Christmas Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely adorable dessert that doubles as holiday décor, this Christmas Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe is a total game-changer. I love it because it’s not only deliciously sweet and creamy, but these cake balls actually look like little ornaments you can hang or gift — perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want to impress your guests with something unique, you’ll find this recipe super easy and totally worth it!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of the ingredients come straight from your pantry or local grocery store, and the combination of cream cheese and butter in the frosting is what makes these cake balls melt-in-your-mouth perfect. I always keep a box of red velvet cake mix for red Christmas treats since it adds such a rich flavor and festive color.

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base of your cake balls—red velvet adds that gorgeous holiday color and flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the frosting a rich tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Soft butter adds creaminess to the frosting without overpowering flavors.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps with that smooth texture you want for rolling balls.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla amps up all the other flavors naturally.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to highlight the sweetness and balance the cake.
• Frosted Cheerios: These are a quirky and fun “hook” for your ornaments — and tasty too!
• Green, Red, and White Candy Melts: Melted to coat your cake balls in festive colors — essential for that ornament look.
• Sanding Sugar: Adds sparkle and a little crunch on top to mimic decorative sparkle.
• Cooking Spray: To grease your pan and keep the cake from sticking.

Variations

Now, I’m all about making recipes my own, and I encourage you to do the same here. This Christmas Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe is super adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with colors, flavors, or decorations.

• Flavor Swap: I’ve made these with chocolate cake mix instead of red velvet — equally delicious and a nice change if you want a deeper cocoa taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes for a festive treat everyone can enjoy.
• Decoration Fun: Try different colored sanding sugars or edible glitter to match your tree theme.
• Mini Ornaments: Roll smaller cake balls (about 1″ diameter) to create bite-sized versions — perfect for kids’ parties or as cupcake toppers.

How to Make Christmas Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13″ x 9″ pan with cooking spray. When I first tried this, baking the cake properly was key—make sure the tester comes out clean but don’t overbake, or it can dry out. Pour your prepared batter into the pan and bake for about 25–30 minutes. Let the cake cool completely so it’s easy to crumble in the next steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together your softened cream cheese and butter using a hand mixer until you get a light, fluffy mixture—about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until smooth and combined. This frosting is the magic that brings these cake balls together, so don’t rush—it should feel creamy but firm up nicely when chilled.

Step 3: Form the Cake Balls

Now crumble that cooled cake right into the frosting bowl. This is where I discovered a trick: mix gently but thoroughly so the crumbs absorb the frosting evenly without turning into a paste. Then, roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls — you should get about 34. Place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour until firm. Trust me, this chill time makes the difference between crumbly balls and firm beauties ready for dipping.

Step 4: Craft the Cereal Hooks

This is the part that really makes your cake balls look like ornaments. Lay out about 34 Frosted Cheerios on a baking sheet. Take one cereal piece, dip the bottom in melted white candy melts, and press it upright into the center of a flat cereal piece to form a little hook. This holds perfectly once dried and adds that charming touch you won’t find in ordinary cake balls.

Step 5: Dip and Decorate Your Cake Balls

Divide your cake balls into thirds and dip carefully into melted green, red, and white candy melts. Tap off the excess gently so the coating isn’t too thick — this is a step I learned to perfect after a few attempts. While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkle. Let them set on the baking sheet for 15–20 minutes until firm.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Transfer about three-quarters of your remaining white candy melts to a plastic bag and snip a tiny corner to pipe delicate designs on your cake balls. I love swirling festive patterns or little dots to mimic real ornaments. While the candy is still tacky, sprinkle more sanding sugar for sparkle. Finally, dip your cereal hooks into the last of the melted candy to “glue” them on top of your finished cake balls. Let everything set completely before handling or displaying.

How to Serve Christmas Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish these with a little extra sanding sugar or edible glitter to catch the light and mimic real ornament shimmer. Sometimes, I add tiny edible pearls or sprinkles if I’m feeling fancy — it really ups the festive vibe!

Side Dishes

These cake balls are sweet and rich enough to shine on their own, but I like pairing them with a cup of hot cocoa or cinnamon-spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also go great with a simple cheese platter for holiday parties, balancing sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I had a blast once arranging these on a decorative platter nestled in a bowl of fresh pine boughs and cranberries — it made the dessert table look straight out of a holiday magazine. You can also hang them on a mini Christmas tree with ribbon loops or package them individually in clear boxes tied with festive ribbons for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cake ball ornaments have set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually line the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. That way, they stay fresh and their candy coating stays crisp for up to a week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cake balls successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a sealed container. They keep well for a month or so — just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep their charm intact.

Reheating

You really don’t want to heat these cake ball ornaments since the candy coating can melt and spoil the look. If you want to soften them slightly, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying. This keeps the texture perfect without compromising the festive appearance.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cake Ball Ornaments Recipe has become a holiday staple in my family because it’s as much fun to make as it is to eat — and everyone loves the festive touch on the dessert table. I recommend you try it yourself at your next gathering—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a sweet way to celebrate the season with a bit of magic on a plate. Trust me, once you nail these, you’ll want to make them every year!

Print