Cherry balls

Homemade Cherry Candies – a sweet and flavorful delicacy

Who can resist a treat that combines the aroma of crunchy cookies with the intense taste of cherries, all in an adorable candy form? This homemade cherry candy recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile. With accessible ingredients and a short preparation time, you'll be able to impress anyone with a small sweet gift, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 26-30 candies

The necessary ingredients for this recipe are:

- 200 g. popular cookies (you can also use digestive biscuits for a finer texture)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 50 g. sugar
- 50 g. melted butter
- 1 vial of rum essence (or a tablespoon of cherry liqueur for added flavor)
- 10 g. cocoa
- 30 cherries from cherry liqueur, pitted (or with pits, but make sure to inform those consuming them 😊)

For decoration:
- colored coconut flakes
- colored balls (like sprinkles)
- chocolate decorations
- crushed walnuts
- crushed almonds

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, and the cherries from the cherry liqueur are well-drained. If you don't have cherries from cherry liqueur, don't be discouraged! You can use cherries from jam or even canned cherries. An interesting option is to soak them in brandy or cherry liqueur for an hour to enhance their flavors.

2. Preparing the cookies: Chop the cookies using either a food processor or a meat grinder. The goal is to achieve a fine mixture without large pieces. This step is essential for having a uniform texture in your candies.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped cookies, lukewarm milk, sugar, melted butter, rum essence, and cocoa. Mix everything well with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough that is easy to shape. If it seems too dry, you can add a little milk, but be careful not to make it too sticky.

4. Forming the candies: Using a spoon, take portions of the obtained mixture and place a cherry in the center. Form a ball the size of a walnut, making sure to cover the cherry well with the dough. I advise you to do this step patiently so that the cherry is not exposed.

5. Decorating: Here comes the fun part! Choose how you want to decorate the candies. You can roll them in coconut flakes, colored balls, or melted chocolate. Each option will give a unique and personal touch, and your guests will appreciate the creativity.

6. Cooling: Place the candies on a platter or in candy wrappers and let them cool for about an hour, so they firm up properly. This step is crucial to ensure that the candies maintain their shape when served.

7. Serving: Homemade cherry candies are perfect for serving at a party, as a dessert after a family dinner, or simply as a sweet snack during the day. You can pair them with a fragrant tea or a robust coffee, and the combination will surely be delicious.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cookies or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give them a more exotic note.
- Storage: The candies store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. However, I believe they won't last that long!
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each candy has about 70-80 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used. The cookies provide carbohydrates, while the cherries bring antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthier choice than other processed sweets.

In conclusion, homemade cherry candies are not only a quick and simple recipe but also an excellent way to bring joy and flavor into your life. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones, these candies will surely be a guaranteed success. So, dress in your finest expectations and give love through every bite!