🎄 Christmas Cherry Balls Recipe 🎁
Introduction
The holiday season is filled with joy, warmth, and the sweet scent of baked goods wafting through the house. One such delightful treat that brings a burst of color and flavor to your Christmas spread is Christmas Cherry Balls. These little indulgences are a perfect combination of soft, buttery cookie dough, a surprise cherry center, and a sweet finish. A favorite at holiday parties and family gatherings, they are fun to make, visually stunning, and taste like Christmas in every bite!
These bite-sized cherry balls are an absolute hit among kids and adults alike. The cream cheese and vanilla cake mix create a soft and smooth cookie base that complements the tartness of the maraschino cherry. If you’re looking to add something unique to your holiday dessert table, this recipe is sure to leave everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla cake mix
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
- 12 to 16 maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for dusting)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Begin by draining the maraschino cherries and patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help reduce excess moisture, ensuring that your cherry balls aren’t too wet.
- Set the cherries aside, ready to be wrapped in the cookie dough later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, softened cream cheese, and butter. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The dough should be soft and somewhat sticky.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will still be soft, but not liquid. If it feels too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes for easier rolling.
Step 3: Form the Cherry Balls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop a small amount of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and flatten it gently in your hands.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of the dough and carefully wrap the dough around the cherry, rolling it into a ball. Make sure the cherry is fully covered. Repeat until all cherries are wrapped in dough and placed on the baking sheet.
- Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the cherry balls in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden brown.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Coat with Sugar Glaze
- While the cherry balls are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk or heavy cream to form a smooth, drizzly consistency.
- Once the cherry balls are cooled, dip the top of each one into the glaze or drizzle it over the cookies. You can optionally dust with a little extra sugar for a sparkly holiday touch.
History of Christmas Cherry Balls
Christmas cookies have been a beloved tradition for centuries, with origins stretching back to medieval Europe. The use of fruits in holiday baking dates back to when dried fruits like raisins, currants, and cherries were prized for their sweetness and ability to preserve during the winter months.
The cherry balls, specifically, are a more modern variation, combining the classic sugar cookie dough with a maraschino cherry at the center—a nod to both the decadence of holiday baking and the simple joys of festive desserts. These bright red orbs not only capture the spirit of Christmas with their color but also tie in with the nostalgic sweetness of the holiday season. While the cherry ball is not necessarily an ancient treat, it has become a staple on many modern Christmas dessert tables, cherished for its visual appeal and flavor combination.
Formation of Cherry Balls and Their Role in Holiday Traditions
The formation of Christmas Cherry Balls is an easy process that appeals to bakers of all levels. The dough is forgiving, and the process is quick, making them a popular choice for last-minute holiday baking or for baking with kids. The addition of maraschino cherries is a fun twist on the classic fruit-filled cookies, offering a burst of sweetness that contrasts with the rich, buttery dough.
These cherry balls are often made in large batches, perfect for gift-giving or as part of a cookie exchange. The rich, decadent dough and the sweet surprise inside make them an irresistible treat for anyone visiting during the holiday season. Whether served alongside other cookies or standing alone as a showstopper, they’re sure to bring festive cheer to any holiday celebration.
Lovers of the Christmas Cherry Balls
Anyone who loves a good holiday treat will appreciate these cherry balls. They’re a favorite among:
- Families: These are a great choice for family baking sessions, especially for kids who love the process of wrapping the dough around the cherries and watching the cookies bake.
- Cookie Exchange Enthusiasts: If you’re part of a holiday cookie exchange, these cherry balls are bound to be a hit, as they stand out with their bright color and irresistible flavor.
- Cherry Lovers: If you adore cherries in your desserts, these little cherry bombs are the perfect combination of fruit and sweetness.
- Holiday Hosts: Perfect for gifting or serving at a holiday party, they can be packed into festive tins and given as presents to friends and neighbors.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Balls are a must-make for anyone looking to add a little extra sweetness to their holiday season. With their buttery, soft dough and vibrant cherry centers, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for your family, a cookie exchange, or as a homemade gift, these delightful treats are sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories.
Enjoy baking these festive beauties, and don’t forget to share them with the ones you love! May your holiday season be as sweet as these cherry balls!