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Cherry Chocolate Truffle Balls – Sweet, Festive & Alcohol-Free

These Cherry Chocolate Truffle Balls are the perfect alcohol-free holiday treat—soft, sweet, chocolate-dipped truffles filled with candied cherries, maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans. They are creamy, rich, and beautifully coated in smooth melted chocolate with a glossy finish. The texture is soft like fudge, the flavor is sweet with a hint of cherry, and the final result is a bite-size dessert that looks stunning on any Christmas platter. These truffles are incredibly easy, completely no-bake, and made without any bourbon, making them perfectly family-friendly and Halal-safe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
chill & Dipping time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 30 truffle balls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruit Ingredients
  • 30 Candied cherry halves
  • 1/4 cup Maraschino cherries finely chopped
Sweet Ingredients
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
Nuts
  • 3/4 cup Pecans finely chopped
Dairy
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
Chocolate Coating
  • 3 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut oil or shortening
  • Liquid Alcohol-Free Substitute for Bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons Cherry juice from maraschino jar
  • 2 tablespoons Heavy cream

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Food processor (optional)
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Small cookie scoop
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Cooling rack (optional)

Method
 

  1. 🔹 PART 1 — MAKE THE TRUFFLE DOUGH
Step 1 — Prepare the Cherries
  1. Chop candied cherries into small pieces.
  2. Finely chop maraschino cherries.
  3. Pat with a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
  4. Set aside.
Step 2 — Chop the Pecans
  1. Finely chop pecans by hand or pulse a few times in a food processor.
  2. Do not grind into a paste—keep small nut pieces.
Step 3 — Cream the Butter
  1. Add softened butter to a bowl.
  2. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 4 — Add Powdered Sugar
  1. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  2. Mix until a thick, frosting-like mixture forms.
Step 5 — Add Cherry Juice & Cream
  1. Add cherry juice (2 tbsp).
  2. Add heavy cream (2 tbsp).
  3. Mix until the mixture is smooth and slightly sticky.
  4. This replaces bourbon 100% — same consistency, better flavor, no alcohol.
Step 6 — Fold in Cherries & Nuts
  1. Add chopped cherries.
  2. Add chopped pecans.
  3. Fold gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 7 — Chill the Dough
  1. Cover bowl.
  2. Refrigerate 20–30 minutes until firm enough to roll.
  3. 🔹 PART 2 — SHAPE THE TRUFFLE BALLS
Step 8 — Roll Into Balls
  1. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough.
  2. Roll between your palms into smooth balls.
  3. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 9 — Freeze the Balls
  1. Freeze balls for 15 minutes.
  2. This keeps them from melting when dipped in chocolate.
  3. 🔹 PART 3 — COAT THE TRUFFLES IN CHOCOLATE
Step 10 — Melt the Chocolate
  1. Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add coconut oil or shortening.
  3. Microwave in 20-second intervals.
  4. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 11 — Dip Each Truffle
  1. Drop each truffle into the melted chocolate.
  2. Use a fork to lift it out.
  3. Tap fork gently to remove excess chocolate.
  4. Place back on parchment paper.
Step 12 — Decorate (Optional)
  1. While chocolate is still wet:
  2. Add sprinkles
  3. Add crushed pecans
  4. Add mini cherry pieces
  5. Drizzle with white chocolate
Step 13 — Let Set
  1. Refrigerate 15 minutes until the chocolate shell hardens.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze truffles (before dipping) up to 2 months.
Thaw → dip in chocolate → serve.
Room Temperature
Up to 8 hours before melting starts.
No reheating needed — serve chilled or room temperature.
🥄 Variations
1. White Chocolate Cherry Truffles
Dip in melted white chocolate.
2. Coconut Cherry Truffles
Roll balls in shredded coconut instead of chocolate.
3. Double Chocolate Truffles
Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
4. Nut-Free Version
Remove pecans — add more cookie crumbs or powdered sugar.
5. Dark Chocolate Cherry Balls
Use dark chocolate coating for a richer taste.
6. Sprinkle Truffles
Coat in holiday sprinkles for a Christmas theme.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use real cherries instead of candied?
Fresh cherries are too wet — stick to candied or maraschino.
2. What if my dough is too sticky?
Add 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
3. What if dough is too dry?
Add 1 teaspoon cherry juice.
4. Can I skip nuts?
Yes — recipe works without pecans.
5. Can I use white chocolate chips?
Yes — melts beautifully with coconut oil.
6. Can kids eat these?
Absolutely — alcohol-free & safe.
7. Why is my chocolate too thick?
Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil and re-melt.
8. Do I need to freeze before dipping?
Yes — prevents truffles from falling apart.
9. Can I make these ahead?
Yes — they store well for holidays or events.
10. Can I shape them into squares or hearts?
Yes — press chilled dough into silicone molds.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cherry Chocolate Truffle Balls are rich, sweet, creamy, and completely alcohol-free—making them the perfect festive treat for every family gathering. With soft cherry-pecan filling and a smooth chocolate coating, they look beautiful on any holiday dessert tray and taste even better than store-bought truffles. Simple to prepare, no baking required, and guaranteed to impress, this recipe brings together cherry flavor, creamy texture, and chocolate indulgence in every bite. A holiday favorite you’ll want to make again and again!