If you are looking to impress your friends and family this season, you simply must try the Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe. These delightful little treats combine creamy sweetness, a burst of cherry flavor, and a crunchy festive coating that makes every bite an irresistible celebration of holiday joy. Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights by the fire, this recipe brings that touch of magic and warmth to any Christmas gathering while being surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, creating layers of taste and texture that come together in pure harmony.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry: These add that classic, juicy cherry flavor and vibrant red color, setting the festive tone right from the start.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: It provides the creamy base that holds everything together with a luscious texture.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness and a silky smooth consistency in the filling.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a warm, cozy aroma to the mixture, enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted: This luscious, rich coating adds sweetness and that festive white hue that’s iconic during the holidays.
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers: For a delightful crunch and a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
- ¼ cup chopped pecans: These add a nutty crisp texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior and sweet exterior.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cherry Mixture
Start by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no lumps—this creates the perfect base for enveloping the cherries in that wonderful richness.
Step 2: Fold in the Maraschino Cherries
Gently fold your drained and patted dry maraschino cherries into the cream cheese mixture. Be gentle to avoid squishing the cherries too much while making sure each one is evenly coated with the creamy blend. This step ensures bursts of cherry flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Shape into Bite-Sized Balls and Freeze
Using a small spoon or your hands, carefully shape the cherry mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes or until the balls are firm. This chilling step is essential, as it makes the bombs easier to dip and gives them that satisfying surprise texture.
Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate
While your cherry balls chill, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until you achieve a smooth and glossy coating. This silky white chocolate will make your Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe visually stunning and deliciously sweet.
Step 5: Dip and Coat the Cherry Bombs
Once the balls are firm and the white chocolate is melted, dip each chilled cherry bomb into the warm chocolate, covering it completely. Immediately roll the coated bombs in the crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans mixture. This adds that irresistible crunchy texture and festive flair.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the coated cherry bombs back onto the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour until the chocolate sets firm. After this final chill, your Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe is ready to be enjoyed, combining creamy, fruity, and crunchy sensations in every bite.
How to Serve Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe even further, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar on top right before serving. Fresh mint leaves or small edible gold flakes can also add an extra touch of sophistication and color that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These cherry bombs shine as a holiday dessert or snack, so pair them with a rich hot cocoa, spiced mulled wine, or a creamy eggnog for a truly festive experience. They also complement a cheese and charcuterie board with their sweet contrast, making your holiday spread an unforgettable celebration of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange your Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe on a decorative holiday platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly berries. You can also use mini cupcake liners in red and green to hold each cherry bomb, adding charm and easy serving options. Gift boxes or clear containers tied with festive ribbons make these treats perfect for sharing the holiday spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled maintains their creamy texture and keeps the white chocolate coating crisp and intact.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these treats well in advance, Christmas Cherry Bombs freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead holiday dessert.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Christmas Cherry Bombs, simply transfer them to the refrigerator and let them thaw for a few hours. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the coatings and alter the texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but keep in mind they’ll bring more moisture and less sweetness, which might affect the texture and flavor balance of your Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe. If choosing fresh, make sure to pit and dry them thoroughly to reduce extra liquid.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can substitute white chocolate chips with candy melts or any white baking chocolate. Just ensure it melts smoothly for dipping, as this coating is key to the delightful finish of the Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe.
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chopped pecans and roll the dipped bombs only in crushed graham crackers or other nut-free crumbs. This allows those with nut allergies to enjoy these festive treats safely.
How long do these treats keep their best flavor?
For optimal freshness and flavor, consume your Christmas Cherry Bombs within 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the fridge. Beyond that, the texture might change and the coating could lose its crispness.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?
Yes, the Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe is very flexible. You can easily double for a larger crowd or halve for a smaller gathering without altering the flavor or texture. Just keep the same ratios and handle the mixing and dipping with care.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about sharing homemade treats during the holidays, and this Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe is one I promise will create smiles all around. Creamy, crunchy, fruity, and festively beautiful, these little bombs bring the spirit of Christmas to every bite. So gather your ingredients, embrace the fun of the process, and enjoy making these joyful delights with the people you love.
Print
Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Christmas Cherry Bombs are festive, bite-sized treats made from cream cheese and maraschino cherries, coated in white chocolate and rolled in crunchy graham crackers and pecans. These no-bake delights combine creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures, perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift.
Ingredients
Cherry Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Toppings
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- Incorporate Cherries: Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, ensuring each cherry is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture without crushing them.
- Shape the Balls: Using a small spoon or your hands, shape 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: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and fully melted.
- Coat the Cherry Balls: Dip each chilled cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, coating it completely. Immediately roll each coated ball in the crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans to add a festive crunchy exterior.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the coated cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the coating set thoroughly. Serve chilled and enjoy the holiday treat.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother consistency.
- If white chocolate chips are not available, white candy melts are a good alternative for coating.
- Store the cherry bombs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and roll the cherry bombs only in crushed graham crackers or shredded coconut.
