Christmas Cherry Bombs – Festive, Chocolatey & Explosively Delicious!

If there’s one holiday treat guaranteed to steal the spotlight on a Christmas dessert table, it’s Christmas Cherry Bombs. These bite-sized delights look elegant, taste indulgent, and deliver a surprise burst of juicy cherry flavor at the center—hence the name. One bite and boom—rich chocolate, creamy filling, and sweet cherry come together in a way that feels downright magical.

Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, gift boxes, and festive dessert platters, Christmas Cherry Bombs are a no-bake candy-style dessert that feels nostalgic yet exciting. They’re reminiscent of classic chocolate-covered cherries but upgraded with a creamy cheesecake-like filling and a festive finish that screams Christmas cheer.

Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make and ideal for prepping ahead during the busy holiday season.


What Are Christmas Cherry Bombs?

Christmas Cherry Bombs are chocolate-coated truffle-style treats made with a whole cherry hidden inside a creamy filling, then dipped in chocolate and decorated for the holidays. When bitten into, the cherry “explodes” with flavor, creating a delicious contrast of textures and tastes.

They combine:

  • A juicy maraschino cherry center
  • A smooth cream cheese filling
  • A rich chocolate coating
  • Festive holiday decorations

They’re bold, beautiful, and completely irresistible.


Why You’ll Love This Holiday Treat

  • No baking required
  • Perfect bite-sized dessert
  • Easy to make ahead
  • Festive and giftable
  • Rich yet balanced sweetness
  • Always a conversation starter

These are the kind of treats guests remember—and request every year.


Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling

  • Maraschino cherries (well-drained, stems removed)
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Vanilla extract

For the Coating

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting wafers

For Decorating

  • White chocolate (optional, melted)
  • Red and green sprinkles or sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy and fully combined.
  4. Scoop a small amount of filling and flatten it in your palm.
  5. Place one cherry in the center and gently wrap the filling around it, sealing completely.
  6. Roll into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Chill for 30 minutes until firm.
  8. Melt chocolate according to package instructions.
  9. Dip each chilled cherry bomb into melted chocolate, coating fully.
  10. Place back on parchment and decorate with sprinkles or white chocolate drizzle.
  11. Refrigerate until chocolate is set before serving.

Flavor & Texture Explosion

These treats deliver an unforgettable bite:

  • Outer shell: Smooth, snappy chocolate
  • Middle layer: Creamy, sweet filling
  • Center: Juicy cherry burst

It’s a perfect balance of richness and brightness—never too heavy, never too sweet.


Tips for Perfect Cherry Bombs

  • Dry cherries thoroughly to prevent filling from slipping
  • Chill before dipping for clean chocolate coating
  • Use a fork or dipping tool for smooth coverage
  • Decorate before chocolate fully sets so toppings stick
  • Keep chilled until serving

A little patience goes a long way for picture-perfect results.


Festive Variations

Dark Chocolate Cherry Bombs
Use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet finish.

White Chocolate Cherry Bombs
Dip in white chocolate and decorate with red drizzle.

Spiked Cherry Bombs (Adults Only)
Soak cherries briefly in cherry liqueur, then dry well.

Peppermint Cherry Bombs
Add crushed candy canes on top for extra holiday flair.


Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
  • Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw in fridge)
  • Ideal for holiday prep and gifting

They travel well and hold their shape beautifully.


Serving & Gifting Ideas

  • Arrange on Christmas cookie trays
  • Add to holiday dessert boards
  • Package in festive tins or boxes
  • Serve with coffee, cocoa, or dessert wine

They look elegant but feel fun—perfect for the holidays.


Why They’re a Christmas Classic

Chocolate-covered cherries have long been a holiday tradition, and Christmas Cherry Bombs are their modern, crowd-pleasing evolution. They offer nostalgia with a twist—bigger flavor, creamier texture, and a festive presentation that fits right into today’s holiday celebrations.


Final Thoughts

Christmas Cherry Bombs are everything a holiday dessert should be: festive, decadent, surprising, and absolutely delicious. With a juicy cherry center, creamy filling, and rich chocolate shell, they deliver a flavor explosion that makes them unforgettable.

Make a batch once, and they’ll become a permanent part of your Christmas dessert lineup.

Christmas Cherry Bombs

Festive chocolate-coated cherry truffles with a creamy filling and juicy center.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 bombs
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Christmas
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

  • 24 maraschino cherries drained and dried
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 oz chocolate chips melted

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
  3. Wrap filling around cherries and roll into balls.
  4. Chill 30 minutes.
  5. Dip in melted chocolate and decorate.

Notes

Dry cherries thoroughly for best results.