Christmas Cherry Bombs are a festive no-bake treat that brings joy to every holiday gathering. Sweet, creamy, and bursting with cherry flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family and friends. Each bite features a bright maraschino cherry wrapped in smooth cream cheese filling, dipped in rich white chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. Their vibrant red-and-white color makes them a stunning addition to any dessert table — and the best part is, they’re incredibly easy to make with no baking required, saving you time during the busiest season of the year.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bombs
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
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, making sure they are well coated.
- Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated.
- Roll the coated balls in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Place the finished cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Serve chilled as a festive holiday treat.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bombs
Serve Christmas Cherry Bombs on a festive platter for a beautiful holiday display. You can also add some sprigs of mint or edible glitter to enhance their appearance. These treats are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
How to Store Christmas Cherry Bombs
To store Christmas Cherry Bombs, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week, but they are best consumed fresh. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Christmas Cherry Bombs
- Make sure to drain the cherries well to avoid extra moisture in your mixture.
- Use high-quality white chocolate for better taste and coating.
- Feel free to customize by adding different nuts or using dark chocolate instead of white.
Variation
Variations – Make It Your Own
You can easily customize these Christmas Cherry Bombs to match your favorite flavors or holiday themes. Here are some creative ways to personalize your batch:
- Flavor Extracts: Add almond, peppermint, or coconut extract to the cream cheese mixture for a unique flavor twist. A dash of orange extract gives a citrusy, festive note.
- Coating Options: Roll in shredded coconut for a snowy look, crushed pistachios for a touch of green, or red-and-green sprinkles for holiday cheer.
- Chocolate Choices: Use milk or dark chocolate instead of white for a deeper, richer taste — or drizzle both for a marbled finish.
- Festive Fillings: Try adding mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, or bits of candied ginger inside each cherry bomb for extra texture and surprise.
- Holiday Color Theme: Dip half in white chocolate and half in tinted red or green candy melts for a two-tone Christmas dessert platter.
- Boozy Version (Adults Only): Soak the cherries in rum, amaretto, or cherry liqueur before mixing them into the cream cheese filling for a sophisticated touch.
With these variations, you can make each batch of Christmas Cherry Bombs perfectly match your mood — from classic elegance to playful holiday fun.
FAQs
FAQs – Christmas Cherry Bombs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes! You can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit them first. They’re less sweet than maraschino cherries, so a little extra powdered sugar balances the flavor perfectly.
How far in advance can I make Christmas Cherry Bombs?
They can be made 2–3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay creamy and fresh for your party!
Can I freeze these cherry bombs?
Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then store in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving.
What’s the best way to coat them evenly?
Dip each ball using a fork or skewer in melted white chocolate, then tap gently to remove excess before rolling in the coating.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free white chocolate. They’ll still turn out rich, smooth, and perfectly festive.
Why are my cherry bombs falling apart?
This usually means there’s too much moisture. Drain cherries well and chill the mixture before rolling into balls.
Can I skip the nuts?
Of course! Roll in toasted coconut, crushed cookies, or festive sprinkles for a nut-free version.
How can I make them look extra festive?
Drizzle with white chocolate, sprinkle edible glitter, or use colorful sprinkles — they’ll sparkle on any Christmas dessert table.
More Holiday Treats to Try Next
If you loved these Christmas Cherry Bombs, you’ll adore some of my other festive and no-bake favorites! Try my No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Truffles for a citrusy twist, or these cozy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Donut Holes that capture all the warmth of fall. For something elegant, the Vanilla Christmas Cake Roll is a showstopper on any dessert table.
If you’re craving more sweet bites, you’ll love my Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, Pecan Pie Brownies, and No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies. For festive gifts, try the Peppermint Snowball Cookies, Pineapple Christmas Balls, or Caramel Apple Bark.
And if you’re planning your holiday menu, don’t miss the cozy classics like Better Than Fall Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Earthquake Cake, or my indulgent Pistachio Knafeh Cheesecake.
For more sweet ideas and holiday inspiration, follow along on Pinterest and Facebook!
Christmas Cherry Bombs
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened Use high-quality cream cheese for best results.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Feel free to substitute with almond or peppermint extract for flavor variation.
For the Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted Melt in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers Can substitute with coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans Feel free to use different nuts as desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, ensuring they are well coated.
- Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
Coating
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated.
- Roll the coated balls in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Place the finished cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
