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
Scale
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.
