Christmas Cherry Peppermint Bombs

Every December I look forward to making these festive Christmas cherry bombs for our holiday spread They layer boozy peppermintsoaked cherries with creamy white chocolate and a hit of crushed peppermint candy creating a treat that looks dazzling and disappears fast at parties

I first made these for a cookie exchange and everyone begged for the recipe Now my friends expect a batch every Christmas season

Ingredients

• Maraschino cherries with stems: Choose a highquality jar for the plumpest juiciest cherries The stem gives you a perfect handle for dipping and eating
• Peppermint schnapps: Adds holiday spirit and infuses the cherries with a festive minty flavor Opt for a good brand for a balanced oldfashioned peppermint taste
• White chocolate melting discs: These melt smoothly for dipping and set up with a shiny creamy finish Always check your brand’s melt instructions to avoid overheating
• Peppermint candies: Crushed into small pieces for textural crunch and extra peppermint flavor Look for peppermint candies with a vibrant color and classic taste
• Parchment paper: This is essential for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze

Instructions

Prepare the Cherries:

Pour off about onequarter cup of juice from your jar of maraschino cherries while keeping the cherries and stems inside the jar Save the juice for cocktails or another dessert

Soak in Peppermint Schnapps:

Add peppermint schnapps to the jar with the cherries Place the lid on tightly shake gently and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight The longer the soak the bolder the peppermint flavor

Dry the Cherries:

Remove cherries from the jar and place them on a plate lined with paper towels Pat each cherry completely dry with more paper towels Dry cherries are the secret to perfect dipping

Line the Tray:

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet or tray This gives you a stickfree surface for setting the dipped cherries

Melt the White Chocolate:

In a microwave safe bowl heat white chocolate discs at half power for thirty seconds Stir well then heat in additional bursts of fifteen seconds stirring in between until totally smooth Make sure not to overheat

Dip the Cherries:

Hold each cherry by the stem Dip into melted white chocolate covering about threequarters of the cherry in a thick even coat Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl

Coat with Peppermint:

Immediately dip the wet chocolatecovered cherry into crushed peppermint candies just on the bottom so there is a crunchy redandwhite ring

Arrange and Chill:

Place each finished cherry bomb on the prepared tray with the stem up Work quickly Make sure none of them touch Chill the tray in the fridge for thirty minutes so the chocolate sets and everything is perfectly firm

White chocolate and peppermint is my favorite flavor combination for holiday treats I remember my daughter sneaking chilled cherry bombs from the fridge every morning the week before Christmas

Storage Tips

Keep the finished cherry bombs in a single layer in an airtight container in your refrigerator They will stay fresh for up to five days If stacking use parchment between layers

Ingredient Substitutions

Not a fan of peppermint schnapps Try amaretto or leave the schnapps out for a familyfriendly sweet If you prefer dark chocolate it works beautifully just melt and dip as described

Serving Suggestions

Arrange your cherry bombs in mini cupcake liners on a festive platter Add fresh peppermint twists or sprigs of holly for a decorative touch They look beautiful alongside your favorite holiday cookies

Cultural and Historical Context

These cherries are a playful take on classic boozy cherry cordials with a holiday twist Inspired by the tradition of spiked cherries and oldfashioned candy cane confections they have become a must at Christmas parties in my house

Seasonal Adaptations

Use strawberry or cherry flavored schnapps for a red berry version as spring or Valentine’s candies Swap peppermint candies for colorful sprinkles for birthdays Try orange zest and dark chocolate for a winterorange themed tray

These treats can be made and chilled a day ahead so you stress less on party day

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make these cherry bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve to maintain freshness and the chocolate coating's texture.

→ What type of white chocolate works best?

White chocolate melting discs provide a smooth coating and easy melting. Use high-quality discs or bars for best results.

→ Can I use a different liquor instead of peppermint schnapps?

Absolutely! Try flavors like amaretto, bourbon, or vanilla liqueur to customize the taste according to your holiday preferences.

→ How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing when dipping?

Ensure the cherries are fully dried before dipping. Any liquid can cause the chocolate to seize and not coat evenly.

→ How should I store the finished cherry bombs?

Keep the cherry bombs chilled in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the coating from melting.

→ Are fresh cherries an option?

Fresh cherries can be used, but maraschino cherries give the best flavor and texture for this festive version.