As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen becomes a whirlwind of festive flavors and aromas, each dish telling a story of togetherness and joy. This is the time of year when I strive to bring a little magic to my gatherings, and there’s nothing quite like the delightful surprise of these Christmas Cherry Bombs. Picture this: vibrant maraschino cherries enveloped in a creamy bliss and coated in luscious white chocolate, all finished with a sprinkle of crunchy graham crackers and pecans.
I stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a festive treat that could be whipped up in a flash, perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute parties. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, these delightful bites will have your loved ones raving and asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just looking to add a bit of homemade charm to your holiday table, these cherry bombs are bound to impress without any stress. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that embodies the spirit of Christmas celebrations!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cherry Bombs
- This holiday treat is incredibly easy to make, coming together in just a few simple steps that anyone can master.
- The burst of flavor from the maraschino cherries combined with the creamy filling and chocolate coating creates a delightful explosion of taste in every bite.
- These Christmas Cherry Bombs are versatile enough to serve at any festive gathering, making them a great addition to your dessert table or as a gift for friends.
- Visually appealing with their bright colors and playful presentation, they are sure to catch the eye of your guests and leave a lasting impression.
Christmas Cherry Bombs Ingredients
• Get ready to delight your taste buds!
For the Cherry Filling
- Maraschino cherries – These vibrant cherries are the stars of the show, providing a juicy burst of flavor.
- Cream cheese – Adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without any grittiness for a smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile, making every bite comforting and familiar.
For the Coating
- White chocolate chips – Melting these creates a luscious coating that adds indulgence to each bite.
- Crushed graham crackers – Provides a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
- Chopped pecans – These add a nutty flavor and a bit of texture, making your Christmas Cherry Bombs even more special.
Feel free to mix up the toppings for your Christmas Cherry Bombs to suit your taste—it’s all about making this festive treat your own!
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bombs
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Combine In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps for a delightful base.
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Fold Gently incorporate the drained maraschino cherries, ensuring each one is fully coated in the creamy mixture. This adds a luscious surprise to every bite!
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Shape Using a small spoon or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes until they firm up nicely.
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Melt In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring after each to achieve a smooth, glossy finish that is perfect for coating.
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Dip Take each chilled cherry ball and dip it into the melted white chocolate, ensuring they are completely covered. Then, roll them in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans for that festive crunch.
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Chill Place the coated cherry bombs back on the tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will help the chocolate set perfectly, making them irresistibly tasty!
Optional: Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for an added touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Cherry Bombs?
As you gather around this festive dessert, envision a cozy celebration filled with warmth and joy.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The deep, chocolatey richness complements the sweet cherries, adding a cozy vibe to your holiday gathering. A dollop of whipped cream on top enhances the experience, making it truly indulgent.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy element that balances the richness of the cream cheese filling perfectly. It’s an effortless way to elevate your cherry bombs!
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Peppermint Bark: This crunchy and minty treat offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cherry bombs, providing a refreshing flavor burst with each bite. It’s a classic holiday pairing that everyone loves!
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced cider brings a festive feel, filling the air with delightful fragrances that enhance your holiday spirit. Its sweet, spiced profile beautifully complements the dessert’s creaminess.
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Gingerbread Cookies: These holiday favorites bring a zing of spice, creating a charming pairing with the sweet, fruity notes of the cherry bombs. The texture adds a delightful variety to your dessert spread!
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Pecans: Enhance the nutty flavor already in the cherry bombs by serving extra roasted pecans on the side. They make a great snack while mingling, and their satisfying crunch is simply irresistible!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra treat, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your cherry bombs. The ice cream’s creaminess harmonizes beautifully with the crunch and sweetness of the cherries.
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Plum Wine: This delightful drink offers a sweet and fruity note that pairs wonderfully with the cherry flavor, enhancing the overall holiday experience. It’s a perfect sip while enjoying those sweet bites!
