Description

Christmas Cherry Balls are festive, no-bake treats featuring a sweet cherry-flavored base coated in smooth white chocolate and topped with crunchy cherry sugar and whole maraschino cherries. These delightful bite-sized desserts are perfect for holiday parties and celebrations, combining creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures with a charming pink and white color scheme.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Ball Base:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup finely crushed vanilla wafer crumbs
½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained & patted dry)
3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
1 tsp almond extract
Pink gel food coloring (optional)

White Drip Coating:

1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or white melting wafers
2 tsp vegetable oil

Cherry Sugar Topping:

½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry very well)

Decoration:

Whole maraschino cherries
Mini striped straws or decorative sticks, cut in half

Instructions

Prepare Cherry Sugar Topping: Mix the granulated sugar with finely chopped maraschino cherries. Spread the mixture on a plate and let it air-dry for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes sandy and crisp.
Make the Cherry Ball Base: In a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, crushed vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly to form a thick dough. If the dough is too soft, add more powdered sugar. Optionally, add pink gel food coloring to tint the dough.
Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into smooth, golf-ball-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 to 25 minutes to firm up.
Melt White Chocolate Coating: Melt the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil in the microwave in 20 to 30 second intervals, stirring between intervals, until smooth and glossy.
Dip and Coat: Dip the top of each chilled cherry ball into the melted white chocolate, allowing it to drip naturally. Immediately sprinkle the cherry sugar topping around the wet coating for a crunchy finish.
Decorate: Place a whole maraschino cherry on top of each ball and insert a half mini striped straw or decorative stick before the coating sets.
Set and Chill: Allow the coated balls to set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes or place in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep chilled until serving.

Notes

Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough or topping.
Add powdered sugar gradually to achieve the right dough consistency.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during freezing and shaping.
White chocolate can burn easily; melt gently in short intervals and stir thoroughly.
The mini striped straws not only add a festive touch but also make the cherry balls easier to handle.
Store finished cherry balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cherry balls, no-bake dessert, holiday treats, maraschino cherry recipe, white chocolate desserts