This little no-bake treat has been a holiday staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. I first encountered this combination at a cookie exchange years ago, when a neighbor arrived with bite-sized, snowball-like orbs that tasted like a cross between a daiquiri and a classic holiday cookie. I adapted the original idea to use crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and a snow-dusted coating of shredded coconut and chopped pecans. These are light, tangy, and sweet with a pleasant crunch from the pecans — exactly the sort of finger food that disappears first at any gathering.

I discovered how forgiving the mixture is the first time I tried it: even if the pineapple isn't perfectly drained or the cream cheese is a touch too soft, a quick chill makes everything firm up and tidy. They travel well to potlucks, are a favorite with kids (and the adults who sneak tastes), and require no oven — a real gift when the oven is occupied with pies and roasts. Serve them chilled on a festive platter, and you'll find they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a sparkling holiday cocktail.

Ingredients

• Crushed pineapple (1 cup, well drained): Use canned crushed pineapple for consistent texture and sweetness. Drain thoroughly by pressing between layers of paper towel or a fine-mesh sieve to avoid excess liquid that can make the mixture too soft.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Full-fat cream cheese yields the creamiest, most stable texture; let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften. Brands like Philadelphia or store-brand full-fat blocks work well.
• Shredded coconut (1 cup): Sweetened or unsweetened will both work; sweetened adds more festive sweetness while unsweetened keeps the flavor brighter. Use desiccated or large-flake depending on how snowy you want the coating.
• Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Toast lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to amplify the nutty aroma before chopping; this gives a better crunch and deeper flavor.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Acts as the sweetener and stabilizer; it blends into the cream cheese smoothly for a silky texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and lifts the pineapple and creaminess into a cohesive bite.

Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple: Drain the crushed pineapple in a fine-mesh sieve for at least 5–10 minutes, pressing with the back of a spoon. For best results, line the sieve with a few layers of paper towel and press gently — you want the fruit moist but not wet. Overly wet pineapple will make the mixture runny and harder to roll. Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and homogenous using a rubber spatula or an electric hand mixer on low. Scrape the sides to ensure there are no lumps — the texture should be silky and pliable. Fold in Pineapple: Stir the drained crushed pineapple into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently so the mixture stays slightly textured; don’t overwork it. Taste and adjust sweetness if your pineapple was very tart. Form the Balls: Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size), portion the mixture and roll between your palms until smooth. If the mixture sticks, lightly wet your hands or chill the bowl for 10 minutes. Aim for uniform pieces about 1 inch in diameter. Coat Completely: Place the shredded coconut and chopped pecans in separate shallow bowls or combine them for a mixed coating. Roll each ball first in coconut, then in pecans, pressing lightly so the coating adheres. For a uniform snowy look, do a final roll in extra coconut. Chill Before Serving: Arrange the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms them up and lets the flavors meld; for best results chill 2–4 hours or overnight.

Storage Tips

Store chilled in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In the refrigerator they will keep their texture for up to 5 days; for longer storage freeze the formed balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid room-temperature storage for more than a few hours, as the cream cheese will soften and the balls can lose their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer lower-sugar options, swap powdered sugar for 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help stabilize the mixture. For a dairy-free version use a full-fat coconut cream-based spread or vegan cream cheese, but expect a slightly different texture and a more pronounced coconut flavor. Replace pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nut profile; omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version and roll only in coconut or finely crushed, gluten-free cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary to add color contrast. These pair nicely with hot coffee, tea, or sparkling wine for a holiday brunch. For a dessert board, include small bowls of extra toasted nuts, dark chocolate shavings, and candied citrus peels for guests to customize each bite.

Cultural Background

Pineapple has long symbolized hospitality in American holiday traditions, and mixing it into no-bake confections became popular in mid-century home entertaining where canned fruit and cream cheese were pantry staples. These bite-size treats evolved from classic fruit-and-cheese combinations and have regional variations across households, often appearing in potlucks and church socials as a nostalgic nod to simple, shareable sweets.

Seasonal Adaptations

For summer gatherings, serve them with a lime zest garnish to brighten the flavor. In winter, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for warmth, or mix in a few tablespoons of crushed crushed candy cane for a peppermint twist. Swap coconut for finely shredded white chocolate for an extra-indulgent snowy look during the holidays.

Meal Prep Tips

Make the mixture up to two days ahead and keep it chilled; form the balls the day you plan to serve for the freshest coating adhesion. If transporting, nestle them in a shallow container with ice packs beneath to maintain chill. Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing and timing; a uniform size makes plating and portion control effortless.

These pineapple balls are an affectionate blend of old-fashioned holiday charm and modern convenience. They invite experimentation, travel well, and bring a bright, tropical counterpoint to heavier holiday desserts. Try them at your next gathering — I bet they’ll become one of the first dishes to be requested again.