Christmas Cherry Balls are a beloved confection that captures the holiday spirit in a sweet, colorful bite. Each ball hides a vibrant, juicy cherry at its center, wrapped in a coconut-butter cookie layer, and finished with a coating of snowy coconut or a blanket of silky chocolate.
With their nostalgic flavor and festive appearance, these easy no-bake treats have earned their place on countless holiday dessert trays and cookie exchanges.
Why Christmas Cherry Balls Are a Holiday Classic
There’s something magical about treats that require little effort but deliver big smiles. Cherry balls have stood the test of time for their festive looks, creamy texture, and juicy center, drawing kids and grown-ups alike back to the dessert table for “just one more.” They’re perfect for making ahead, for gifting, or for involving little helpers in the kitchen—durable enough to transport but elegant on a platter or nestled in candy papers.
The combination of tart cherries, buttery sweetness, and coconut makes these treats the best of all worlds: familiar like a snowball cookie, but with a fruity surprise at the core. For many, the holiday season simply isn’t complete without a tin of these jewel-bright candies ready for guests.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, well drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 8 oz semisweet or white chocolate, chopped or chips, for dipping
- Optional: Sprinkles for decoration
Crafting the Perfect Cherry Balls
Start by draining maraschino cherries very well—blot them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture makes balls hard to shape and can “bleed” through the coating.
Blend softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until creamy and fluffy. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the coconut until the mix holds together and is pliable. Chill for 30 minutes to make the dough easier to work with.
With clean hands, scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture, flatten slightly, and wrap it around a cherry, rolling gently into a smooth ball. Place formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill at least 1 hour, or freeze briefly until firm—this step is essential for neatness and success, especially if you plan to dip the balls in chocolate.
Two Ways to Finish: All-Coconut or Chocolate-Dipped
For classic coconut cherry balls, roll the chilled balls in the remaining coconut, pressing gently to coat. For an extra-snowy effect, pulse coconut briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.
For a chocolate-covered version, melt semisweet or white chocolate with a dash of coconut oil for smoothness. Dip each chilled ball with a fork, shaking off excess coating, and set on a lined tray. Sprinkle with coconut, sprinkles, or leave plain for a glossy finish. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature or briefly refrigerate to harden.
Step-by-Step Tips for Success
- Dry cherries thoroughly to prevent soggy centers.
- Use sifted powdered sugar for the creamiest texture.
- If dough is sticky, chill longer or dust hands with powdered sugar as you roll.
- Chill balls before coating; this helps them hold their shape.
For nutty variation, add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough, or replace half the coconut with ground almonds.
Prep can be done as much as five days in advance, with coated balls kept in airtight containers in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze (before or after coating) and thaw in the fridge before serving; they’ll taste as fresh as the day you made them.
Festive Serving and Presentation Ideas
Arrange cherry balls in mini cupcake liners for parties or gift them in decorative tins and boxes. Pair with other holiday cookies for a colorful, crowd-pleasing tray. For a deluxe dessert platter, surround with fresh berries, candied citrus, or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
While beautiful on their own, a drizzle of white or dark chocolate can add an elegant finish. Edible glitter, candied cherries, or crushed peppermint can make these even more festive.
Variations to Try
- Swap maraschino cherries for candied cherries or cocktail cherries for a different flavor.
- Add almond extract or orange zest to the dough for aromatic nuance.
- Dust the finished balls with confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, or powdered freeze-dried berries.
Go tropical with dried pineapple or mango instead of cherries, or go super-chocolaty by folding mini chocolate chips into the coconut dough.
Make-Ahead and Gifting Tips
Christmas Cherry Balls are ideal for holidays because they’re resilient and only improve after a day or two. Assemble and chill in advance, then coat (in coconut or chocolate) just before gifting for best appearance. For mailing, pack in snug layers and cushion with wax paper to keep them intact.
Pair cherry balls with fudge, brittle, or shortbread for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why do my cherry balls bleed color?
If cherries are too wet, they can leak into the coconut coating. Dry thoroughly before wrapping, and use a little extra coconut if needed.
Dough too dry or crumbly?
Add a teaspoon or two of cherry juice or milk, just until the mixture holds together.
Chocolate not setting?
Let dipped balls cool at room temp first, not in a hot kitchen, and use real chocolate or melting wafers for best results.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely—just separate layers with parchment and they’re ready to thaw and serve.
What’s best for nut allergies?
Skip nuts entirely or use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Nutrition and Audience
Each cherry ball is a treat, best enjoyed in moderation as a holiday bite. They’re gluten-free and can be made nut-free and dairy-free with substitutes as needed, making them a flexible choice for parties and gifts.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Balls add sparkle and sweetness to every celebration, blending nostalgia and joy in every festive bite. Easy to make, even easier to love, they’re a must for cookie trays and homemade gifts all season long. Whether you stick to coconut, dip in chocolate, or invent your own twist, these cheerful treats promise to brighten your holidays year after year.
