Christmas Cherry Balls: A Festive Favorite You Can’t Resist!
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Cherry Balls? If you’re like me, cookies and treats are a must during this time, filling the house with warmth, joy, and of course, the tantalizing aromas of baking! These delightful little confections are not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. They make for great gifts, holiday treats, or just a little something to enjoy with your morning coffee when the little ones are bouncing off the walls from too much sugar!
Let’s embrace the spirit of the season with a treat that’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cherry Balls
These Christmas Cherry Balls are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Plus, they never fail to bring smiles and festive cheer! Each bite is a burst of flavor wrapped in smooth chocolate, creating a snack that’s as cute as it is delicious. They’re a fantastic solution for those busy days when you need a quick yet impressive treat to bring to a friend’s gathering or just to snuggle up with at home.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these sweet little gems:
- 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, with stems
- 2 cups chopped pecans (or walnuts if you prefer)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Steps to Create Your Christmas Cherry Balls
Prep the Cherries: Start by carefully draining the maraschino cherries and patting them dry with paper towels. Trust me, this step is crucial to avoid any watery situation. If they’re too wet, they won’t stick well with the cream cheese mixture!
Make the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract. With a hand mixer or spatula (no judgment if you use your favorite wooden spoon), mix until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s well combined and has that scrumptious, velvety texture.
Combine with Pecans/Walnuts: Stir in the chopped pecans (or walnuts, if you’re feeling nutty) until everything is coated nicely. Your mixture should be thick enough to shape.
Form the Balls: Now comes the fun part! Grab a tablespoon of the mixture and gently push it around each cherry, making sure to enrobe it completely. Place your newly formed ball on a parchment-lined tray. Continue until all cherries are covered—your hands will thank your favorite warm soapy water after this!
Chill: Pop your tray into the freezer for about 30 minutes to let the cream cheese mixture firm up. This helps immensely when dipping them in chocolate.
Melt the Chocolate: While your cherry balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s beautifully smooth. (Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to sneak a taste or two… I won’t tell!)
Coat the Cherry Balls: Once your cherry balls are firmly chilled, dip them in the melted chocolate, using a fork to lift them out. Gently tap to remove excess chocolate, then return to the parchment-lined tray.
Final Touch: Let them set in the fridge until the chocolate is firm. If you’ve got some leftover chopped pecans, sprinkle a little on top for added flair!
And just like that, you’ve created a bite-sized holiday miracle!
Cooking Tips
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re catering to those with nut allergies, feel free to substitute the pecans with shredded coconut or graham cracker crumbs for a tasty twist!
- Make Ahead: These delightful treats can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They only get better as they sit!
- Presentation: Want to elevate your presentation? Try serving them in cute little cupcake liners; it adds a festive touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
FAQs about Christmas Cherry Balls
Can I substitute maraschino cherries for another type of cherry?
Absolutely! Feel free to use fresh cherries. Just remember to pit them first!
How long do Christmas Cherry Balls last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they can last up to a week, but who are we kidding? They’ll probably be gone in a day or two!
What should I do with leftovers?
(If there are any…) Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy within a week.
Embrace the Festive Spirit
As the holidays draw near, make it your mission to try out Christmas Cherry Balls! They’re quick, easy, and downright delicious—the perfect combination for busy holiday schedules. Plus, your family and friends will be begging for the recipe, so be ready to bask in the glow of your culinary success!
So, roll up those sleeves and dive into this holiday delight. After all, nothing says the holidays quite like a sweet treat that brings everyone together. Happy baking, or should I say, happy making magic in the kitchen!
Christmas Cherry Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Start by carefully draining the maraschino cherries and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans (or walnuts) until everything is coated nicely.
- Take a tablespoon of the mixture and enrobe each cherry completely. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Repeat until all cherries are covered.
- Chill the tray in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals, and stirring until smooth.
- Dip each cherry ball in the melted chocolate and tap to remove excess.
- Return to the parchment-lined tray and let them set in the fridge until the chocolate is firm.