Introduction

Margarita Balls are a fun and flavorful treat inspired by the classic cocktail. These creamy, tangy, and sweet bites combine cream cheese, lime, tequila, and orange liqueur for a festive dessert perfect for parties or casual snacking.

A white plate with a blue intricate patterned border holds a small pile of round balls covered in large sugar crystals, giving them a sparkly and rough texture. The balls are light brown underneath the sugar coating, and one ball shows a reddish tint peeking through. Around the balls are several fresh lime wedges, bright green with a juicy, shiny look, placed on the plate and next to the pile. A white marbled surface serves as the base, with a blue bowl in the background holding black olives and lime halves, and some sugar crystals scattered around the plate. 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 the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the vanilla wafer crumbs until the mixture comes together and becomes sticky enough to roll.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 4: Mix the white sugar and lime zest together, 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 these zesty, creamy treats!

Tips & Variations

For a stronger citrus flavor, add a bit more lime zest to the coating mixture.
Use flavored liqueurs like peach or mango for a fruity twist on the classic margarita taste.
If you prefer non-alcoholic treats, substitute tequila and orange liqueur with lime-flavored syrup or lime juice concentrate.
Chill the cream cheese beforehand to make mixing easier and ensure a creamier texture.

Storage

Store margarita balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep them chilled until serving for the best texture and flavor. If needed, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A white rectangular plate filled with three rows of round, light brown balls that have a slightly grainy texture and are dusted with a fine white powder, arranged neatly with small gaps between them; one ball is placed on a small white round plate near the bottom left corner, and the whole setting rests on a soft, light green cloth with subtle folds. 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 prepared and refrigerated for a few days in advance, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Do the margarita balls contain alcohol?

Yes, they contain tequila and orange liqueur, but the alcohol content is mild and mostly for flavor. You can omit or substitute these for a non-alcoholic version.

Margarita Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 108 reviews

Delight in these refreshing Margarita Balls, a no-bake treat combining creamy lime and tequila flavors with sweet vanilla wafer crumbs, dusted with lime zest and sugar for a zesty finish. Perfect chilled for parties or casual snacking.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 24 servings (assuming 1 inch balls) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mixture

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)

Coating

3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup white sugar
Lime zest (for coating)

Instructions

Mix Cream Cheese and Liquids: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, fresh lime juice, powdered sugar, tequila, and orange liqueur until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring an even flavor profile throughout.
Add Crumbs: Stir in the vanilla wafer crumbs gradually until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and holds together well enough to form balls.
Shape Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter for consistent bite-sized treats.
Coat with Sugar and Zest: Combine the white sugar and lime zest in a shallow dish, then roll each ball in this mixture to coat thoroughly, adding a tangy and sugary crust.
Chill to Set: Place the coated margarita balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm to ensure they hold their shape and the flavors meld.
Serve: Enjoy these margarita balls chilled as a refreshing and festive dessert or snack.

Notes

You can substitute orange liqueur with an equal amount of orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Use fresh lime zest for the best citrus aroma and flavor in the coating.
If the mixture is too sticky, chill briefly before rolling to make shaping easier.
Store leftover margarita balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preferred sweetness level.

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