Pineapple Christmas Coconut Balls

These delightful no-bake Pineapple Christmas Balls bring a tropical twist to your holiday dessert table in just 40 minutes. Sweet, creamy, and perfectly festive, these bite-sized treats combine the bright flavor of pineapple with rich cream cheese and coconut for an irresistible holiday treat that requires no oven time. With quick preparation and simple pantry ingredients, these pineapple coconut balls are the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter or festive gift baskets, saving time during the busy holiday season.

I first created these Pineapple Christmas Balls when I needed a quick dessert for an unexpected holiday gathering. The tropical flavor was such a refreshing change from the usual holiday cookies that these treats quickly became my most requested Christmas dessert. Combining pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese offers a touch of summer even in the middle of winter, making every bite feel special for both family and party guests.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 398 mL canned crushed pineapple (well drained): Canned pineapple brings sweet, tangy flavor and must be thoroughly drained to ensure the balls hold their shape and do not become soggy. Fresh pineapple (finely chopped and drained) can work in a pinch but requires extra moisture removal.
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, cream cheese delivers a creamy, rich texture that binds ingredients smoothly. Use full-fat for best taste or light cream cheese for a slightly healthier version.
• 2 cups unsweetened fine desiccated coconut (plus extra): Unsweetened coconut is essential for texture and natural sweetness, and the fine texture helps the balls coat evenly. Use extra coconut for rolling at the end for the signature look and to prevent sticking.
• 1/2 cup graham crumbs: Graham crumbs provide structure and a subtle honey undertone. Gluten free graham crumbs or finely ground cookies can be substituted for gluten sensitive needs.
• 3 ounce packet pineapple jello powder: Pineapple flavored jello powder intensifies pineapple color and flavor while helping the mixture bind. Lime or other citrus jello powders can be used for fun flavor variations.

How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls

Prepare the Pineapple Thoroughly:

Drain the crushed pineapple very thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer to layered paper towels and press again until moisture is nearly gone. This prevents the mixture from being too wet and helps the balls keep their shape.

Beat the Cream Cheese:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Ensuring the cheese is at room temperature and fully whipped avoids any lumps, resulting in a smooth, creamy mixture throughout the balls.

Combine Dry Ingredients for Binding:

Whisk together the unsweetened coconut, graham crumbs, and pineapple jello powder in a separate bowl until evenly mixed. The jello powder acts as both a flavor booster and helps bind everything together.

Create the Pineapple Mixture:

Mix the well-drained pineapple into the whipped cream cheese, stirring until no large pineapple pieces remain. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture, mixing thoroughly until you have a slightly sticky but scoopable dough.

Chill the Dough for Handling:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the coconut and jello powder to absorb excess moisture, making it easier to roll the mixture into balls.

Shape into Uniform Balls:

With a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out 1 inch balls and roll between your palms for a smooth finish. Work quickly, as the mixture will soften at room temperature.

Roll in Coconut Coating:

Place additional fine coconut in a shallow bowl. Gently roll each ball in the coconut until thoroughly coated, pressing lightly so the coconut adheres without compressing the balls too tightly.

Final Chill and Set:

Arrange the coated balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Extended chilling ensures the flavors meld together and the shape holds up perfectly for serving or gifting.

I discovered that adding a tiny pinch of salt to the mixture helps balance the incredible pineapple flavor, making these Christmas balls taste even sweeter without overpowering the coconut. My children love to help roll the balls in coconut, and it has become a fun family holiday tradition. Every year, we experiment with presentation ideas, making the treats as beautiful as they are delicious.

Smart Swaps and Variations

The beauty of Pineapple Christmas Balls is their adaptability. For a tropical spin, swap half the coconut with finely chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch and nuttiness, or try adding a little pineapple extract for an even bolder fruit flavor. Those needing gluten free treats can easily use gluten free graham crumbs or any mild gluten free cookie for similar structure and taste. Using fresh pineapple in place of canned intensifies the brightness, while variations with lime jello and lime zest create a pineapple colada version your guests will love.

How to Store and Reheat Pineapple Christmas Balls

These festive pineapple treats taste best cold, straight from the fridge, thanks to their creamy, firm texture. Place them in an airtight container, ideally in a single layer or separated by parchment if stacking is needed. Pineapple Christmas Balls keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining flavor and moisture. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let frozen balls thaw overnight in the refrigerator; avoid room temperature thawing to keep the coconut coating from becoming soggy.

What to Serve with Pineapple Christmas Balls

Pineapple Christmas Balls complement any holiday dessert table beautifully, providing a light and fruity contrast to traditional chocolate or peppermint desserts. Pair them with classic cookies and fudge on a festive platter, or serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy, elegant presentation. They are delightful with spiced tea, coffee or even white hot chocolate for dipping, creating a warm and inviting pairing at parties and gatherings. For themed events, include them alongside other tropical treats to complete a stunning dessert selection.

Nutritional Benefits

While considered a treat, Pineapple Christmas Balls offer more nutrition than many classic holiday cookies. The pineapple provides vitamin C and manganese, coconut delivers healthy fats and fiber, and cream cheese adds a boost of protein and calcium. Each serving is naturally portion controlled and contains approximately 350 calories as well as a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. By using sugar free pineapple jello and light cream cheese, you can further reduce sugar and calories to fit special dietary needs without losing flavor.

Recipe Success Tips

If you find your mixture too soft and sticky to shape, chill it longer to give the coconut time to absorb moisture. Balls that flatten or become misshapen are almost always caused by undrained pineapple or not enough chilling between steps, so double check both before proceeding. For best results when working in a warm kitchen, shape a few balls at a time and keep the mixture refrigerated, returning it as needed. If your coconut coating doesn't stick, try rolling the balls just after shaping while there's still a touch of moisture on the surface.

These Pineapple Christmas Balls bring a taste of tropical sunshine to winter holiday celebrations and are always a festive favorite. Enjoy making and sharing them with your loved ones this season, and try the toasted coconut version for a truly special twist on this irresistible treat.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I drain the pineapple properly?

Press the crushed pineapple through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible, ensuring the balls hold their shape.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Fresh pineapple may be used if finely crushed and well-drained, but canned provides a consistent texture and moisture level.

→ Is it possible to substitute the cream cheese?

Mascarpone or a thick dairy-free alternative can replace cream cheese, but flavor and texture may differ slightly.

→ Can I prepare these balls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made in advance and stored chilled in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ What if I don't have pineapple jello?

Lemon or other tropical-flavored jello can be used as a substitute, though the taste will change slightly.

→ Can I use sweetened coconut?

You may use sweetened coconut, but the final result will be sweeter, so adjust to your liking.