These Christmas Jello Balls are a fun and colorful treat! Made with fruity jello and filled with a tasty surprise in the center, they’ll bring joy to any holiday gathering.
Making them is a blast! I love seeing the kids get excited while rolling them up. You’ll want to keep them chilled until it’s time to enjoy—you don’t want them to melt away before the fun starts!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lime and Cherry Gelatin: These are key for color and flavor! You can swap cherry for strawberry or raspberry if you prefer a different fruit taste.
Cold Water: Make sure to measure carefully; the right amount is essential for proper setting. You can also use fruit juice for added flavor.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a nice sweetness and surprise in the center. For a healthier twist, consider using cut-up fruit like strawberries or bananas instead!
Unflavored Gelatin: This helps keep the Jello balls firmer. If you don’t have any, you can skip it, but the Jello might be a bit softer.
How Do I Get My Jello to Set Just Right?
Setting gelatin can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Always use boiling water to dissolve the gelatin completely. Stir until there are no lumps.
- Let the first layer set until it’s just tacky before adding any fillings. This way, they don’t sink.
- Refrigerate layers separately for better results, especially if using unflavored gelatin for firmness.
This technique ensures your Jello balls have the right texture and hold their shape perfectly for a festive look! Enjoy making these fun treats!
How to Make Christmas Jello Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 envelope lime-flavored gelatin (green)
- 1 envelope cherry or strawberry-flavored gelatin (red)
- 1 cup boiling water (for each gelatin flavor, total 2 cups)
- 2 cups cold water (total for both gelatin mixes)
- 1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder (optional, for better setting)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- Powdered sugar or granulated sugar for coating
- Non-stick cooking spray or oil for molds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of active prep time, but you’ll need to chill the Jello for about 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible. The waiting is hard, but the result is so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Green Gelatin:
Start by dissolving the lime-flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until everything is completely dissolved. Then, add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir again. If you’d like your Jello to be a little firmer, you can sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin on top and let it bloom for about 5 minutes before mixing it in.
2. Setting the Green Gelatin:
Pour the green gelatin mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill until it’s firm but still a little pliable. This should take about 1 to 2 hours. Once it’s set, cut your Jello into small cubes that are about 1/2 inch in size. These will go inside your Jello balls!
3. Preparing the Red Gelatin:
Next, prepare the cherry or strawberry gelatin using the same method! Dissolve one envelope in 1 cup of boiling water and mix well. Add the other cup of cold water and stir. Again, you can add unflavored gelatin if desired for a firmer texture. Just like before, set this aside for later.
4. Filling the Molds:
Spray your silicone molds lightly with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Pour a small layer of the red gelatin into each mold and refrigerate until it’s just slightly set but still tacky to the touch—this helps hold the filling. It should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Adding the Filling:
Once the red gelatin is tacky, place a green gelatin cube and a few mini marshmallows in the center of each mold. This will create a fun surprise in your Jello balls!
6. Finishing Touches:
Carefully fill the molds to the top with the remaining red gelatin to cover the filling. Pop them back in the refrigerator and let them set completely for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait!
7. Serving the Jello Balls:
When the Jello is fully set, gently remove the Jello balls from the molds. Roll each one in powdered sugar or granulated sugar to make them look fabulous and add a snowy touch. Keep them chilled until it’s time to serve! Enjoy these festive treats with family and friends!
These colorful, two-layered Jello balls will surely brighten up your holiday celebrations and make for a delightful dessert!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Gelatin?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up by using any flavors you like. Just keep in mind that the colors and tastes will change based on your choices. For instance, orange-flavored gelatin would be a fun fall twist!
How Do I Prevent My Jello Balls from Sticking to the Molds?
Using a non-stick cooking spray is a great way to make sure your Jello balls come out easily. A light coat is all you need. You can also try using silicone molds, which are flexible and make removal easier.
How Long Can I Store Christmas Jello Balls?
These Jello balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make These Jello Balls Alcoholic?
Yes, you can add a splash of flavored vodka or your favorite liqueur to the gelatin mixtures! Just reduce the amount of cold water by the same amount of alcohol you add to maintain the correct consistency.
