Festive Cherry Bombs

Introduction

Festive Cherry Bombs are a joyful holiday confection that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Each cherry offers a burst of sweetness and peppermint cheer, creating a bite-sized treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Made with maraschino cherries soaked in peppermint schnapps, dipped in silky white chocolate, and coated in crushed peppermint candies, these little gems are both elegant and easy to make. Whether served at Christmas parties, gifted in pretty boxes, or used to decorate a dessert platter, these cherry bombs never fail to impress.

This recipe blends nostalgic holiday flavors—sweet cherries, cooling peppermint, and creamy white chocolate—into one irresistible morsel. They’re no-bake, simple, and quick to prepare, yet they look like they came from a fancy candy shop. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that brings festive flair to any occasion.

My Recipe Story

The first time I made Festive Cherry Bombs, it was purely out of curiosity. I wanted something quick, charming, and just a bit grown-up for my annual holiday party. I had a jar of maraschino cherries sitting in the pantry and a bottle of peppermint schnapps from last year’s cocktails. A quick dip in white chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes later, and I had a treat that instantly became a favorite among my guests.

Over the years, these cherry bombs have become a holiday tradition in my home. Friends and family now request them every Christmas. The preparation process has turned into a joyful ritual—lining up the cherries, melting the chocolate, and rolling them in crushed peppermint while Christmas music plays in the background. There’s something so festive about creating a dessert that’s small, elegant, and full of seasonal cheer. Plus, they make beautiful edible gifts that look just as good as they taste.

Ingredient Breakdown

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a flavorful and visual purpose. The maraschino cherries are the star of the show, bringing both sweetness and that classic pop of festive red. Keeping the stems intact adds a touch of elegance and makes dipping easier. Look for cherries that are plump and vibrant in color for the best presentation.

The peppermint schnapps adds a sophisticated adult twist to the recipe. Soaking the cherries infuses them with a cool, minty flavor that perfectly complements the white chocolate. For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, you can skip the schnapps and simply pat the cherries dry before dipping.

White chocolate melting discs are ideal because they melt smoothly and harden beautifully, providing that glossy finish every candy lover craves. You can use baking white chocolate bars or chips as an alternative, but add a teaspoon of shortening to achieve the same silky texture. Finally, crushed peppermint candies add texture, crunch, and the quintessential holiday look. They provide that red-and-white sparkle that makes these treats stand out on any dessert table.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Small bowl for soaking cherries
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
• Fork or dipping tool
• Wax paper or parchment-lined baking sheet
• Zip-top bag or food processor for crushing peppermint candies
• Small tongs or toothpicks (optional, for dipping)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Soak the cherries. Drain the maraschino cherries and place them in a small bowl. Pour peppermint schnapps over the cherries until they are just covered. Let them soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how strong you want the flavor. Once soaked, drain the cherries and pat them dry gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the chocolate adhere properly.

Step 2: Prepare the coating ingredients. Place your crushed peppermint candies in a shallow dish or small bowl. Make sure the pieces are finely crushed for an even coating. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to set the dipped cherries on once coated. This step ensures a smooth workflow when dipping and decorating.

Step 3: Melt the white chocolate. Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate discs in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst until smooth and glossy. If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate over simmering water while stirring continuously. Avoid overheating, as white chocolate can burn easily and seize.

Step 4: Dip the cherries. Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it about two-thirds of the way into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately roll or sprinkle the lower half of the cherry with the crushed peppermint candies. Set the dipped cherry on the parchment-lined sheet. Repeat until all cherries are coated.

Step 5: Chill and serve. Once all cherries are dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens. Serve them chilled for a refreshing peppermint bite or let them sit at room temperature for a softer texture. Either way, these treats will look like tiny holiday ornaments ready to delight everyone at your table.

Variations & Substitutions

If you’d like to experiment, there are endless ways to personalize your Festive Cherry Bombs. For a richer flavor, substitute dark or milk chocolate for the white chocolate. This change adds a deeper sweetness that pairs beautifully with the peppermint and cherry combination. You can also try different types of alcohol—like amaretto, rum, or chocolate liqueur—for a unique twist.

For a family-friendly or non-alcoholic version, skip the schnapps and use a few drops of peppermint extract in the melted chocolate for flavor. If you prefer a less minty option, swap the peppermint candies for crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful holiday sprinkles. Each variation brings a new look and flavor profile while keeping the festive spirit intact.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

These Festive Cherry Bombs store beautifully, making them ideal for planning ahead. After the chocolate coating has fully set, transfer the cherries to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you’re preparing for a busy holiday week, make them a couple of days in advance—they actually taste better once the flavors have mingled a bit.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Arrange the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as condensation can cause the chocolate to sweat.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Festive Cherry Bombs shine on their own, but they’re even more delightful when paired with complementary desserts or drinks. Serve them as part of a Christmas dessert board alongside cookies, truffles, and chocolate bark for an eye-catching spread. They’re also wonderful when served with champagne, prosecco, or peppermint hot cocoa for a cozy evening treat.

For an elegant presentation, arrange the cherries on a white platter, drizzle with melted chocolate, and sprinkle a few extra peppermint flakes over the top. They also make stunning edible gifts—place them in small candy boxes or decorative tins lined with parchment for a thoughtful homemade holiday gift.

FAQ

Can I make these without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply skip the peppermint schnapps and pat the cherries dry. You can also add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate for flavor.

How far in advance can I make Festive Cherry Bombs?
You can make them up to 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! Dark or milk chocolate can be used for a richer taste. Adjust the coating ingredients to match your flavor preference.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place unwrapped candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor for finer pieces.

Why is my chocolate clumping or grainy?
This usually happens if the chocolate overheats. Melt it slowly and stir often. If it seizes, add a little shortening to restore smoothness.

Final Thoughts

Festive Cherry Bombs embody everything wonderful about the holidays—colorful, cheerful, and full of flavor. They’re the kind of treat that looks beautiful on a table and disappears within minutes. With their mix of creamy white chocolate, cool peppermint, and juicy cherries, they deliver that nostalgic holiday taste everyone loves. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare that even novice candy-makers can create a showstopping dessert without stress.

Festive Cherry Bombs

---

• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 50 minutes (including soaking and chilling)
• Yield: About 24 cherry bombs
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Festive Cherry Bombs are sweet maraschino cherries soaked in peppermint schnapps, dipped in creamy white chocolate, and rolled in crushed peppermint candies—perfect for the holidays.

---

Ingredients

 • 10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems
• ¼ cup peppermint schnapps
• 5 ounces white chocolate melting discs
• ¼ cup peppermint candies, finely crushed (from 10–12 pieces)

---

Instructions

1. Drain the maraschino cherries and place them in a small bowl. Cover with peppermint schnapps and let soak for 30–60 minutes for a subtle minty flavor. 
2. After soaking, drain and pat the cherries completely dry with paper towels to help the chocolate adhere. 
3. Place crushed peppermint candies in a small dish and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
4. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy. 
5. Holding each cherry by the stem, dip two-thirds into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. 
6. Immediately roll or sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and set on the parchment-lined sheet. 
7. Chill the coated cherries for 20 minutes or until the chocolate hardens before serving.
   

Notes

 Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the schnapps and add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate. These also make great edible gifts or party favors during the holidays.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American