Festive Pineapple Coconut Treats

This hearty Pineapple Christmas Balls recipe has become my holiday signature treat, bringing tropical sunshine to winter gatherings and creating moments of pure joy with every bite. The combination of sweet pineapple, creamy cheese, and coconut creates little orbs of holiday magic that disappear from platters almost instantly.

I first made these for a Christmas party during a particularly gloomy December, and the bright tropical flavors transported everyone to a sunnier place. Now my family specifically requests these each year before I even plan my holiday baking list.

Ingredients

• Canned Pineapple Chunks The juice packed variety adds natural sweetness and perfect moisture. Look for brands without added sugar for the best flavor.
• Cream Cheese Full fat varieties produce the creamiest texture. Bring to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Powdered Sugar Creates a smooth sweetness that balances the tart pineapple perfectly without any grittiness.
• Shredded Coconut Sweetened coconut adds both texture and a festive snow like appearance. Toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Chopped Nuts Optional but adds wonderful crunch. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully with the tropical flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by thoroughly draining your pineapple chunks, pressing between paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This crucial step prevents your mixture from becoming too wet and ensures the balls hold their shape beautifully. Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before beginning to allow it to soften properly.

Mix Creamy Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth and fluffy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides halfway through. The texture should be light and airy without any lumps, creating the perfect base for our tropical treats.

Add the Pineapple

Gently fold the well drained pineapple chunks into your cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Use a light hand and fold just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix which would make the mixture too soft. Each piece of pineapple should be evenly coated in the creamy mixture, creating little pockets of tangy sweetness throughout.

Roll into Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into equal amounts. With slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, roll each portion between your palms into neat balls about 1 inch in diameter. Work quickly as the mixture will soften at room temperature. If it becomes too soft to handle, refrigerate for 15 minutes before continuing.

Coat with Coconut

Place your shredded coconut in a shallow bowl and gently roll each ball until completely covered on all sides. Press lightly to help the coconut adhere properly. The white coating creates a festive snow like appearance that perfectly complements the holiday table while adding delightful texture.

Chill Before Serving

Arrange your finished balls on a parchment lined plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight. This critical chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up properly. When ready to serve, arrange on a festive platter, perhaps with some fresh mint leaves for color contrast.

Bookmark

My grandmother first introduced me to these delightful treats when I was seven years old. We would make them together while she told stories of tropical Christmases from her childhood in Hawaii. That special combination of pineapple and coconut always brings me back to her kitchen, making these more than just a treat but a cherished family tradition.

Storage Tips

Pineapple Christmas Balls maintain their best quality when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to five days, though the coconut may soften slightly after day three. For longer storage, you can freeze them before adding the coconut coating. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then roll in fresh coconut before serving for that perfect texture contrast.

Ingredient Substitutions

While traditional Pineapple Christmas Balls use specific ingredients, this recipe welcomes creative variations. For a dairy free version, substitute plant based cream cheese. Those watching sugar intake might try using crushed graham crackers mixed with a sugar substitute instead of powdered sugar. Fresh pineapple can replace canned in a pinch, but requires extra draining and finer chopping. For added dimension, try rolling some balls in crushed pistachios or toasted macadamia nuts instead of coconut for a sophisticated twist that still honors the tropical theme.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Pineapple Christmas Balls presentation by arranging them in a pyramid shape on a cake stand dusted with additional coconut to mimic snow. For an elegant dessert table, place each ball in a mini cupcake liner and arrange on tiered stands. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa for children and champagne for adults. Consider serving alongside other tropical inspired treats like coconut macaroons or mango spiced cookies for a themed dessert spread that breaks from traditional holiday flavors while still feeling festive and special.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you'll need to ensure it's very well drained and finely chopped. Fresh pineapple contains more moisture and enzymes that can make the mixture runnier. Pat the chopped pineapple thoroughly with paper towels before adding it to your cream cheese mixture to achieve the right consistency.

→ How far in advance can I make these treats?

These pineapple balls can be made up to 3 days in advance when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, letting them sit for at least 24 hours actually improves their flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together. Just be sure to keep them chilled until serving time.

→ What can I use instead of coconut for coating?

If coconut isn't your preference, try rolling the balls in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, crushed graham crackers, or even festive colored sprinkles. For a more decadent version, you could coat them in white chocolate and add holiday-colored sprinkles on top for a festive appearance.

→ Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze these pineapple balls for up to one month. Freeze them on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture of the coconut coating might change slightly after freezing.

→ How can I make these more festive for the holidays?

To make them more festive, try adding a few drops of green or red food coloring to portions of the cream cheese mixture before forming the balls. You could also mix in finely chopped maraschino cherries for color and flavor, or create a coconut and crushed candy cane coating for a peppermint twist. Serving them on a bed of additional coconut "snow" creates a beautiful winter presentation.

→ Can I make a dairy-free version?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from almond, cashew, or coconut bases. Many grocery stores now carry these options in the refrigerated section. The texture might be slightly different, but the tropical flavors will still shine through, making them suitable for guests with dairy restrictions.