The holiday season is all about joy, indulgence, and a touch of sparkle—and what better way to light up your dessert table than with Christmas Cherry Bombs? These chocolate-dipped, peppermint schnapps-soaked cherries are an irresistible combination of sweet, boozy, and festive. Whether you’re looking to impress party guests or prepare a fun edible gift, this easy treat delivers on both flavor and holiday cheer.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your own cherry bombs at home. From the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions to clever decorating ideas and variations, you’ll be fully prepared to whip up this no-bake favorite with ease. Don’t miss our tips for storing them properly or our answers to the most common questions. Looking for inspiration? Try our peppermint-flavored marshmallow fudge for another festive bite.
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Table of Contents
What Are Christmas Cherry Bombs?
A Festive Twist on a Classic Dessert
Christmas Cherry Bombs are a playful spin on the traditional chocolate-covered cherry. But unlike your average candy, these pack a peppermint punch! The cherries are first soaked in peppermint schnapps, infusing them with a fresh, minty flavor. Once they’re boozy and bold, each cherry is hand-dipped in melted chocolate and decorated with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes. The result? A decadent treat that looks as good as it tastes.
These cherry bombs are a no-bake dessert, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules. You can prepare a large batch in advance and keep them chilled until serving time—perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or edible gift baskets.
Why These Boozy Cherries Are a Holiday Hit
There’s a reason these sweet, minty treats are blowing up on social media and holiday Pinterest boards—they’re:
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Customizable for flavor and decoration
- Crowd-pleasing and conversation-starting
- A make-ahead treat for stress-free entertaining
They’re also an elegant way to serve up something a little unexpected. Check out our bite-sized Texas sheet cake bites for another surprising holiday crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Cherry Bombs
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitution Option |
|---|---|---|
| Maraschino Cherries | Base fruit, sweet and bright | Amarena cherries (for a gourmet twist) |
| Peppermint Schnapps | Infuses holiday flavor and booze | Cherry liqueur or vanilla vodka |
| Melting Chocolate | Coating and flavor balance | Dark or white chocolate |
| Sprinkles/Candy Canes | Decoration | Crushed cookies, edible glitter |
For best results, use maraschino cherries with stems—they’re easier to dip and make for a more festive presentation. If you’re avoiding alcohol, swap schnapps for peppermint extract and let the cherries soak in a simple syrup instead.
Where to Find the Best Maraschino Cherries and Peppermint Schnapps
You can find maraschino cherries in most grocery stores, usually near cocktail mixers. For peppermint schnapps, your local liquor store is the place to go. Look for trusted brands like Rumple Minze or DeKuyper for a bold, clean mint flavor. Want to explore even more fun boozy ideas? Don’t miss our bomb pop cocktail—another vibrant holiday drink twist.
Non-Alcoholic Version for the Whole Family
It’s easy to adapt this recipe for all ages. Replace schnapps with a peppermint syrup (like Torani) or make your own by combining sugar, water, and peppermint extract. Let the cherries soak in the cooled syrup for 1–2 hours before dipping.
Discover great ideas like our apple Oreo balls to keep kids engaged in your Christmas dessert spread.
How to Make Christmas Cherry Bombs Step-by-Step
Prep the Cherries the Right Way
Before diving into the fun part—chocolate and sprinkles—you’ll want to prepare your cherries the right way. Start by draining a jar of maraschino cherries and gently patting them dry with a paper towel. It’s important to remove excess liquid, or else the chocolate won’t stick properly. If you’re using cherries with stems (which we highly recommend), leave the stems on to make dipping easier.
Place the cherries in a small bowl and pour peppermint schnapps over them until they’re completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for a stronger flavor infusion.
Check out our better-than-sex fruit salad for another no-bake treat that’s just as easy and indulgent.
The Soaking Process: Tips for Flavored Perfection
The longer your cherries soak, the stronger the peppermint flavor will be—but be mindful that soaking too long can cause them to soften too much. We recommend taste-testing a cherry after 4 hours to see if the intensity is to your liking. If you’re short on time, even 30–60 minutes will still add a nice kick.
Once done, drain the cherries again and blot them dry once more. Excess moisture will ruin your chocolate coating, so don’t rush this step!
Melting and Dipping: Chocolate Coating Techniques
Now comes the best part: dipping!
- Melt your chocolate using a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- Hold each cherry by the stem and dip into the chocolate, swirling gently to coat.
- Let the excess drip off and place the cherry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- While still wet, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles, or edible glitter.
Pro Tip: If you want a smoother, thinner chocolate coating, add 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil or shortening to your chocolate as it melts. This helps it glide on easier and gives a glossy finish.
Looking for inspiration? Try our copycat Starbucks cake pop recipe for another dipped dessert that’s a hit with holiday crowds.
