Christmas Cherry Bombs

Name: Christmas Cherry Bombs
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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

by Joudia Elise

Published on: December 26, 2025

Delicious Christmas Cherry Bombs ready for the holiday season.

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Christmas Cherry Bombs burst onto the plate like little holiday ornaments — glossy, chocolatey, and impossible to resist. These fudgy spheres offer a sweet cherry surprise in the center, with a creamy interior and a delicate crunch on the outside; the aroma is boozy-sweet (maraschino) meets warm white chocolate. Perfect for last-minute parties or cozy evenings, this seasonal treat is quick, sustainable (minimal waste, pantry-friendly), and simple enough for busy bakers. Try pairing with a fizzy twist like this cherry cream soda recipe for a festive sip.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Cherry Bombs are a go-to for holiday trays, cocktail parties, or whenever you want a comforting sweet bite. They’re incredibly convenient: only a handful of pantry staples and about 20 minutes of active time makes them ideal for weeknight baking or impromptu guests. Flavor-wise, you get the bright pop of maraschino cherry, the tang of cream cheese, and the sweet, velvety coating of white chocolate. Versatile and forgiving, you can tweak nuts, coatings, or extracts to suit seasonal themes and dietary needs, making them both crowd-pleasing and customizable.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe shines when you use fresh, well-drained maraschino cherries and high-quality white chocolate. Visually, the cherries’ glossy red centers contrast beautifully against the pale, snow-like white chocolate exterior — a festive color play that looks great on dessert platters. Aromas are sweet and slightly perfumed from the cherries and vanilla; textures range from soft, creamy centers to a crisp coating and a nutty crunch. Choosing locally produced nuts or organic chocolate can boost sustainability and flavor. For a bright, beverage companion at gatherings, serve alongside a chilled cherry limeade mocktail to echo the cherry notes.

What You’ll Need

1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry (Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (Use high-quality cream cheese for best results.)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (Feel free to substitute with almond or peppermint extract for flavor variation.)
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted (Melt in 30-second intervals until smooth.)
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (Can substitute with coconut flakes for a tropical twist.)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (Feel free to use different nuts as desired.)

Sensory notes: The cream cheese + powdered sugar create a silky, slightly tangy filling that cushions the cherry; white chocolate adds sweet, vanilla-rich coating; graham crumbs and pecans give a toasty, slightly gritty crunch. Substitutions: use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate to make them vegan; swap graham crackers for gluten-free crumbs to make them gluten-free; replace pecans with seeds for nut-free versions.

How to Make This Recipe

Preparation — Drain & Dry the Cherries.
Pat each maraschino cherry dry with paper towels and let them sit on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes. Removing excess syrup prevents soggy centers and helps coatings adhere.
Mix the Filling — Combine Cream Cheese, Sugar & Vanilla.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and slightly glossy (about 1–2 minutes). The mixture should be thick but spreadable — not runny.
Assemble the Centers — Wrap Cherries in Filling.
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, take a dollop of the cream cheese mixture and press it around each cherry until fully enclosed. You should feel a soft, pliable texture that holds its shape.
Chill the Bombs — Set for Coating.
Place shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment and chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until firm. Chilling makes dipping easier and reduces sticking.
Coat in Chocolate — Dipping & Decorating.
Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and warm (not hot). Dip each chilled ball using a fork, tapping off excess chocolate and returning to the parchment. Work quickly so the chocolate sets with a glossy finish.
Finish with Crumbs & Nuts — Add Texture.
While the coating is still tacky, roll or sprinkle crushed graham crackers and chopped pecans over the bombs for contrast. Alternatively, drizzle remaining chocolate for a polished look.
Chill to Set — Final Firming.
Refrigerate dipped bombs for another 10–15 minutes until the coating is fully set and slightly firm to the touch. They should have a crisp outer shell and a creamy center.
Serve and Enjoy — Taste & Texture.
Let bombs sit at room temperature 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Bite in to enjoy the crisp shell, the creamy tang of filling, and the cherry burst at the center.

H3: Step Examples

Prepare the Base — Drain cherries and press the cream cheese mixture until smooth; you’ll smell the vanilla and feel a pliable, chill-ready texture.
Mix the Ingredients — Beat for 1–2 minutes until the filling is creamy, without lumps. The aroma should be vanilla-forward and sweet.
Shape or Cook — Roll into even balls; use a cookie scoop for uniform size and quick assembly.
Finish or Garnish — Dip in warm chocolate, then immediately add crumbs and nuts while the surface is tacky.
Serve and Enjoy — Present on a festive platter; textures should include crisp chocolate, creamy center, and crunchy pecan.

