Cherry Surprise Balls

Cherry Surprise Balls Recipe - A Sweet and Nutty Treat from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 3.5 to 4 dozen

Introduction

Cherry Surprise Balls are a delightful and decadent treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a rich and buttery cookie dough. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

History

The exact origins of Cherry Surprise Balls are unknown, but they have been a popular dessert for many years. This recipe is a classic favorite that has been passed down through generations and is loved by all who try it.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter or margarine
0.5 cup powdered sugar
2 cups sifted flour
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp water
1.5 cups chopped nuts
5 or 6 squares melted bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
2 medium-sized bottles maraschino cherries with stems

How to prepare

Cream butter or margarine and sugar until fluffy.
Add flour, vanilla, and water and mix well.
Form individual balls of dough around each cherry.
This dough is very soft and easy to work with.
Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cool on rack, then dip bottom of cookie into melted chocolate, then nuts.
Let set on paper-lined trays.
Makes 3.5 to 4 dozen cookies and they freeze well.

Variations

For a different flavor, try using almond extract instead of vanilla.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts for coating, such as chopped almonds or pecans.
For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter or margarine and sugar until fluffy to ensure a light and tender cookie.

- Be sure to use room temperature butter or margarine for easier mixing.

- When forming the dough around the cherries, make sure to seal them well to prevent any leakage during baking.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping them in chocolate and nuts to ensure a smooth and even coating.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Surprise Balls are perfect for serving at holiday parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself. They pair well with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a light hand when mixing the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.

- When dipping the cookies in chocolate and nuts, use a fork to help coat them evenly and allow any excess chocolate to drip off.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe.

- You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Surprise Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Cherry Surprise Balls on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry Surprise Balls pair well with a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or a glass of red wine. They also go well with other sweet treats, such as chocolate truffles or fruit tarts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cherry Surprise Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Surprise Balls contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry Surprise Balls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Surprise Balls contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Surprise Balls contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Surprise Balls are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Cherry Surprise Balls contain nuts and dairy.

Summary

Cherry Surprise Balls are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and calcium.

Summary

Cherry Surprise Balls are a delightful and indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a sweet cherry center, buttery cookie dough, and a rich chocolate coating, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a cold winter day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and faded scraps of paper, I stumbled upon a small, handwritten note that simply read "Cherry Surprise Balls."

Intrigued by the mysterious title, I decided to give the recipe a try. The ingredients were simple enough: crushed graham crackers, sweetened condensed milk, chopped maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut. But it was the method of preparation that truly caught my eye.

The note instructed me to mix the graham crackers, condensed milk, and cherries together until a sticky dough formed. Then, I was to shape the mixture into small balls, roll them in coconut, and refrigerate until firm. The end result was a delicious, bite-sized treat that was both sweet and tart, with a delightful crunch from the coconut.

As I popped one of the Cherry Surprise Balls into my mouth, I knew I had stumbled upon a new family favorite. I immediately shared the recipe with my friends and neighbors, who all raved about the unique combination of flavors and textures. From that day on, the Cherry Surprise Balls became a staple at every gathering and holiday celebration.

But the true magic of this recipe lies in the story behind it. I later learned that the recipe had been passed down through generations in my family, originating from a distant relative who had immigrated to America from Eastern Europe. She had brought the recipe with her as a cherished reminder of home, and it had been lovingly shared with each new generation.

I like to imagine my ancestors gathered around a cozy kitchen, rolling out the Cherry Surprise Balls together and sharing stories of their homeland. The recipe serves as a delicious link to my heritage, a tangible connection to the past that I can recreate and share with my own loved ones.

Over the years, I have made small tweaks and additions to the original recipe, experimenting with different types of cherries and coatings. But no matter how I choose to personalize it, the Cherry Surprise Balls always bring back memories of that cold winter day when I first discovered the handwritten note in the old recipe box.

As I sit here now, surrounded by family and friends enjoying the latest batch of Cherry Surprise Balls, I am grateful for the culinary traditions that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to create lasting memories, and to preserve a piece of my heritage for future generations to enjoy.

And so, as I continue to share this beloved recipe with those around me, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to evoke nostalgia, and to create new traditions. The Cherry Surprise Balls may be a simple treat, but to me, they represent so much more – a legacy of love, laughter, and delicious memories that will always have a special place in my heart.