Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Cherry Bombs are a festive and delightful treat combining sweet maraschino cherries with a refreshing peppermint twist. Coated in creamy white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies, they make a perfect holiday snack or party favor.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems
- ¼ cup peppermint schnapps
- 5 ounces white chocolate melting discs
- ¼ cup peppermint candies, finely crushed (from 10-12 pieces)
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the lid from the jar of maraschino cherries, saving the lid, and drain out ¼ cup of the juice while keeping the cherries in the jar.
- Step 2: Add ¼ cup of peppermint schnapps to the jar of cherries, replace the lid, and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the cherries to soak and absorb the peppermint flavor.
- Step 3: Carefully remove the cherries from the jar and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Step 4: Line a rimmed tray with parchment paper and set aside for the dipped cherries.
- Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate discs at 50% power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir and continue heating in 15-30 second intervals until completely melted and smooth, stirring between each interval.
- Step 6: Hold a dry cherry by the stem and dip it into the white chocolate, covering about ¾ of the cherry.
- Step 7: Immediately dip the bottom of the chocolate-covered cherry into the crushed peppermint candies. Place it on the prepared tray with the stem pointing up. Repeat for all cherries.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the tray of cherry bombs for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, soak the cherries overnight in the schnapps mixture.
- Use candy canes instead of peppermint candies for a chunkier texture.
- Make sure cherries are very dry before dipping to help the chocolate adhere better.
Storage
Store Christmas Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of alcohol instead of peppermint schnapps?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint schnapps with other flavored liqueurs like cherry or vanilla, but it will change the overall flavor profile of the cherry bombs.
How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing while melting?
Heat the chocolate slowly at low power, stirring often. Avoid any contact with water or steam, as moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.
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Christmas Cherry Bombs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including soak time)
- Yield: Approximately 20 cherry bombs 1x
Description
Festive and delicious Christmas Cherry Bombs featuring maraschino cherries soaked in peppermint schnapps, dipped in smooth white chocolate, and finished with crushed peppermint candies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these treats combine the sweet, minty, and creamy flavors for a delightful bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Cherries
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems
- ¼ cup peppermint schnapps
Coating
- 5 ounces white chocolate melting discs
- ¼ cup peppermint candies, finely crushed (from 10–12 pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare cherries: Remove the lid from the jar of maraschino cherries, reserving the lid, and drain ¼ cup of the cherry juice from the jar while keeping the cherries inside.
- Infuse cherries: Add ¼ cup of peppermint schnapps to the jar with the cherries. Replace the lid, then refrigerate the jar for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the cherries to soak and absorb the peppermint flavor.
- Dry cherries: After soaking, carefully remove all cherries from the jar and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the chocolate coating adheres properly.
- Prepare workspace: Line a rimmed tray with parchment paper to place the finished cherry bombs on for chilling and easy cleanup.
- Melt chocolate: Place white chocolate melting discs in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stir well, then microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir between heating intervals for even melting.
- Dip cherries: Holding a dry cherry by the stem, dip it into the melted white chocolate, covering about ¾ of the cherry. Then dip the bottom half coated in white chocolate into the crushed peppermint candies to coat the chocolate layer.
- Set cherries: Place the dipped cherries onto the prepared parchment-lined tray with stems pointing upwards. Repeat this process until all cherries are coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tray of peppermint-dipped cherry bombs for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely before serving.
Notes
- To intensify the peppermint flavor, allow cherries to soak overnight in the schnapps-infused juice.
- Ensure cherries are completely dry before dipping to help chocolate adhere better.
- Use high-quality white chocolate melts to achieve a smooth and shiny coating.
- Store finished cherry bombs refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cherry bombs, peppermint cherries, white chocolate cherries, holiday treats, festive desserts
