Christmas Cherry Bombs with Maraschino Cherries
Table of Contents
Picture this: it’s a chilly December evening, and your home is filled with the comforting aroma of holiday treats. The tree is twinkling, and there’s laughter in the air. One of my fondest memories is making Christmas Cherry Bombs with my grandmother. We’d sit together in her cozy kitchen, hands sticky with cream cheese and white chocolate, telling stories that spanned generations. This delightful treat, with its pop of cherry sweetness wrapped in a creamy shell, was always the star of our holiday gatherings. It’s a recipe that doesn’t just fill your belly but warms your heart.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
- Festive Fun: These Christmas Cherry Bombs are as delightful to make as they are to eat, bringing festive cheer to your kitchen. Their bright, cheerful appearance and sweet aroma are sure to put everyone in a holiday mood. As you roll, dip, and decorate, you’ll find that the process itself is a joyous celebration of the season, turning your kitchen into a magical workshop.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like cream cheese and white chocolate, this recipe is both budget-friendly and accessible. You likely already have most of these ingredients at home, saving you a trip to the store. The simplicity of the ingredients doesn’t compromise on flavor, ensuring that each bite is perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.
- Kid-Friendly: Little hands love to help with rolling and dipping, making this a perfect family-bonding activity. This recipe is a wonderful way to engage children in the kitchen, teaching them the basics of cooking while creating cherished memories. Kids will love forming the cherry balls and then watching them transform as they are coated in chocolate and rolled in crunchy toppings.
- Impressively Delicious: Despite being easy to make, these treats look and taste gourmet, leaving your guests asking for more. The combination of creamy, sweet, and slightly tart flavors creates a sophisticated treat that feels like a little luxury. Your guests will be amazed at the gourmet touch these simple ingredients can achieve.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance and keep them chilled, freeing up your time for other holiday fun. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a cozy family dinner, having these made ahead allows you to focus on enjoying your time with loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Essential for mixing the cream cheese and sugar, ensuring a smooth and creamy base.
- Small Spoon or Hands for Forming Balls: A spoon helps with portioning, while your hands can shape perfect little spheres.
- Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: Keeps the cherry bombs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl for Melting Chocolate: Ensures even melting of the chocolate without burning, saving you time and hassle.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
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
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture serves as the perfect base, holding the cherries together while adding a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries.
- Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, making sure they are well coated. It’s important to pat the cherries dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the filling.
- Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls. This step might get a bit sticky, but it’s all part of the fun. Keeping your hands slightly wet can help prevent the mixture from sticking too much.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up. Freezing ensures the balls hold their shape and makes them easier to dip in chocolate.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Using a microwave is quick and efficient, but you can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler if you prefer.
- Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Use a fork to help lift the balls from the chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the coated balls in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. This step adds a delightful crunch and a contrast of flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
- Place the finished cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set. This final chilling step helps the chocolate to harden and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a festive holiday treat, and watch them disappear from the plate as everyone reaches for just one more.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Servings: 12 servings • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 150 kcal
Note: For easier dipping, keep the cherry balls frozen until just before coating with chocolate.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
- Maraschino Cherries: These vibrant red cherries add a pop of color and a juicy burst of flavor that feels distinctly festive. Beyond their visual appeal, they offer a sweet-tart taste that balances the richness of the cream cheese and chocolate.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate. Its smooth texture is crucial for forming the balls and gives the treats a luscious mouthfeel.
- White Chocolate Chips: Sweet and rich, they create a smooth coating that pairs perfectly with the cherries. Their creamy flavor complements the tanginess of the cream cheese, creating a harmonious bite.
- Crushed Graham Crackers: Add a delightful crunch and a hint of buttery flavor. They not only enhance the texture but also add a subtle sweetness that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Chopped Pecans: These nuts introduce a nutty flavor and texture that elevates the overall experience. They add a gourmet touch and a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy interior.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Christmas Cherry Bombs are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of chilled sparkling wine. The warmth of cocoa or the effervescence of sparkling wine complements the creamy, sweet nature of the cherry bombs. For a festive dessert platter, consider serving them alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. The variety will delight your guests, offering different flavors and textures to enjoy.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To keep your Christmas Cherry Bombs fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain their creamy texture. When storing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This ensures that they remain in perfect condition, ready for whenever you need a sweet treat.
As you gather around your table this holiday season, I hope these Christmas Cherry Bombs bring as much joy and warmth to your home as they have to mine. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of togetherness, laughter, and love. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings comfort and smiles to your table.
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Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture serves as the perfect base, holding the cherries together while adding a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries.
- Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, making sure they are well coated. It’s important to pat the cherries dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the filling.
- Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls. This step might get a bit sticky, but it’s all part of the fun. Keeping your hands slightly wet can help prevent the mixture from sticking too much.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up. Freezing ensures the balls hold their shape and makes them easier to dip in chocolate.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Using a microwave is quick and efficient, but you can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler if you prefer.
- Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Use a fork to help lift the balls from the chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the coated balls in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. This step adds a delightful crunch and a contrast of flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
- Place the finished cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set. This final chilling step helps the chocolate to harden and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a festive holiday treat, and watch them disappear from the plate as everyone reaches for just one more.