Essential Tools

You’ll need a few simple tools: medium mixing bowl, electric mixer or sturdy whisk, small cookie scoop or teaspoon, baking sheet lined with parchment, wire rack, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate. Optional: candy dipping fork, thermometer to monitor chocolate temperature, and silicone molds for uniform shapes. If you use affiliate or specialty products like a small electric dipping tool, note they speed up assembly but aren’t essential.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Make these up to 48 hours ahead — store in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve texture. For longer storage, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving. Always use shallow, rigid containers to avoid crushing the coating. Food safety: keep refrigerated if your kitchen is warm and consume within 3–4 days. Label containers with date; avoid repeated thaw-refreeze cycles.

Perfect Pairings

These cherry bombs pair beautifully with hot drinks (peppermint hot chocolate, spiced coffee) and cold fizzy beverages. For a fun party mix, serve alongside savory finger foods like mini sliders or even cheeseburger bombs to balance sweet and savory on the table. For beverages, a citrusy mocktail or sparkling water brightens the palate; visually, present bombs on a bed of powdered sugar or edible pine needles for a festive, photo-ready platter. Use contrasting textures and colors — deep greens, bright reds, and white chocolate — for holiday appeal.

Nutrition Facts

Estimated per serving (1 cherry bomb):

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

These are rough estimates and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes. For a lighter version, reduce white chocolate coating or use a sugar-free alternative.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry — If the filling seems crumbly, add a splash (1–2 teaspoons) of milk or cream until pliable and smooth.
Chocolate Coating Breaks — Overheating white chocolate can cause graininess; melt in short bursts and stir until just smooth. If it seizes, stir in a small amount of neutral oil to smooth it.
Unevenly Shaped Balls — Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and faster rolling; chilling briefly between batches helps maintain shape.
Soggy Centers — Ensure cherries are well-patted dry before wrapping to prevent excess moisture.
Nuts Falling Off — Press nuts onto tacky chocolate or gently press after dipping before the chocolate fully sets.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Work with chilled centers — they’re easier to dip and keep a neat shape. Use high-quality white chocolate for a smoother, less chalky coating and watch temperature: warm (not hot) chocolate coats best and sets with shine. For extra flavor depth, try a splash of almond or kirsch extract in the filling. When decorating, sprinkle toppings immediately after dipping to ensure adhesion. For speedy assembly, set up an assembly line: shape, chill, dip, coat, then chill again.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Peppermint Cherry Bombs: swap vanilla for 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and top with crushed candy cane for a classic holiday twist.
Dark Chocolate Shell: replace white chocolate with tempered dark chocolate for a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cherry.
Coconut-Almond: roll in toasted coconut and sliced almonds for a tropical-nutty profile.
Boozy Centers: soak cherries in a splash of rum or kirsch for adults-only bombs; pat dry thoroughly afterward.
Mini Cheesecake Style: add a tablespoon of sour cream to the filling for extra tang and creaminess.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

Allergens: contains dairy and tree nuts (pecans). For nut-free, omit pecans and use crushed cereal or seeds. To make vegan: use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan white chocolate; confirm that cherries and other add-ins are vegan-friendly. For gluten-free, swap graham crumbs for certified gluten-free crumbs or ground gluten-free cookies. Always label allergen changes clearly when serving guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do Christmas Cherry Bombs keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for 3–4 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep them refrigerated until serving.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
A: Fresh cherries can work but are juicier and may make the filling soggy. Pit and pat dry thoroughly or lightly macerate and dry them to reduce moisture.

Q: What’s the easiest way to melt white chocolate without it seizing?
A: Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring each time. Remove from heat while a few small unmelted bits remain and stir until smooth. Avoid steam or water contact.

Q: Can I freeze these and how do I thaw them?
A: Yes — freeze on a tray until solid, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for several hours before serving to maintain texture.

Q: How do I get a perfectly smooth chocolate coating?
A: Ensure centers are chilled, use warm (not hot) chocolate, and tap off excess. A thin, even pour and working quickly will yield a glossy finish.

Q: What can I do if the filling is too sweet?
A: Add a pinch more cream cheese or a squeeze of lemon to balance sweetness, or use less powdered sugar when mixing the filling.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

These Christmas Cherry Bombs are an easy, festive treat that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss — perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or a weeknight sweet. Try one of the variations, tag your creations on socials, and let us know how you tweaked the recipe. If you loved this, explore more holiday desserts in the dessert category for inspiration and seasonal ideas.