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A festive platter of bite-sized cherry coconut treats, with creamy white centers speckled with cherries, coated in toasted golden coconut, and topped with bright red maraschino cherries.

Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Bites

No-bake Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Bites with a creamy cherry-studded filling, white chocolate coating, toasted coconut, and a glossy cherry on top. Nostalgic, elegant, and dangerously easy.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup maraschino cherries drained and patted completely dry
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut toasted until golden
  • Extra whole maraschino cherries for topping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl, parchment-lined tray, microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Chop the dried cherries and mix with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.
  2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and freeze on a parchment-lined tray for 15 minutes.
  3. Melt white chocolate in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
  4. Roll each ball in melted white chocolate, then immediately in toasted coconut.
  5. Press a whole cherry on top of each. Chill about 20 minutes until firm. Serve cold.

Notes

Pat cherries very dry. Toast the coconut for best flavor and color. Keep refrigerated. Excellent make-ahead holiday treat that disappears quickly—consider a double batch.