Christmas Fruit Balls
Festive and flavorful, these Christmas Fruit Balls are delightful bite-sized treats packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving, they offer a chewy, crunchy texture with a burst of seasonal flavors that appeal to all ages. A sweet, spiced indulgence for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine, eggs, and light brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients, which have been sifted and well mixed, into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in raisins, candied pineapple, cherries, and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 teaspoon each.
- Place the formed balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. If you don't have margarine on hand, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or a vegan butter alternative. You can also swap out the nuts for your favorite variety, such as walnuts or pecans, to suit your taste. To keep the fruit balls moist, ensure that the raisins and cherries are well-coated in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful fruit balls can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside a warm beverage like spiced cider or eggnog. For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling them with a light icing or serving them with a side of Gladys' Sweet Stuff for added sweetness. They make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter or as a treat to share with family and friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Fruit Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for about two weeks. If you want to reheat them, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until they are slightly warmed through, maintaining their chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Fruit Balls contains roughly 2447 calories, with 29g protein, 340g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 44g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these fruit balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it before forming the balls. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
What can I substitute for the cherries?
If you prefer not to use cherries, you can replace them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. Both options will provide a nice tartness that balances well with the sweetness of the other ingredients.
How can I tell when the fruit balls are done baking?
The fruit balls are done when they are lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch. Since they bake at a low temperature, keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).