Introduction

Margarita balls are a delightful no-bake treat that capture the refreshing flavors of a classic margarita cocktail in a bite-sized dessert. Creamy, tangy, and sweet with a hint of citrus zest, they make a perfect party appetizer or a fun twist on cookies for any occasion.

A white plate holds a small pile of round balls covered fully in coarse sugar crystals, with one ball showing a reddish-brown spot beneath the sugar. Bright green lime wedges are scattered around the balls on the plate. Behind the plate is a white bowl filled with dark olives and a halved lime, all placed on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, showing some green outdoor colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup lime juice
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup white sugar
Lime zest (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, lime juice, powdered sugar, tequila, and orange liqueur until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the vanilla wafer crumbs until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together.
Step 3: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, using your hands for even sizing.
Step 4: Combine the white sugar with lime zest in a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the mixture to coat evenly.
Step 5: Place the coated balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
Step 6: Serve chilled and enjoy these tangy, sweet treats!

Tips & Variations

For a stronger lime flavor, add extra lime zest into the cream cheese mixture before forming the balls.
Substitute orange liqueur with a splash of orange juice for a milder, alcohol-free version.
Use crushed graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Chill the mixture briefly before rolling if it feels too soft to handle easily.

Storage

Store margarita balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are best served chilled straight from the fridge. If the coating softens, you can briefly chill them again before serving to firm up the texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pile of about ten round balls covered with large sugar crystals, making their textured surface sparkle; the balls are mostly ivory but one shows a reddish tint under the sugar. Several fresh lime wedges with bright green skin and juicy light green insides are placed around the balls and on the plate, adding contrast. In the background, there is a small dark bowl with a halved lime inside, and a glass of water is blurred out. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with soft natural light that highlights the sugary texture and fresh lime, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make margarita balls ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated. This helps the flavors meld together nicely while saving you prep time on the day you want to serve them.

Are margarita balls suitable for kids?

Since they contain tequila and orange liqueur, margarita balls are intended for adults. To make a kid-friendly version, replace the alcohol with extra lime juice or a splash of orange juice.