Holiday cherry balls

 

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start thinking about the delicious treats that will fill our tables and delight our guests. One such festive delight is the charming Holiday Cherry Balls. These delightful confections, with their vibrant cherry centers and creamy coatings, are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making these delightful cherry balls, from the ingredients to serving suggestions, all while ensuring a fun and enjoyable baking experience.

What is Holiday Cherry Balls?

Holiday Cherry Balls are bite-sized treats made with sweet maraschino cherries that are coated in a rich mixture of cream cheese and nuts, then rolled into balls and typically coated with chocolate or coconut. Their combination of tart and sweet flavors, along with a delightful crunch, makes them a festive favorite during the holiday season. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, making them a popular choice for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Holiday Cherry Balls, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening (optional, for smooth melting)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (optional, for coating)

Kitchen Tools

Before you start making your Holiday Cherry Balls, ensure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Spoon or spatula
• Cookie sheet or tray
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Fork or toothpick (for dipping the balls in chocolate)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Holiday Cherry Balls:

1. Prepare the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure the cream cheese mixture adheres well.
2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped nuts into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until evenly distributed.
4. Form the Balls: Take about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and wrap it around each cherry, forming a ball. Ensure the cherry is completely covered. Place each ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill the Balls: Once all the cherries are wrapped, cover the cookie sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the balls to firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate.
6. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (if using). Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
7. Dip the Balls: Remove the cherry balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the cookie sheet.
8. Add Coconut (Optional): If desired, roll the chocolate-coated balls in shredded coconut for an extra festive touch before the chocolate sets.
9. Chill Again: Once all the balls are coated, return them to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set, about 30 minutes.
10. Serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, serve the Holiday Cherry Balls on a festive platter or store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To ensure your Holiday Cherry Balls turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

• Drying the Cherries: Make sure to thoroughly dry the cherries after draining them. Excess moisture can cause the cream cheese filling to slide off.
• Softening Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother consistency.
• Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling steps; they are essential for helping the balls hold their shape and making them easier to dip in chocolate.
• Chocolate Dipping: If the chocolate becomes too thick while dipping, reheat it gently in the microwave to restore its smoothness.
• Experiment with Coatings: Feel free to get creative with your coatings! Try crushed nuts, sprinkles, or colored sugar for a festive look.

Variations

While the classic Holiday Cherry Balls are delightful on their own, you can try these variations to switch things up:

• Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for different flavor profiles.
• Flavor Infusions: Add a splash of almond extract or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
• Fruit Substitutes: For a change, replace maraschino cherries with dried apricots or cranberries for a different taste.
• Nut Alternatives: If you have nut allergies, you can use crushed graham crackers or pretzels as a coating instead of nuts.

Serving Suggestions

These Holiday Cherry Balls are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Arrange them on a festive plate for a holiday dessert table.
• Include them in gift boxes for friends and family.
• Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday treat.
• Incorporate them into dessert platters alongside cookies, fudge, and other sweets.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Holiday Cherry Balls fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Store the cherry balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply move them to the refrigerator a few hours before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional information for one Holiday Cherry Ball (based on a standard recipe and serving size):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For a more accurate count, consider using a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries can be used, they need to be pitted and may require additional sweetening since they are not as sweet as maraschino cherries. Also, the texture will differ.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Holiday Cherry Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holidays.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a vegan cream cheese alternative or a cashew cream made from blended soaked cashews.

How do I keep the chocolate from cracking?

Make sure the chocolate is melted properly and avoid exposing it to moisture. Also, chilling the cherry balls before dipping can help prevent cracking.

Can I add alcohol to the filling?

Yes, you can add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as amaretto or rum, to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the consistency with a bit more powdered sugar if needed.

Conclusion

Holiday Cherry Balls are a delightful and festive treat that everyone will love. With their sweet and tangy cherry centers surrounded by creamy goodness and a chocolate coating, they capture the essence of holiday indulgence. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them at home, these cherry balls are sure to bring joy and sweetness to the season. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of creating these holiday confections!