Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Cherry Bombs are a delightful holiday treat combining sweet maraschino cherries with creamy white chocolate and crunchy pecans. These bite-sized balls are easy to make and perfect for sharing at festive gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, making sure they are well coated with the cream cheese mixture.
3. Step 3: Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls.
4. Step 4: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth.
6. Step 6: Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated.
7. Step 7: Roll the coated balls in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans to add texture and flavor.
8. Step 8: Place the finished cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
9. Step 9: Serve chilled as a festive holiday treat.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, skip the pecans and use extra graham crackers or shredded coconut for rolling.
• If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cherry liqueur to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use high-quality white chocolate for a smoother coating and better flavor.

Storage

Store Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them frozen and thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat is not recommended as it may affect the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?

You can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries, but make sure to drain and dry them well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.

Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 cherry bombs 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Christmas Cherry Bombs are a delightful no-bake holiday treat featuring maraschino cherries enveloped in a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture, dipped in smooth white chocolate, and rolled in crunchy graham crackers and pecans for a festive burst of flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating

• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a consistent texture.
2. Fold in cherries: Gently fold the drained and patted dry maraschino cherries into the cream cheese mixture, coating each cherry well without breaking them apart.
3. Form cherry balls: Using a small spoon or your hands, shape the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls, ensuring they are compact and uniform in size for even chilling and coating.
4. Freeze to firm: Arrange the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until they are firm enough to handle without losing shape during dipping.
5. Melt white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the chocolate until fully melted and smooth to avoid burning.
6. Coat cherry balls: Dip each frozen cherry ball carefully into the melted white chocolate, making sure each ball is completely covered for that smooth, glossy finish.
7. Roll in toppings: Immediately roll the coated balls in the crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans to give them a crunchy texture and added flavor complexity.
8. Chill to set: Place the coated cherry bombs back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate them for at least 1 hour until the white chocolate coating is fully set and firm.
9. Serve chilled: Once set, serve the Christmas Cherry Bombs chilled as a charming and festive dessert or holiday treat perfect for parties or gifting.

Notes

• Ensure cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture that can affect the texture.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans or substitute with additional crushed graham crackers.
• Use high-quality white chocolate for best flavor and smooth coating.
• Store refrigerated in an airtight container; consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• For easier dipping, use two forks or a toothpick to hold the balls when coating in chocolate.
• You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds based on preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: holiday treats, cherry desserts, cream cheese, white chocolate, no bake, Christmas dessert, festive snacks