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Chocolate Mint Layered Dessert: This creamy, layered dessert echoes the chocolate coating of the cherry bombs while introducing minty freshness. It creates a visual and flavor feast that’s perfect for festive occasions!
These pairing options will surely add layers of flavor and delight to your holiday feast!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cherry Bombs
Fridge: Keep your Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezer: You can freeze these delightful cherry bombs for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are arranged in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy your cherry bombs slightly warm, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, but they are best enjoyed chilled.
Serving: When you’re ready to serve, take them out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly; this enhances the flavor and makes them extra delicious!
Christmas Cherry Bombs Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful treats with your personal touch!
- Dairy-Free: Swap out cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a creamy, plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans completely or replace them with crushed pretzels for a fun, salty bite that still offers a crunch without any nuts.
- Chocolate Cherry: Use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor, pairing beautifully with the cherries. They create a decadent alternative!
- Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top after dipping in chocolate for a festive touch that elevates the holiday spirit in each bite.
- Spiced Touch: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese filling for a warm, holiday flavor that adds a cozy twist.
- Coconut Bliss: Roll the cherry bombs in sweetened shredded coconut instead of graham crackers for a tropical flair that adds a chewy texture.
- Minty Surprise: Mix in some peppermint extract for a refreshing twist, perfect for a winter treat that invigorates the taste buds.
- Fruity Flair: Replace maraschino cherries with pitted and drained fruit cocktail or fresh strawberries for a bright and juicy alternative that brings freshness!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cherry Bombs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cherry filling (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and maraschino cherries) up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply shape the mixture into balls and freeze them as directed. For optimal quality, be sure to keep them well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, melt the white chocolate and dip the frozen cherry balls, then roll in crushed graham crackers and pecans before chilling for an additional hour. Enjoy the deliciousness without the last-minute rush!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Cherry Bombs, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier blending and a smoother filling.
- Avoid overmixing the filling after adding the cherries, as this can break them apart and compromise the texture.
- For a consistent coating, melt the white chocolate slowly and be sure to stir well between intervals to prevent it from seizing.
- Finally, allowing the finished cherry bombs to chill for at least an hour helps the chocolate to harden properly, making them easier to handle and serve.
Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! For your Christmas Cherry Bombs, ensure the cherries are bright red with a glossy finish. They should be firm to the touch, without any dark spots or signs of spoilage. Opt for high-quality brands for the best flavor, as some can be overly sweet or syrupy.
How should I store leftover cherry bombs?
Very simple! Keep your Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re aiming to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are laid flat on a baking sheet first—this prevents them from sticking together!
Can I freeze Christmas Cherry Bombs?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delightful treats for up to 2 months. Here’s how: Arrange the cherry bombs in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results!
What should I do if my white chocolate seizes while melting?
Don’t worry; it’s a common issue! If your white chocolate seizes, try adding a small amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil—about a teaspoon at a time—while stirring. This can help reintroduce moisture and restore that smooth texture. Make sure to melt at lower temperatures and in shorter intervals next time to prevent this.
Are Christmas Cherry Bombs safe for those with nut allergies?
Great question! The recipe includes chopped pecans, which can pose a risk for nut allergies. To make the cherry bombs safe for nut-free diets, simply omit the pecans and substitute with more crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of crushed cookies for that added crunch instead. Always check labels on any pre-packaged ingredients, too!
What’s the best way to enjoy Christmas Cherry Bombs?
The more the merrier! Enjoy these festive treats chilled straight from the fridge for the best flavor experience. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, as a sweet snack, or even as a delightful addition to dessert tables. For an extra festive touch, serve them on a decorative platter, garnished with sprigs of mint or additional chopped pecans!
Christmas Cherry Bombs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently incorporate the drained maraschino cherries into the mixture.
- Form the mixture into bite-sized balls and freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip each cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, then roll them in the crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans.
- Place back on the tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
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