Festive Pineapple Christmas Balls

During our annual cookie exchange in Nora’s sunroom, something magical happens every year. We all show up in wool socks and oversized scarves, balancing trays of treats and thermoses of cider. There’s always a table full of peppermint barks, gingerbread men, and frosted sugar cookies classics we’ve all made before.

But this year, Kelsey brought something different: bright little Pineapple Christmas Balls, lightly dusted in coconut, nestled in a tin lined with holly-patterned parchment. She passed them around like jewels, and I remember the quiet surprise that spread as we bit into them.

Three days later, I made them again at home for my cousin Dylan, who’d just returned from grad school and needed a pick-me-up snack during finals. He’s dairy-obsessed, so the cream cheese base was a win.

We made a batch together in under 20 minutes, laughing over childhood stories while rolling each sticky mixture into soft mounds. We didn’t have fancy platters, just lined a plate with wax paper and chilled them while the kettle boiled.

These Pineapple Christmas Balls have that sparkle of ease and holiday cheer, with no baking involved and just enough tropical flair to stand out on a holiday dessert table.

Short Description

Pineapple Christmas Balls are no-bake, creamy treats made with crushed pineapple, cream cheese, coconut, and pecans.

Key Ingredients

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (for draining pineapple)
• Rubber spatula
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mix the cream base
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add pineapple
Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.

If the mixture becomes too soft, chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Roll into balls
Scoop out heaping teaspoons and roll into small balls using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 4: Coat with toppings
Roll each ball in a plate of shredded coconut and chopped pecans until fully coated.

Step 5: Chill and serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the balls are firm and cold. Serve chilled for best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake and super quick

Perfect balance of tropical, creamy, and nutty flavors

Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

Naturally festive in color and texture

Easily doubled or tripled for parties

Crowd-pleaser for all ages

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Not draining the pineapple enough
Excess liquid will make the mixture too soft to roll. Use a fine mesh strainer and press gently to extract moisture before adding to the cream cheese.

Using cold cream cheese
It won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before mixing.

Rolling before chilling (if needed)
If the mix feels sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes to make rolling easier. Don’t add extra sugar to stiffen it—that can ruin the texture.

Coating while balls are too soft
Let them firm up just slightly before rolling in coconut and nuts for a cleaner finish.

Serving them too warm
These are best cold. Always refrigerate until serving to keep them from going overly soft.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Arrange on a holiday dessert platter with other bite-sized treats

Serve alongside mulled wine, cider, or spiced hot tea

Pair with ginger snaps or shortbread cookies

Add to cookie tins as edible gifts

Offer during holiday brunches or office potlucks

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag

Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving

Do not microwave or heat—these are served chilled only

Keep coconut fresh by storing in a cool, dry place before use

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple chunks instead of crushed?
Yes, but you’ll need to chop them finely and drain well to match the texture of crushed pineapple.

2. Are these gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check packaging on coconut and pecans to confirm no cross-contamination.

3. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Absolutely. It adds a bit more sweetness, which works great if you prefer a dessert-style treat.

4. How long do they take to firm up?
About 1 hour in the refrigerator. If you’re in a rush, pop them in the freezer for 20–25 minutes.

5. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and ensure your coconut is unsweetened and dairy-free. The texture will still work beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

Use a cookie scoop for uniform ball sizes

Toast coconut lightly for extra depth of flavor

Mix coconut and pecans together for quicker coating

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for a holiday twist

For gifting, place each ball in mini cupcake liners and pack in a festive tin

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Dipped Pineapple Balls
Skip the pecans and coconut. Chill the balls, then dip in melted dark chocolate. Let set until firm.

Tropical Snowballs
Add 1 tbsp finely chopped dried mango to the mixture, and roll only in shredded coconut. Bright, chewy, and refreshing.

Cherry Almond Christmas Balls
Replace pineapple with finely chopped maraschino cherries and use almond extract instead of vanilla. Coat in crushed almonds.

Vegan Pineapple Balls
Use vegan cream cheese and sweetened coconut flakes. Add 1 tbsp maple syrup if your vegan cream cheese is tangy.

Spiced Pecan Pineapple Balls
Add a pinch of ground nutmeg and cloves to the base mix, and coat in cinnamon-spiced pecans for a warm, aromatic twist.

Final Thoughts

Making these Pineapple Christmas Balls turned a regular Tuesday into a mini celebration. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t need a holiday to shine, but somehow carries that festive glow in every bite. The tropical brightness of pineapple, the creamy richness of the filling, and that soft crunch from coconut and pecans it all comes together in a way that feels both playful and satisfying.

There’s joy in how effortlessly they come together, how the ingredients need nothing fancy, and how quickly they disappear from the table. These are the kind of snacks you roll with friends, pack in tins for neighbors, or sneak from the fridge when you’re craving something sweet but simple. If you’re looking for something lighthearted, cheerful, and downright delicious, this recipe deserves a spot in your holiday kitchen.