Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe
Delightfully rich and festive, these Christmas Cherry Bombs combine a soft cocoa-flavored dough with a creamy almond cream cheese filling and a luscious dark chocolate coating. Perfectly bite-sized and adorned with colorful sprinkles, they bring a fun surprise inside each treat, ideal for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 Cherry Bombs 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon milk (if dough is too dry)
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoothness)
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough is smooth, soft, and holds together nicely. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk and mix again.
- Shape the Base: Take small portions of the dough and flatten each into a disk roughly the size of a tablespoon. Place a drained maraschino cherry in the center, then wrap the dough completely around the cherry, rolling it gently to form a smooth ball. Set aside the shaped dough balls.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Mix well until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more powdered sugar.
- Stuff the Cherry Bombs: Using your finger, create a small indentation on top of each dough ball, then spoon a small amount of the cream cheese filling into the indentation, filling the hollow inside with the creamy mixture.
- Chill the Bombs: Place the filled Cherry Bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and keeps the shape intact for coating.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the Cherry Bombs chill, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. For a glossier, smoother coating, stir in the coconut oil while the chocolate is warm.
- Coat the Cherry Bombs: Dip each chilled Cherry Bomb fully into the melted chocolate, using a fork to remove it, allowing excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
- Decorate: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top if desired to add a festive touch and extra visual appeal.
- Let Them Set: Allow the coated Cherry Bombs to sit at room temperature or refrigerated for about 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, the Christmas Cherry Bombs are ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and easy shaping.
- If dough feels too dry, adding milk helps achieve the right consistency.
- Use fresh maraschino cherries drained well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- The coconut oil in the melted chocolate is optional but helps produce a shinier and smoother chocolate coating.
- Chilling before coating ensures the Cherry Bombs hold their shape and the filling stays intact.
- Store finished treats in the fridge to maintain texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
Keywords: Christmas Cherry Bombs, chocolate treats, holiday dessert, no-bake cherry bombs, cream cheese filling, festive chocolate snacks