If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s both chewy and bursting with flavor, the Sweet Cherry Surprise No-Bake Christmas Balls Recipe is exactly what your holiday snack lineup needs. These delightful little bites are perfectly sweetened with shredded coconut, enriched with creamy condensed milk, and each one hides a juicy maraschino cherry right in the center. They come together in just minutes without any baking required, making them the ideal DIY holiday treat to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you make these charming cherry balls, they’ll become your go-to Christmas delight year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in making the chewy texture, sweet flavor, and festive look just right. From the graham cracker crumbs to the shredded coconut, every component adds its own magic to this no-fuss holiday treat.
- Maraschino cherries, drained and dried: The juicy star in the center of each ball—make sure they’re patted dry to avoid sogginess.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Adds a sturdy yet crumbly base with a touch of buttery flavor to the mixture.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Brings chewy texture and a tropical hint that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the glue and the rich sweetness that binds every bite together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Extra shredded coconut for rolling: Adds a snow-dusted festive look and an extra layer of chewiness on the outside.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast if you want to mix things up.
How to Make Sweet Cherry Surprise No-Bake Christmas Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries
Start by draining your maraschino cherries very well and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it prevents extra moisture, helping the mixture hold together better. Each cherry will be snugly wrapped in the sweet, chewy mixture so they stay perfectly hidden inside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sweetened shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts if you’re adding them. These dry ingredients set the foundation, giving the balls their lovely texture and subtle crunch.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is moist and sticky, ready to envelop each cherry in a delicious blanket of sweetness.
Step 4: Shape the Christmas Balls
Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your palm, place a maraschino cherry in the center, then carefully mold the mixture around it, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat until all cherries are wrapped up.
Step 5: Roll in Coconut and Chill
Roll each ball in the extra shredded coconut to coat them in a festive white layer. Place the balls on a tray and chill them in the fridge for at least an hour so they firm up and hold their shape.
How to Serve Sweet Cherry Surprise No-Bake Christmas Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These cherry balls look beautiful when garnished with extra shredded coconut or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy, holiday feel. You can even drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate for an elegant finish that tastes like a winter dream.
Side Dishes
Pair them with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or even a rich coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also mix well alongside a cheese and fruit board if you want to serve as part of a festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting these festive bites in mini cupcake liners or on a beautiful holiday platter decorated with holly leaves, pine sprigs, and cinnamon sticks. They also make charming edible gifts when wrapped individually in cellophane with a colorful ribbon tied around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these cherry balls fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them ideal for holiday prep well in advance. Just make sure they’re chilled to maintain their firmness and chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the cherry balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to three months this way. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve that perfect chewy bite.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If desired, you can let chilled balls sit out for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before eating, which brings out their sweet charm even more.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries won’t have the same sweetness or texture, and without the syrup some moisture issues might arise. Maraschino cherries are ideal because they’re juicy yet firm and add that classic festive flavor.
What if I don’t have shredded coconut? Can I omit it?
The shredded coconut adds important chew and flavor to the Soft Cherry Surprise No-Bake Christmas Balls Recipe. If you must omit it, consider substituting with finely chopped nuts or crushed cereal, but the texture will differ.
Are these Christmas balls suitable for kids?
Absolutely! They’re a fun, sweet, and safe treat for kids to enjoy and even help make. Just be mindful of any nut allergies if you include the optional chopped nuts.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free alternative like gluten-free cookie crumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal, you can make these suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
How long do they last before going bad?
Stored properly in the fridge, these balls should stay fresh and delicious for about one week. Beyond that, their texture and flavor might start to change, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet Cherry Surprise No-Bake Christmas Balls Recipe that makes holiday gatherings instantly sweeter. They’re easy to whip up, requiring just a few pantry staples, yet deliver that wow-factor everyone loves. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch these merry little treats vanish from your table just like magic. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Print
Sweet Cherry Surprise No-Bake Christmas Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Cherry Surprise are no-bake, chewy, and festive snack balls that feature a hidden maraschino cherry inside. Coated with shredded coconut and optionally rolled in chopped nuts, these Christmas cherry balls come together quickly and make a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and dried
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating
- Extra shredded coconut for rolling
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the balls hold shape better.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and sticky enough to shape.
- Form cherry balls: Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one dried maraschino cherry in the center, then carefully fold the mixture around it, rolling it into a tight ball to completely enclose the cherry.
- Coat the balls: Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to cover its surface. For a crunchy alternative, you can roll them in chopped pecans or walnuts instead or mix the coconut and nuts for coating.
- Chill and set: Place the cherry balls on a tray or plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour or until firm. This chilling step helps them hold their shape and enhances the chewy texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, serve the festive cherry balls as a sweet holiday treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Dried cherries can be substituted for maraschino cherries if preferred, but maraschino cherries provide a sweeter, juicier surprise.
- Ensure cherries are well dried to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and sticky.
- For a nut-free option, simply skip rolling in nuts and use extra coconut instead.
- These no-bake treats can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until serving.
- Use finely crushed graham crackers for a smoother texture.
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