Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Cherry Bombs are a delightful holiday treat combining sweet maraschino cherries with creamy cheese and a crunchy coating. These bite-sized delights are perfect for festive gatherings or as a charming homemade gift.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, making sure they are well coated with the cream cheese mixture.
3. Step 3: Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls.
4. Step 4: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
6. Step 6: Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated.
7. Step 7: Roll the coated balls in crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
8. Step 8: Place the finished cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
• Use high-quality cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Substitute vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
• Replace crushed graham crackers with coconut flakes for a tropical variation.
• Try different nuts in the coating, such as walnuts or almonds, to suit your taste.

Storage

Store Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For best texture, remove from the fridge a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cherry bombs and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

You can substitute white chocolate chips with white candy melts or milk chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor. Just melt them using the same method.

Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe

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4.7 from 143 reviews

Christmas Cherry Bombs are festive, bite-sized treats featuring a creamy cream cheese and maraschino cherry filling coated in smooth white chocolate and rolled in a crunchy mix of graham crackers and pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these no-bake delights combine sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with an elegant presentation.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 cherry bombs 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Cherry Filling

• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating

• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the drained maraschino cherries into the cream cheese mixture, making sure the cherries are evenly coated without crushing them.
3. Shape the Bombs: Using a small spoon or your hands, form the cherry and cream cheese mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze the Balls: Freeze the shaped balls for 30 minutes to firm them up, which helps with coating later on.
5. Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth.
6. Coat the Cherry Bombs: Dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, making sure they are fully coated to seal in the filling.
7. Roll in Coating: Immediately roll each coated ball in the crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans mixture to add texture and flavor.
8. Set the Coating: Place the coated cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the white chocolate is firm and set.

Notes

• Serve Christmas Cherry Bombs on a festive platter decorated with mint sprigs or edible glitter for extra holiday charm.
• For flavor variation, substitute vanilla extract with almond or peppermint extract in the filling.
• Graham crackers can be swapped out for coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
• Use different nuts if preferred, such as walnuts or almonds, instead of pecans.
• These treats are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Keywords: Christmas cherry bombs, holiday treats, no bake desserts, cream cheese cherries, white chocolate snacks, festive desserts