Holiday Maraschino Cherry Rum Balls Recipe

If you’re searching for a dazzling treat to brighten your holiday celebrations, this Holiday Maraschino Cherry Rum Balls Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine bite-sized balls packed with rich semi-sweet chocolate, a subtle kick of rum, the crunchy texture of pecans, and the bright pop of maraschino cherries all wrapped into one festive dessert. These irresistible rum balls are simple to whip up yet feel delightfully indulgent—perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any joyful gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love with a classic holiday bite that’s as charming on your dessert platter as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nailing this recipe is surprisingly easy thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy melted chocolate to the zesty rum, and from crunchy pecans to sweet cherries, every item brings something special to the mix.

• Semi-sweet chocolate: Choose quality chocolate for smooth melting and rich flavor that forms the base of the rum balls.
• Light corn syrup: Adds a touch of sticky sweetness and helps bind the mixture together.
• Rum: The star spirit that brings warmth and complexity to these festive treats.
• Pecans: Finely chopped for a satisfying crunch and nutty undertones.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Provides structure and a slightly sweet, buttery hint.
• Powdered sugar: Half for mixing in and half for coating, giving a snowy festive finish.
• Maraschino cherries: Halved and dried to add a bright, juicy burst inside each ball.

How to Make Holiday Maraschino Cherry Rum Balls Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

First, melt your semi-sweet chocolate gently using a double boiler method. This slow melting keeps the chocolate smooth and perfect for mixing. Stir consistently to avoid lumps and achieve a glossy texture.

Step 2: Mix in Corn Syrup and Rum

Once melted, stir in the light corn syrup and rum. The combination creates a luscious, slightly sticky mixture that balances sweetness with a boozy warmth, essential for that unforgettable flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and part of the powdered sugar. This dry mix lends the delicious texture and nutty, cookie-like background note these rum balls need.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the chocolate, rum, and syrup blend over your dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly until every crumb is coated and the mixture becomes thick enough to shape into balls.

Step 5: Shape and Coat the Rum Balls

Using your hands or a small scoop, form one-inch balls from the mixture. Roll each in powdered sugar to give a soft, snowy coating that adds a festive touch and helps with handling.

Step 6: Add the Cherry Centerpiece

Press a gentle indentation into the center of each ball with your thumb and nestle in half of a maraschino cherry. This adds the perfect pop of color and bursts of sweet cherry flavor inside every bite.

How to Serve Holiday Maraschino Cherry Rum Balls Recipe

Garnishes

While the powdered sugar coating is classic, sprinkle additional finely chopped pecans or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra layer of texture and flavor that makes your dessert stand out on the holiday table.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of chilled dessert wine to complement the indulgent flavors. These rum balls also pair beautifully with other holiday sweets like shortbread cookies or spiced nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these rum balls on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or edible gold foil paper for a holiday wow factor. You can also place each ball in a mini cupcake liner to make serving easier and more elegant at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your rum balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. This not only preserves their taste and texture but also allows the flavors to deepen over time.

Freezing

If you want to prepare well in advance, these rum balls freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking; they can last up to three months frozen.

Reheating

These treats are best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply thaw frozen rum balls in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute the rum with another alcohol?

Absolutely! Brandy or bourbon can be great substitutes and still provide that warm alcoholic note. For a non-alcoholic version, try using rum extract or simply omit the alcohol and add a bit more corn syrup for binding.

How do I prevent the maraschino cherries from making the balls too wet?

Pat the cherries dry with a paper towel before placing them in the indentation so excess syrup doesn’t seep out and affect the texture of the rum balls.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully too. Just make sure they’re finely chopped to maintain that smooth, uniform texture.

Is there a way to make the rum balls less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, opt for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet, and consider cutting back slightly on the powdered sugar used for coating.

How long does it take for the flavors to develop fully?

While these rum balls taste great right away, it’s best to let them sit for at least 2–3 days in the refrigerator to allow the rum and cherry flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Holiday Maraschino Cherry Rum Balls Recipe enough for anyone wanting a quick yet impressive holiday treat. They capture everything wonderful about festive desserts—rich chocolate, nutty crunch, boozy warmth, and that cheerful pop of cherry. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear fast at your next gathering. You’re going to love how these little bites bring big joy to your celebrations!

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