If you’re looking for something that brings a little sunshine to your holiday table, these Pineapple Christmas Balls are about to become your new favorite festive treat. They’re creamy, sweet, and lightly tropical — like a bite-sized holiday vacation. With just a handful of simple ingredients and no baking required, you can whip these up in minutes and still have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.
I first made these on a snowy December afternoon when I wanted something sweet that wasn’t chocolate or peppermint. I had crushed pineapple in the pantry, cream cheese in the fridge, and coconut in the cupboard — and out of that came this cheerful little creation. Now, they’ve become a holiday tradition in our house, sitting right next to the Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters and Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies.
Why Pineapple Christmas Balls Are So Loved
They’re soft, creamy, and bursting with pineapple flavor, all rolled in coconut for a snow-kissed look that fits perfectly on any holiday tray. These no-bake treats are easy enough for kids to help with, and they double as a gorgeous homemade gift.
If you enjoy fun, festive recipes that require minimal effort (like my Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls), you’re going to love these.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these sweet little bites of tropical Christmas cheer:
For the Pineapple Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- A maraschino cherry center for a sweet surprise
If you’ve got leftover graham crackers from making my Grinch Dip, you’re already halfway there!
How to Make Pineapple Christmas Balls
Step 1: Drain the Pineapple
Make sure to drain your crushed pineapple really well — too much liquid will make the mixture too soft. Press it with a spoon or paper towel to remove excess juice.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the drained pineapple and graham cracker crumbs, stirring until everything comes together into a sticky dough. If it feels too wet, add a few more crumbs.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover and chill the mixture for 30–40 minutes. This step makes it easier to shape later.
Step 4: Roll into Balls
Scoop a tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a smooth ball. If you’re feeling fancy, place a maraschino cherry in the center before rolling. Repeat until all the dough is used.
Step 5: Coat in Coconut
Roll each ball in shredded coconut until evenly coated. They should look like little snowballs with a golden tropical heart inside.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The longer they chill, the firmer and more flavorful they get.
For another no-fuss holiday favorite, check out my Christmas Crunch Snack Mix. It’s another quick, festive recipe perfect for parties or gifting.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Balls
Drain Well: Moisture is the biggest enemy here — make sure your pineapple is almost dry before mixing.
Chill Before Rolling: This keeps the balls from getting sticky.
Use Toasted Coconut: For an extra flavor punch, lightly toast your coconut before rolling.
Keep Refrigerated: These taste best cold and hold their shape beautifully when chilled.
If you love little tricks like these, my Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes are full of simple steps that make a big difference in taste and texture.
How to Store & Gift
To Store:
Keep your Pineapple Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month — just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
To Gift:
Arrange a few balls in mini paper liners inside a small box or mason jar. Tie with red ribbon and a holiday tag for the perfect edible gift. Pair them with a small loaf of Christmas Bread for a homemade holiday bundle that’ll impress anyone.
Fun Flavor Variations
- Pineapple Coconut Snowballs: Add extra coconut to the filling for double the tropical flavor.
- Cherry Pineapple Balls: Mix in chopped maraschino cherries for extra sweetness and color.
- Chocolate Dipped Balls: Dip half of each chilled ball into melted dark chocolate for a fancy twist.
- Nutty Pineapple Bites: Add finely chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchier texture.
If you enjoy creative twists on classic sweets, try my Pistachio Pudding Cookies — they’re just as colorful and easy to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can, but make sure it’s finely crushed and well-drained — fresh pineapple tends to be juicier.
2. Can I skip the graham cracker crumbs?
They help hold the mixture together. If you need a substitute, use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
3. How do I keep them from being too sticky?
Chilling the mixture before rolling and using slightly damp hands helps prevent sticking.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! These actually taste better after chilling overnight because the flavors blend perfectly.
The Final Bite: Sweet, Simple & So Merry
Pineapple Christmas Balls are the easiest way to add a tropical sparkle to your holiday dessert table. They’re sweet, creamy, and taste like a vacation wrapped in coconut snow. Perfect for gifting, potlucks, or cozy nights in, they’re a refreshing twist among all the rich winter desserts.
So grab your pineapple, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make the easiest Christmas candy you’ll ever love. Trust me — one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
And if you’re building your holiday treat board, pair these with my Christmas Pinwheel Cookies for a colorful, festive spread that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Pineapple Christmas Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make sure to drain your crushed pineapple really well — too much liquid will make the mixture too soft. Press it with a spoon or paper towel to remove excess juice.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the drained pineapple and graham cracker crumbs, stirring until everything comes together into a sticky dough. Add nuts if using.
- Cover and chill the mixture for 30–40 minutes. This step makes it easier to shape later.
- Scoop a tablespoon of mixture and roll into a smooth ball. For a fun twist, place a maraschino cherry in the center before rolling. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut until evenly coated. They should look like little snowballs with a golden tropical heart inside.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. The longer they chill, the firmer and more flavorful they get.
Nutrition
Notes
• Chill the mixture before shaping to make rolling easier.
• Use toasted coconut for added flavor.
• Store in the fridge or freeze for later.
• Great as a homemade gift or holiday tray addition.
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