Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cherry Bombs are a fun and festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering. They are sweet, creamy, and full of flavor, making them a favorite among friends and family. The bright red cherries wrapped in creamy goodness and coated in white chocolate make for an eye-catching dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, they are easy to make and don’t require baking, which is a bonus during the busy holiday season.
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
You can change up the flavor by adding different extracts, like almond or peppermint, to the cream cheese mixture. You could also roll them in coconut flakes instead of graham crackers for a tropical twist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit them and consider that they may need more time to set.
How do I know when the cherry bomb is set?
They should feel firm to the touch and hold their shape after chilling in the refrigerator.
Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! These treats can be made a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage.
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.