Easy no bake christmas cherry balls

Easy No-Bake Christmas Cherry Balls with Coconut and Creamy Cookie Filling

When the holiday season arrives, nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like a tray of festive, bite-sized treats. These Easy No-Bake Christmas Cherry Balls with Coconut and Creamy Cookie Filling are everything you want in a holiday dessert—sweet, creamy, nostalgic, and incredibly simple. With their vibrant cherry flavor, soft cookie center, and snowy coconut coating, they look stunning on any Christmas dessert table and taste even better. Best of all, there’s no baking required, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules, last-minute gatherings, or edible gift giving.

This recipe has become a holiday favorite because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Each bite melts in your mouth, combining rich creaminess, subtle almond notes, chewy coconut, and bursts of cherry sweetness. Whether you’re making treats for family, friends, or holiday parties, these no-bake cherry balls are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Maraschino Cherries (well-drained and finely chopped) – These provide the signature festive flavor and beautiful pink hue. Their sweetness balances the richness of the filling and gives the balls their classic Christmas appeal.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies (crushed into fine crumbs) – The foundation of the creamy cookie filling. They add structure, mild sweetness, and that nostalgic holiday cookie taste.
Cream Cheese (softened) – The key to a smooth, rich, and creamy texture. Cream cheese binds everything together while adding a subtle tang that keeps the dessert from being overly sweet.
Powdered Sugar – Dissolves easily into the mixture, adding sweetness while maintaining a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut – Adds texture, visual appeal, and a light tropical sweetness. It also creates the “snowball” look that’s perfect for Christmas.
Almond Extract – Enhances the cherry flavor and gives the dessert a bakery-quality depth. A little goes a long way.
Reserved Cherry Juice (optional) – Helps adjust consistency if the mixture feels too dry and boosts cherry flavor naturally.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture. Finely chop the cherries and set aside.
Make the cookie base: Place vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine, even crumbs. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Create the creamy filling: Add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to the cookie crumbs. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Add flavor: Stir in the chopped cherries and almond extract. If the mixture feels too thick, add a teaspoon or two of reserved cherry juice until the texture is soft but rollable.
Chill the mixture: Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. Chilling makes the mixture easier to shape and helps the flavors meld together.
Shape the balls: Scoop small portions and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands.
Coat with coconut: Roll each ball generously in shredded coconut until fully covered.
Set and store: Place the finished cherry balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

These no-bake Christmas cherry balls are beloved for their simplicity, reliability, and festive charm. They require no oven, no special equipment, and no advanced skills. The recipe is easy to double or triple, making it ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and homemade gifts. Plus, the flavor combination is timeless—creamy, sweet, slightly chewy, and perfectly balanced.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Balls

Dry the cherries well to avoid a wet mixture.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
Chill before rolling for clean, uniform balls.
Adjust sweetness by adding powdered sugar gradually.
Store in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these festive treats chilled on a holiday dessert platter alongside fudge, cookies, and truffles. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea. For gifting, place them in decorative tins or holiday boxes lined with parchment paper. They also make a delightful addition to Christmas cookie trays and potluck desserts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a holiday dessert that’s easy, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, these Easy No-Bake Christmas Cherry Balls with Coconut and Creamy Cookie Filling are the answer. With simple pantry ingredients, no baking required, and show-stopping results, this recipe proves that holiday magic doesn’t have to be complicated. One bite is all it takes to understand why this festive classic deserves a permanent place in your Christmas tradition.