Christmas Cherry Bombs: A Delicious Holiday Tradition
As the crisp winter air fills the house and snowflakes gently flutter outside the window, a familiar excitement stirs within me. The sweet aroma of melting chocolate mixes with the minty crispness of crushed peppermint. It is an inviting smell that takes me back to evenings spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. Her laughter would fill the room as we prepared delightful treats together. One special recipe that always brings back those precious memories is our beloved Christmas Cherry Bombs. These little bites of joy are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of love, warmth, and the spirit of family.
The Story Behind Our Favorite Christmas Cherry Bombs
Each dish we make around the holidays seems to carry a story, and for me, Christmas Cherry Bombs are no different. I remember the first time I stumbled upon the recipe while searching for a festive dessert to bring to my sister’s annual Christmas party. My goal was to create something that would spark joy and excitement, something that would evoke the spirit of our family gatherings. This recipe quickly became a favorite and a tradition that has warmed our hearts ever since.
When I first made these cherry bomb treats, I was met with surprised smiles from family and friends. The crisp outer layer of white chocolate encasing the sweet cherry soaked in peppermint schnapps is a delightful surprise, both for the eyes and the taste buds. I recall my kids eagerly waiting for them to set in the fridge, their faces lighting up with every taste. The joy of sharing these little treats brings back beautiful memories of friendship and family togetherness, and I cherish that feeling each time I prepare them.
The Simple Process Behind It
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
Bringing these Christmas Cherry Bombs together is an experience filled with fun and laughter. The process begins simply, as I visualize each layer coming together. Start by gathering your ingredients with your loved ones, turning the kitchen into a little hub of activity and excitement. The vibrant red cherries contrast beautifully with the white chocolate, and the crunch of the peppermint candies is always an anticipated sound as we crush them together.
As the cherries soak in peppermint schnapps, the anticipation builds in the room, and we share stories or holiday plans. Melting the white chocolate is another joy as I stir it, watching it transform into a glossy blanket that will soon surround our cherries. There is something magical about seeing the chocolate melt and drip as we coat each cherry, turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delightful Christmas Cherry Bombs, gather the following ingredients. Let’s take a look at what you will need to have on hand:
- 10 oz maraschino cherries
- 1/4 cup peppermint schnapps
- 5 oz white chocolate melting discs
- 1/4 cup peppermint candies, crushed
Each ingredient adds its special touch. The maraschino cherries provide that burst of sweetness, while the peppermint schnapps adds an adult flair that helps define the treat’s character. The melting discs are smooth and easy to work with, creating a beautiful coating. A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top gives it a festive crunch and aroma, bringing it all together.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating these Christmas Cherry Bombs is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to make your batch:
-
Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with a paper towel. You want to remove any excess moisture, as this will make it easier for the chocolate to adhere.
-
In a bowl, mix the peppermint schnapps with the cherries, letting them soak for an hour. The longer they soak, the more flavor they absorb, creating a delightful burst of peppermint with every bite.
-
Melt the white chocolate discs in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Make sure to stir until glossy, keeping an eye on it to avoid scorching.
-
Dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Lift them out with a fork, letting the excess chocolate drip off before placing them on a rack.
-
Roll the chocolate-covered cherries in crushed peppermint candies. This adds a delightful crunch and beautiful color to your treats.
-
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the chocolate set. The cooling process fills the kitchen with an enticing aroma, stirring up excitement for what comes next.
-
Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. These treats are best enjoyed chilled, and they keep well to delight your guests!
How We Enjoy Christmas Cherry Bombs at Home
Once the Christmas Cherry Bombs are ready, it’s time to gather around the table with family and friends. There is something about sharing a dessert that turns an ordinary night into a celebration. We love to plate these beauties in a festive dish, often dusting them with a little extra crushed peppermint for color and flair.
Often, we enjoy them during our Christmas movie marathons, where the warmth of laughter fills the room. Each bite is greeted with cheers and smiles, and they always prompt favorite family stories about holidays gone past. Sometimes, we surprise our neighbors with a plate of these delights, and watching their surprised expressions brings even more joy to the season.
Storing Christmas Cherry Bombs for Tomorrow
If you have some of these delightful bombs left over, storing them takes just a few simple steps. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. The flavors tend to mellow and deepen overnight, making them even more delicious on the second day.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself sneaking a little nibble here and there. Each bite feels like a continuation of the family love shared during the holidays, so they never seem to last long in our house.
Amelia’s Kitchen Notes
As I’ve made this recipe over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips that have made the process smoother and more enjoyable:
- If you can’t find peppermint schnapps, substitute with mint extract. Just use a smaller amount, as it’s much stronger. A little extra vanilla can also add a cozy, warm aroma that enhances the overall flavors.
- Make sure your chocolate is melted on low heat to prevent burning. Stir gently, and you’ll get a silky smooth finish.
- Cleanup is easy if you use silicone mats for melting and dipping. They are dishwasher safe and save time, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your time with loved ones.
Family Variations on Christmas Cherry Bombs
Over the years, we’ve added different twists to our Christmas Cherry Bombs, making them even more special. For instance, sometimes we switch the white chocolate for dark chocolate, creating a bolder flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
On occasion, we even incorporate a splash of orange or almond extract in the cherry soaking mixture for a fresh, fruity twist. You can also experiment by replacing the peppermint schnapps with other flavored liqueurs. Each variation brings a new facet of excitement and joy to our gatherings.
FAQs About Christmas Cherry Bombs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, it might taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled and come together. Just make sure to store them properly in the refrigerator.
What if I’m not a fan of peppermint?
If peppermint isn’t your favorite, feel free to switch it up! Use other flavored schnapps, or skip the soak altogether for pure cherry flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids love these treats, and you can prepare a version without schnapps. Just use vanilla extract instead for sweetness and flavor, making it appropriate for everyone.
A Final Thought
As I share this recipe with you, I hope it brings a little warmth and inspiration to your kitchen, just as it does in mine. Making Christmas Cherry Bombs has become a cherished tradition that connects us with flavors, laughter, and the love that fills our home during the holidays. I encourage you to gather your loved ones, mix together joy, and create delightful memories this season. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!
Christmas Cherry Bombs
Ingredients
Method
- Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix the peppermint schnapps with the cherries and let them soak for an hour.
- Melt the white chocolate discs in a microwave or double boiler until smooth, stirring to avoid scorching.
- Dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Lift them out with a fork, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Roll the chocolate-covered cherries in crushed peppermint candies.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to let the chocolate set.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Best enjoyed chilled.
