Christmas Cherry Bombs have become my absolute favorite no-bake holiday treat, and I can’t wait for you to try them! The moment you pop one of these festive little bites into your mouth, you get this incredible burst of sweet cherry, a warming hint of peppermint, and a smooth chocolatey finish. I first discovered this delightful Christmas Cherry Bomb recipe a few years ago, and they were an instant hit at our family gatherings. The deep red cherries, coated in chocolate and festive sprinkles, look so beautiful on a holiday platter. They’re perfect for those last-minute additions to your dessert table, especially when you need something that screams holiday cheer but doesn’t require turning on the oven. These are especially wonderful for Christmas Cherry Bombs for parties because they’re so easy to eat while mingling. Let’s get cooking!

What are Christmas Cherry Bombs?

So, you might be wondering, what are Christmas Cherry Bombs? They’re essentially maraschino cherries that have been soaked in peppermint schnapps, then coated in smooth, melted chocolate and festive decorations. This no-bake dessert offers a delightful flavor profile that’s a perfect blend of sweet cherry, a warming boozy kick from the schnapps, and a refreshing minty finish from the peppermint. They are absolutely ideal for the holiday season, adding a touch of elegance and a pop of color to any celebration. This unique Christmas Cherry Bomb dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Cherry Bomb recipe

You’re going to adore making these festive treats. They’re a showstopper without any fuss!

• Festive Appearance: Their vibrant red color and decorative toppings scream holiday cheer.
• Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet cherry, boozy peppermint, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible.
• Ease of Making: This Christmas Cherry Bombs easy to make recipe requires no baking, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Suitability for Parties: They’re bite-sized and easy to handle, making them ideal for any holiday gathering.
• Edible Gift Potential: Package them beautifully for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
• No-Bake Method: Skip the oven and enjoy a simple, quick preparation process.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for cookie platters, hostess gifts, or just a special sweet treat for yourself.

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Bombs

Gathering the right Christmas Cherry Bomb ingredients is the first step to creating these festive delights. For this Festive Christmas Cherry Bomb recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 jar (about 16 oz) maraschino cherries with stems – the stems make for easy dipping and a pretty presentation.
• 1 cup peppermint schnapps – this is what gives our cherry bombs their signature boozy, minty kick.
• 1 ½ cups melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white) – choose your favorite for the smooth, decadent coating.
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening (optional) – this helps the chocolate melt smoothly for an even coating.
• Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for decoration – these add that extra sparkle and festive flair.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Bombs

Ready to create these delightful little holiday treats? Follow these steps for a truly Homemade Christmas Cherry Bomb recipe that’s sure to impress!

1. Step 1: Start by draining your maraschino cherries. Gently use paper towels to blot them as dry as possible. This is super important for the chocolate to stick well!
2. Step 2: Place the dried cherries into a bowl. Pour the peppermint schnapps over them, making sure they are completely submerged in the liquid.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator. You’ll want to let them soak for at least an hour, but for the best flavor, I like to leave them for up to 24 hours.
4. Step 4: Once soaked, drain the cherries again and blot them thoroughly with paper towels one last time. Any leftover moisture will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.
5. Step 5: Now it’s time for the chocolate! Melt your melting chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or use a double boiler. If you’re using coconut oil or shortening, stir it in now for a smoother, more fluid coating.
6. Step 6: Holding each cherry carefully by its stem, dip it into the melted chocolate. Swirl it around to get a nice, even coating, then lift it out and let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
7. Step 7: Before the chocolate has a chance to set, immediately place the dipped cherry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now’s the time to add your festive decorations – sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter!
8. Step 8: Repeat this dipping and decorating process with all your remaining cherries.
9. Step 9: Let your beautiful Christmas Cherry Bombs set. You can leave them at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for a quicker firming time.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cherry Bomb recipe

I’ve made these festive treats more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure they turn out perfectly every time. Follow these tips for the ultimate Christmas Cherry Bombs!

