconut-rolled treats promise holiday magic and delightful bites for festive gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups crushed pineapple
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup butter

Coating/Garnish:

• 1/2 cup additional shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly drain crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh strainer, pressing gently to remove excess moisture, ensuring the mixture won’t become too wet.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, creating a uniform base for the confection.
3. Incorporate powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until fully integrated and achieving a consistent texture.
4. Fold in the drained pineapple and shredded coconut, gently mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into perfect spheres.
6. Prepare two separate shallow dishes: one with additional shredded coconut and another with powdered sugar for coating.
7. Using clean hands, roll the chilled mixture into small, uniform balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
8. Delicately roll each ball first in shredded coconut, then dust with powdered sugar, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Place the finished pineapple Christmas balls on a parchment-lined tray, allowing them to set in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes before serving.
10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will maintain their delightful texture for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Squeeze out maximum moisture from pineapple to prevent soggy texture and ensure firm, well-structured Christmas balls.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother blending and easier mixing without lumps.
• Consider toasting coconut beforehand to enhance nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the coating.
• For gluten-free option, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially powdered sugar which sometimes contains wheat starch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg