Sure! Here’s a fun, detailed recipe for Christmas Cherry Balls with all the trimmings. It’ll include an introduction, ingredients, methods, a little history, and even some fun twists to make this holiday treat extra special.
Christmas Cherry Balls
An Irresistible Holiday Cookie Treat
Introduction:
Every holiday season, there are certain treats that become the centerpiece of your festive spread—cookies, candies, and all sorts of sweet bites that make this time of year extra special. One of the most fun and colorful holiday treats is the Christmas Cherry Ball. With their soft, chewy texture, sweet cherry filling, and a delightful vanilla cake base, these treats are sure to be a hit at any Christmas party, cookie exchange, or as a gift for loved ones.
These Cherry Balls are a twist on the classic cherry cookie and a fun addition to any holiday gathering. They’re bright, festive, and just sweet enough to satisfy that holiday dessert craving.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for an extra layer of flavor)
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla cake mix, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and egg. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Cherry Filling:
- While the cookies are cooling, take the maraschino cherries and chop them finely. Set them aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Once thickened, remove from the heat and fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Let the filling cool completely.
Assembling the Cherry Balls:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a small spoon or your fingers to create a small well in the center of each cookie.
- Fill the well with the cooled cherry filling, being careful not to overfill.
- Place the filled cookies back on the cooling rack.
Coating the Cookies:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) to create a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of each cherry-filled cookie, allowing it to set for about 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the glaze hardens.
Methods & Tips:
- Texture Tip: For a slightly firmer cookie, you can refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
- Cherry Swap: If you prefer a different fruit, you can easily substitute maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or even small bits of candied fruit.
- Gift Idea: These Christmas Cherry Balls make for wonderful homemade holiday gifts. Place them in a cute tin or box, and you have a charming gift that anyone will love!
History and Formation:
The Christmas Cherry Ball cookie is a fun and modern take on traditional holiday cookie recipes that often center around fruit-filled or marzipan-based treats. The origins of fruit-based Christmas cookies date back to medieval Europe, where fruits like cherries, apples, and figs were commonly used in festive baking. In particular, maraschino cherries (which were first preserved in the late 19th century) became a popular decoration for cakes, cookies, and desserts in the U.S. by the mid-20th century.
The idea of a “cherry ball” cookie evolved from the popularity of maraschino cherries in desserts and the ease of making small, bite-sized cookies. This cookie is often seen in American holiday baking traditions and is favored for its vibrant color, festive appeal, and delicious sweetness.
Lovers of This Recipe:
This delightful Christmas Cherry Ball cookie is sure to win over anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings: They’re a festive addition to any cookie tray, making them a crowd-pleaser at Christmas parties.
- Cookie exchanges: If you’re attending or hosting a cookie swap, these unique, colorful treats will stand out.
- Gifting: Beautifully packaged, they make thoughtful homemade gifts for family, friends, and colleagues.
- Family baking: Kids love helping with the cherry filling, and it’s a great family recipe to pass down.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re making these cookies to share with family and friends, for a cookie exchange, or just as a personal holiday treat, Christmas Cherry Balls are sure to bring cheer to any occasion. The soft, sweet cookie base, paired with the tangy cherry filling and finished off with a delicate glaze, will make these little bites the star of your holiday dessert table.
The best part? They’re easy to make, fun to assemble, and beautiful to look at. They embody the spirit of Christmas in both flavor and appearance—colorful, delicious, and festive! So go ahead and treat yourself, or make a batch to share with your loved ones this holiday season.
Enjoy and happy baking!
I hope this recipe meets your expectations! Let me know if you need further details or a tweak to the recipe.