• Always choose maraschino cherries that still have their stems attached. This makes dipping much easier and gives them that signature elegant look.
• Be mindful of soaking time! While soaking in peppermint schnapps infuses them with flavor, over-soaking can make the cherries too soft and difficult to handle.
• Thoroughly drying the cherries before dipping is absolutely crucial. Even a tiny bit of moisture will cause the chocolate to seize or not adhere properly.
• Store your finished Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead option.

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cherry Bombs?

The real secret to a flawless Authentic Christmas Cherry Bomb recipe lies in ensuring the cherries are completely dry before dipping. I blot them multiple times with paper towels – it’s the key to getting that smooth, clean chocolate coating that adheres perfectly.

Can I make Christmas Cherry Bombs ahead of time?

Absolutely! These are a fantastic make-ahead holiday treat. You can prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re perfect for busy hosts who want to get a head start on their festive preparations. For more make-ahead dessert ideas, check out these delicious desserts.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cherry Bombs?

Avoid over-soaking the cherries; they can become too soft and mushy. Also, make sure they are *very* dry before dipping, or the chocolate won’t stick. If your chocolate seizes, it’s likely from overheating or moisture contamination, so melt it gently and keep everything dry. Learning about proper chocolate tempering can help prevent this; you can find great resources on tempering chocolate.

Christmas Cherry Bomb Decorations and Variations

Let’s talk about making your Christmas Cherry Bombs truly sparkle and taste amazing! For beautiful Christmas Cherry Bomb decorations, I love using classic holiday sprinkles – the more colorful, the better! Crushed candy canes are another fantastic option, adding an extra burst of minty sweetness and a festive crunch. For a touch of glamour, a little edible glitter can make them look magical. When it comes to flavor, you have options too! You can use milk, dark, or white melting chocolate for the coating, each offering a different taste experience. For even more exciting Christmas Cherry Bombs festive flavors, try adding a tiny drop of peppermint extract or even a hint of cherry extract to your melted chocolate. You might also enjoy these Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies for another festive treat.

Serving and Storing Christmas Cherry Bombs

These festive little delights are incredibly versatile. I love serving them as a fun party appetizer, letting guests grab a few as they mingle. They also look absolutely stunning arranged on a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and other festive treats. Plus, they make for such a thoughtful and delicious edible gift! Simply package them in a pretty box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. To keep your Christmas Cherry Bombs tasting their best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to 1 week, ensuring you always have a delightful Christmas Cherry Bomb treat ready for unexpected guests or a sweet craving. For other great appetizer ideas, consider this Bruschetta with Beef Tartare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cherry Bombs

Are Christmas Cherry Bombs alcoholic?

Yes, traditionally, these delightful Christmas Cherry Bomb bites are made with peppermint schnapps, giving them a pleasant boozy kick. However, if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, you can easily soak the cherries in peppermint syrup or a simple syrup infused with peppermint extract instead. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats!

Can children eat Christmas Cherry Bombs?

Children can enjoy these festive treats, but only the non-alcoholic version! If you’ve soaked the cherries in peppermint syrup or a non-alcoholic alternative, they are perfectly safe and fun for kids to eat. It’s a great way to include them in the holiday indulgence.

What kind of chocolate is best for Christmas Cherry Bombs?

For the best results with your Christmas Cherry Bomb cookie recipe, I highly recommend using melting chocolate wafers or chocolate candy melts. They’re formulated to melt smoothly and set up firm, giving you a beautiful, even coating. Good quality chocolate chips can also work, but you might need to add a little coconut oil or shortening to achieve the right consistency for dipping. If you’re interested in learning more about different types of chocolate, this guide to types of chocolate might be helpful.

How long do Christmas Cherry Bombs last?

These festive confections are quite durable! You can store your finished Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll typically last for up to a week. They’re a fantastic make-ahead option for holiday parties or edible gifts, so you can prepare them well in advance. For more holiday baking inspiration, consider these Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes.

Nutritional Information for Christmas Cherry Bombs

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful Christmas Cherry Bombs. Keep in mind that these are approximate values, as the exact amounts can vary slightly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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