Nothing screams Christmas quite like indulging in homemade holiday treats that are both delicious and festive. If you’re looking to impress your loved ones this holiday season with a sweet treat straight from the heart, then Joanna Gaines’ Christmas Cherry Chocolate Balls recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful little delights combine the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries in a bite-sized treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for gifting or as a star dessert at your holiday gathering, these Christmas Cherry Chocolate Balls are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
**Joanna Gaines Shared Her Christmas Cherry Chocolate Balls Recipe And It’s The Christmas Dessert Of Our Dreams**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries, well-drained
– 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
– 1 cup of shredded coconut
– Additional shredded coconut for coating
**Instructions:**
1. **Prep the Ingredients:** Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then chop your maraschino cherries and drain them well to remove excess liquid. Crush the graham crackers and measure out the rest of the ingredients.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to prevent burning.
3. **Add Flavor:** Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla extract will enhance the richness of the chocolate and add depth to the overall flavor of the cherry chocolate balls.
4. **Mix It Up:** Add the chopped maraschino cherries, crushed graham crackers, and shredded coconut to the chocolate mixture. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the chocolate mixture.
5. **Shape the Balls:** Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls between the palm of your hands. The size of the balls can vary depending on your preference, but aim for bite-sized portions for easy snacking.
6. **Coat in Coconut:** Roll each formed ball in additional shredded coconut to coat the exterior fully. The shredded coconut adds a lovely texture to the cherry chocolate balls and complements the flavors of the other ingredients.
7. **Chill and Serve:** Once all the balls are coated in coconut, place them on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow them to set and firm up. Once chilled, your Christmas Cherry Chocolate Balls are ready to be served and enjoyed!
These Christmas Cherry Chocolate Balls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re looking to add a festive touch to your dessert spread or seeking a thoughtful gift for family and friends, these cherry chocolate balls are sure to be a hit. Make a batch today and indulge in the joy of homemade holiday treats!
