Christmas Jello Balls

Bring a festive twist to your holiday gatherings with these delightful Christmas Jello Balls! These fun and flavorful treats combine the vibrant colors of cherry gelatin with a playful presentation, making them a hit at any Christmas party or celebration. The addition of vodka and maraschino cherry juice enhances the flavor, while the maraschino cherry slice in each mold adds a lovely touch of holiday cheer. Perfect for both kids and adults (when made with or without alcohol), these Jello Balls are as easy to make as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Festive and Fun: The bright red color and shape make these Jello Balls perfect for a Christmas celebration.
2. Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is incredibly simple to make.
3. Customizable: You can make these with or without alcohol, making them great for both adults and kids.
4. Make Ahead: These Jello Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, allowing you to prepare other parts of your holiday spread.
5. Delicious and Refreshing: The combination of cherry gelatin, vodka, and maraschino cherry juice creates a delicious, refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. package of cherry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• Maraschino cherries, drained and sliced

Directions:

1. Dissolve the gelatin: In a bowl, pour the boiling water over the cherry gelatin. Stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add liquids: Stir in the cold water, vodka, and maraschino cherry juice until well combined.
3. Pour into molds: Pour the gelatin mixture into individual molds or a large mold of your choice. Ensure each mold is filled evenly.
4. Add the cherry slice: Place a slice of maraschino cherry into each mold. This adds a sweet touch and enhances the holiday vibe.
5. Chill and set: Place the molds in the refrigerator and allow the Jello Balls to chill for at least 2 hours or until fully set.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Tips for Success:

• Choose the right molds: You can use mini muffin tins, silicone molds, or ice cube trays for a fun and unique shape.
• Use alcohol-free option: For a kid-friendly version, simply omit the vodka and increase the cold water to 1 cup.
• Ensure the Jello sets properly: Be sure to chill the Jello for a full 2 hours or more for it to set completely before serving.

Variations:

• Add Other Flavors: You can experiment with other flavored gelatin, such as lime or orange, for a mix of colors and flavors.
• Layered Jello Balls: Create a layered effect by letting each layer of gelatin set before adding the next. This creates a beautiful and colorful presentation.

How to Serve:

• As a Dessert: Serve the Jello Balls as a fun and festive dessert for your Christmas meal or holiday party.
• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the Jello Balls on a festive platter, making them a centerpiece at your holiday table.
• With Drinks: These Jello Balls make a great treat alongside cocktails or mocktails at your Christmas celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage:

• Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover Jello Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the gelatin.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of alcohol? Yes! You can use rum, tequila, or flavored vodka for a twist on the recipe.
2. How can I make these non-alcoholic? Simply skip the vodka and replace it with an equal amount of cold water or juice for a non-alcoholic treat.
3. Can I use a different type of gelatin? Absolutely! You can use any flavor of gelatin, such as lime, strawberry, or even a multi-colored mix for a more festive appearance.
4. Can I add more fruit to the Jello Balls? Yes, you can add small pieces of fruit, such as berries or chopped maraschino cherries, to the Jello mixture before it sets.
5. What’s the best way to remove the Jello from molds? Lightly run warm water over the outside of the mold to help loosen the Jello before carefully turning it out onto a plate.

Conclusion:

These Christmas Jello Balls are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make treat that will add a burst of color and flavor to your holiday celebrations. With the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and festive, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next Christmas party. Whether you’re serving them with or without alcohol, these delightful little bites are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer!

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