Cherry Bombs Chocolate Filled

These Cherry Bombs are the festive treat my family makes every holiday season when we want something rich chocolaty and a little bit playful on the dessert table. Each bite is a surprise of cherry and creamy filling wrapped up in smooth chocolate and I&ve found they disappear fast at any gathering.

Every December my kids and I gather in the kitchen to roll dough around sticky cherries while holiday music plays and laughter fills the air. Watching their faces light up when they taste that first sweet bite makes all the effort worth it.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the dough structure and stability choose unbleached for best taste
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: brings rich chocolate flavor Dutch process will give a deeper color
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the dough and helps with a delicate texture sift before measuring
• Butter: softened for easy mixing fresh dairy butter adds best taste
• Vanilla extract: rounds out flavors opt for pure extract for real depth
• Salt: enhances every other flavor use fine sea salt if possible
• Maraschino cherries: classic and sweet drain well and pat dry for the right texture
• Cream cheese: softened for the creamy filling use full fat for richness
• Powdered sugar (for filling): adds just the right amount of sweetness to the center
• Almond extract: brings a hint of nutty warmth pure almond extract is worth the splurge
• Dark chocolate chips: coat the bombs in a perfect shell use a quality chocolate for better results
• Coconut oil (optional): gives a glossy smooth finish to the chocolate

How to Make It

Prepare the Dough Base:

Combine flour cocoa powder powdered sugar softened butter vanilla extract and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth cohesive dough that holds together easily. If it feels too crumbly add a splash of milk and keep mixing until soft and pliable.

Shape the Dough:

Pinch off a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand into a small disk. Place one drained cherry in the center and gently wrap the dough around the cherry pinching to seal and rolling into a ball to fully enclose.

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:

In a small bowl mix together the softened cream cheese powdered sugar and almond extract until silky and sweet. Taste and adjust sweetness if you want a stronger flavor.

Stuff the Cherry Bombs:

With the dough balls formed use your finger to make a small well in each ball&s top. Fill it with a little spoonful of the cream cheese filling then smooth dough over if needed so the filling stays tucked inside.

Chill the Bombs:

Arrange the filled balls on a parchment lined pan and refrigerate for half an hour. This step is critical for helping the bombs hold their shape when dipping in warm chocolate.

Melt the Chocolate:

Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat in short fifteen second intervals stirring each time until fully melted. Stir in coconut oil if you want a more fluid shiny chocolate coating.

Coat the Cherry Bombs:

Dip each chilled bomb into the melted chocolate letting excess drip off before setting back on the parchment. Use a fork for easy dipping and a tidy finish.

Decorate the Tops:

While the chocolate is still tacky sprinkle on festive colored sprinkles or edible glitter for a cheerful look. Set aside to cool and harden.

Let Them Set:

Allow the chocolate to fully set and harden either at room temperature or faster in the fridge about thirty minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

When the shells are firm serve your Cherry Bombs on a pretty plate or platter. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Almond extract is my secret ingredient. Every time I catch that fragrant aroma as I fill the dough balls I remember my grandmother&s almond scented kitchen at Christmas. That special flavor ties all the holiday memories together for me.

Flavor Boosters

Feel free to swap the almond extract with orange or peppermint extract for a bright citrus twist or a cool holiday vibe. If you like you can replace cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly tangier filling or use milk chocolate instead of dark for extra sweetness. Gluten free flour can be used without trouble and vegan butter and dairy free cream cheese also work if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These Cherry Bombs shine as a dessert tray centerpiece but they also do well paired with coffee or hot cocoa after a chilly winter walk. Serve on a platter with other bite size cookies and truffles for a luxurious treat that wows guests. They are delightful gifts wrapped in small boxes tied with ribbon for neighbors and friends.

Creative Twists

Maraschino cherries have a history that goes back to the early Italian liqueurs and American diners of the mid twentieth century. These sweet treats blend classic holiday flavors with mid century nostalgia creating a bite size candy that hints at old fashioned celebrations. Making them at home is something I learned from my mom who always baked in December and has passed the tradition down to me.

My family always sneaks a few bombs straight from the fridge and claims they taste even better well chilled.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can Cherry Bombs be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Cherry Bombs a few days in advance. The flavors develop nicely after resting in the refrigerator.

→ How should Cherry Bombs be stored?

Store Cherry Bombs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll remain fresh and tasty for up to one week.

→ Can you freeze Cherry Bombs?

Freezing is possible, but for the best texture and flavor, enjoy them fresh from the fridge within a week of making them.

→ What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate gives the best coating and flavor. Milk chocolate can be substituted for a sweeter finish.

→ Are there alternative fillings for Cherry Bombs?

Absolutely! Try other fillings like peanut butter or cookie dough for a fun twist, or experiment with extracts such as peppermint.