Desserts

Cherry Balls

ByGoldie Clark March 6, 2026

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There’s a special warmth that fills my kitchen when I bake Cherry Balls. The rich aroma of maraschino cherry juice mingling with sugar and a hint of almond extract evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Each bite of these delightful treats is a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing something sweet.

Cherry Balls are not just cookies but a heartfelt creation that brings smiles and laughter to any table. They are a vibrant burst of color and flavor, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

The Story Behind Cherry Balls

Originating from a blend of cultural influences, Cherry Balls represent a fusion of flavors that can be found in many family kitchens across the globe. These charming little cookies are often associated with festive occasions, as they uniquely incorporate maraschino cherries into the dough. In many households, Cherry Balls have become a cherished tradition, passed down through generations, often served alongside tea or at holiday gatherings.

Beyond their delightful taste, Cherry Balls symbolize love and togetherness. Whenever I whip up a batch, I think of the many hands that have shaped this recipe over the years, contributing to its love-imbued charm.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Balls

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cherry, almond, and vanilla creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, Cherry Balls can be mixed and baked in no time, making them perfect for busy home cooks.
Family Appeal: Every member of the family, whether young or old, finds joy in these colorful treats, making them great for gatherings.
Versatile: You can customize them with nuts or extra cherries, giving each batch a unique twist.

Who Will Enjoy This Cherry Balls Most

Busy Families: Perfect for quick snacks or sweet treats.
Home Bakers: Great for those just starting out in the kitchen.
Cherry Lovers: A delightful choice for anyone who loves the taste of cherries.
Celebration Planners: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or festive events.

Perfect Moments to Enjoy Cherry Balls

Holidays: Ideal for Christmas or Easter gatherings.
Family Gatherings: Bring them to picnics or reunions.
Lazy Weekends: A sweet project to fill a quiet afternoon.
Tea Time: Serve them during afternoon tea with friends.

How to Make the Perfect Cherry Balls

Baking these delightful Cherry Balls is a simple and rewarding process that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas.

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups oil
2 eggs
½ cup milk
½ the juice of a 10 oz bottle of maraschino cherries
1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
5–5 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Red food coloring (to desired blush-red color)
¼ of a 10 oz bottle of maraschino cherries, chopped
Nuts, chopped (optional)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon almond extract
Enough cherry juice (from the maraschino cherries) and water to thin the glaze to proper consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C).
Combine the oil, eggs, milk, cherry juice (½ the bottle), and vanilla or almond extract in a large mixing bowl.
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl and sift thoroughly.
Add red food coloring to the wet mixture until you reach your desired color.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring steadily until incorporated.
Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries and the chopped nuts (if using). The dough will be thick.
Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet (lined or lightly greased) spaced appropriately.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the glaze: combine the powdered sugar and almond extract, then add cherry juice and water until you reach a glaze consistency.
Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze and allow it to set. Optionally, add sprinkles or additional chopped nuts before the glaze firms.

For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes

Stevia: A natural sweetener that has zero calories.
Monk Fruit: A sugar substitute that offers a sweet taste without the carbs.
Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes similar to sucrose.

Avoid honey or maple syrup as they could raise blood sugar levels.

Essential Tools for Cherry Balls

Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Electric mixer or whisk
Sifter
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Cherry Balls

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to enhance the texture.
Use quality maraschino cherries for the best flavor and color in your cookies.
Experiment with extracts: Almond and vanilla can be swapped for unique flavor combinations.

Keeping Your Cherry Balls Fresh

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Freeze: Place in freezer-safe bags for up to three months.
Reheat: Warm slightly in the oven at 300 °F for a fresh taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-mixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix just until combined.
Neglecting to preheat the oven can affect baking time and texture.
Not spacing the cookies properly on the baking sheet can cause them to merge together.

Your Cherry Balls Questions Answered

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? It depends. Fresh cherries will need to be pitted and diced, and the moisture content may differ.
Are Cherry Balls gluten-free? No, this recipe requires all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a day before baking.

Wrapping Up: The Joy of Cherry Balls

Baking Cherry Balls is more than just making a dessert; it’s about creating moments and memories that linger long after the last cookie is gone. I hope you find comfort and joy in making these delightful treats. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Goldie Clark

Cherry Balls