Decorating and Presenting Your Cherry Bombs
Easy Ideas to Add Festive Flair
Once dipped and topped, let the cherry bombs set at room temperature or in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Presentation is half the magic during the holidays—use these ideas to make your bombs pop:
- Roll the dipped cherries in edible glitter or gold dust for a sparkling effect.
- Use white chocolate and red sprinkles for a candy cane theme.
- Pipe a tiny dot of icing at the base to make them look like snow-dipped berries.
For something more whimsical, don’t miss our Christmas gooey butter cookies—they look gorgeous next to cherry bombs on a dessert board.
How to Package Them for Edible Gifts
Christmas Cherry Bombs make fantastic holiday gifts when packaged properly. Place them in mini cupcake liners and tuck them into a festive treat box or mason jar. Add a holiday ribbon and a handwritten tag, and you’ve got an impressive homemade present that feels personal and fun.
Looking for more festive packaging ideas? Don’t miss our salted caramel apple pie bars, which are another delicious gift-ready option.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
How Long Do Cherry Bombs Last?
If stored properly, Christmas Cherry Bombs can last up to 1 week in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve flavor and texture. Avoid storing them at room temperature for extended periods, especially if you used real liquor—alcohol can cause chocolate to weep or separate if left out too long.
Can You Freeze Them?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture of maraschino cherries changes drastically when frozen and thawed, which can make your bombs soggy. However, you can prep and soak the cherries ahead of time and freeze only the cherries (before dipping) if needed. Just be sure to thaw and dry completely before coating.
Variations to Try on Christmas Cherry Bombs
Try Different Liquors for Unique Flavors
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Not a fan of peppermint? Try soaking your cherries in:
- Amaretto for a nutty, sweet twist
- RumChata for a creamy cinnamon vibe
- Fireball for a cinnamon-heat bomb
- Cherry liqueur to double-down on the cherry flavor
Make different batches with different liquors and label them for guests at your holiday party—it adds a little extra flair and fun!
Chocolate Alternatives and Add-ins
Chocolate is classic, but there’s no rule that says you have to stick to it:
- Use white chocolate and drizzle with red candy melts
- Try dark chocolate with sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch
- Add crushed toffee bits, cookie crumbles, or mini marshmallows
- For a Grinch-themed variation, use green candy melts
Discover great ideas like our flaky apricot scones for another sweet bite with surprising flair.
FAQs About Christmas Cherry Bombs
Can kids eat these if the alcohol is cooked off?
No cooking occurs in this recipe, so the alcohol remains active. Even though the amount is small, Christmas Cherry Bombs are not recommended for children. To make a family-friendly version, skip the schnapps and use peppermint syrup instead.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can make these up to 3–5 days in advance, which makes them a perfect make-ahead treat. Just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and only pull them out shortly before serving for best presentation.
What’s the best way to transport them?
Use a shallow, airtight container lined with parchment paper. If stacking them, place parchment between layers. Keep them cool during transit, especially if you’re heading to a warm venue.
Conclusion: Spread Joy with Boozy Cherry Bombs
If you’re looking for an easy, festive, and slightly cheeky treat to spice up your Christmas party, Christmas Cherry Bombs are a guaranteed hit. With just a few simple ingredients and plenty of room for creative flair, they’re the kind of recipe that will quickly become a new holiday tradition. Whether you go bold with schnapps or keep it sweet with syrup, you’ll love how these cherry bombs light up your dessert table—and your guests’ faces.
Don’t miss our tiramisu truffles recipe to round out your Christmas dessert spread with something elegant and creamy.
PrintChristmas Cherry Bombs
Christmas Cherry Bombs are chocolate-dipped, peppermint schnapps-soaked maraschino cherries that make a festive, boozy holiday treat perfect for parties or edible gifts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including soak time)
- Yield: 24 cherry bombs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 jar maraschino cherries with stems (about 16 oz)
- 1 cup peppermint schnapps
- 1 ½ cups melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smooth melting)
- Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for decoration
Instructions
- Drain the maraschino cherries and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place cherries in a bowl and pour peppermint schnapps over them until fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- Drain cherries and blot dry again thoroughly to remove any remaining moisture.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Add coconut oil if desired for a thinner coating.
- Holding each cherry by the stem, dip into the melted chocolate, swirl to coat, then lift and let the excess drip off.
- Place dipped cherry on a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately add sprinkles or crushed candy canes before chocolate sets.
- Repeat with remaining cherries. Let set at room temperature or in the fridge for 10–15 minutes until firm.
Notes
- Use cherries with stems for easier dipping and better presentation.
- Don’t soak cherries too long or they may become too soft.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Not suitable for children unless using a non-alcoholic version.
- Non-alcoholic version: soak cherries in peppermint syrup instead of schnapps.
