Introduction

Margarita Balls are a delightful, bite-sized treat that captures the tangy, boozy flavors of a classic margarita in a creamy, sweet form. Perfect for parties or a fun dessert, these no-bake treats are easy to make and sure to impress.

A white plate with a blue patterned rim holds a stack of round balls covered in coarse white sugar crystals; the balls show light brown and pale beige colors underneath the sugar coating. The stack is arranged with around nine sugar-coated balls, one of which has a reddish-brown tint showing through the sugar. Bright green lime wedges are placed around the balls on the plate, adding a fresh contrast. In the blurred background, a small black bowl contains more lime wedges, all set on a white marbled surface. 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 cream cheese, lime juice, powdered sugar, tequila, and orange liqueur until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the vanilla wafer crumbs until the mixture comes together and is sticky.
Step 3: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 4: Combine the white sugar and lime zest in a shallow bowl, then roll each ball in this mixture to coat evenly.
Step 5: Refrigerate the margarita balls for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Step 6: Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a stronger citrus flavor, add extra lime zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Swap orange liqueur for Grand Marnier for a slightly richer taste.
If you prefer less alcohol, reduce tequila and liqueur by half or omit entirely.
Use gluten-free vanilla wafer crumbs to make this dessert gluten-free.
Chill the mixture before rolling to make shaping easier.

Storage

Store margarita balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pyramid stack of round, sugar-coated balls with a rough, crystalline texture; each ball is pale beige to light brown, and one on the right side shows a reddish-brown color beneath the sugar. Scattered coarse sugar crystals lie on the plate and the white marbled surface below. Bright green lime wedges are placed around the ball pyramid, adding fresh color contrast. In the background, a speaker is blurred with a halved lime resting inside, and soft greenery fills the upper part of the image. The overall scene is bright with natural light, showing clear textures of sugar and 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 without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the tequila and orange liqueur or replace them with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will be milder but still delicious.

How do I prevent the balls from sticking to my hands?

Chill the mixture before shaping and lightly wet or powder your hands with sugar to help prevent sticking. You can also use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture.

Margarita Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

These Margarita Balls are a delicious no-bake treat combining the tangy zest of lime and the smooth richness of cream cheese with a kick of tequila and orange liqueur. Rolled in vanilla wafer crumbs and coated with lime zest and sugar, they make an irresistible bite-sized dessert perfect for parties or casual snacking.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 24 balls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Margarita Balls

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

For the Coating

1/2 cup white sugar
Lime zest (from about 2 limes)

Instructions

Combine Wet Ingredients: 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, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
Add Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: Stir in the vanilla wafer crumbs until the mixture is sticky and comes together, which will help the balls hold their shape.
Form Balls: Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compacted enough to retain their shape.
Prepare Coating: Mix the white sugar with the lime zest in a shallow bowl, creating a fragrant, sweet, and tangy coating.
Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in the sugar and lime zest mixture, evenly coating the surface for texture and additional flavor.
Chill: Place the coated balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm and chilled.
Serve: Enjoy these margarita balls chilled as a delightful party treat or dessert.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lime zest to maximize flavor.
You can adjust the amount of tequila and orange liqueur to taste, but keep in mind it affects firmness.
Store leftover margarita balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These balls can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
Vanilla wafer crumbs can be made by crushing store-bought vanilla wafers finely.

Keywords: margarita balls, no bake dessert, cream cheese dessert, tequila dessert, party treats, lime zest dessert