When the holiday season rolls in, there’s nothing quite like Christmas cherry balls to bring a nostalgic and festive flair to the dessert table. These bite-sized no-bake treats are a holiday favorite across generations, thanks to their perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and visual appeal. Typically made with glacé cherries, shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, these delightful confections are quick to prepare, making them a go-to for busy bakers and last-minute party planners.
Unlike more complex baked goods, Christmas cherry balls don’t require an oven, which not only saves time but also keeps things simple and kid-friendly. The vibrant red cherries nestled inside creamy coconut balls add a cheerful holiday touch to cookie platters and dessert trays. They’re also versatile — you can roll them in colorful coconut, dip them in chocolate, or customize them to suit dietary preferences.
Traditionally popular in Canadian and American households, these no-bake confections have gained popularity through food blogs and Pinterest boards. You can even find them featured on holiday treat trays like those in this Christmas dessert platter inspiration. They also make perfect edible holiday gifts, whether packaged in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
For those unfamiliar with glacé cherries, these are candied cherries commonly used in baking and sweets. You can read more about how they’re made and their culinary uses on Wikipedia’s page on glacé cherries. Their intense sweetness and chewy texture pair perfectly with the creamy base of these cherry balls, making each bite a burst of holiday flavor.
These treats are not just for taste — they’re part of a broader Christmas desserts tradition, where no-bake recipes like these have become an essential part of holiday gatherings. Whether you’re assembling a dessert buffet, making homemade gifts, or just indulging in a seasonal snack, Christmas cherry balls are a must-have addition to your holiday culinary lineup.
Cherry Balls Christmas No Bake Coconut Treats
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and flatten slightly in your palm.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center, then wrap the mixture around the cherry and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture and cherries.
- Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to coat.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Chill mixture before rolling for easier handling.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet version.
- Add food coloring to coconut for festive flair.
- Store in the fridge for freshness, or freeze ahead for busy holidays.
- Suitable for gluten-free and vegan adaptations with the right ingredient swaps.