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

Scale

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)

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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.