Cherry Surprises
These Cherry Surprises are unassuming, adorable little bundles hiding a surprise inside! Maraschino cherry centre is surrounded by a delicious buttery coconut mixture, and then coated with graham cracker crumbs!
Originally posted October 11, 2012. Updated August 27, 2024
Our church was hosting an afternoon tea along, and I was asked to make these cherry surprises. Lets just say they were a huge hit!
But they’re an even bigger hit on our Christmas Cookie tray every year! Not much to look at from the outside, but one bite will have you hooked!
Between these and my cherry chews I think I was asked for recipes 50 times!
Why you will love these cookies
Ingredients for Cherry Surprises
- maraschino cherries
- desiccated coconut (or finely shredded coconut)
- confectioners sugar
- butter
- vanilla
- milk or cream
- graham cracker crumbs
How these cookies are made
See full instructions in the recipe card below. Please note these cookies require refrigeration time (approximately 1 hour total).
Add all ingredients except cherries and graham crackers to a mixing bowl and mix until well blended. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes, then shape into balls with a dent in the middle.
Add cherry and wrap dough around to cover cherry completely. Roll each ball into graham crumbs. Repeat until all cherries are used. Return to the refrigerator until fully set.
How to store these cherry surprise cookies
These are best stored in an air tight container, in the refrigerator for up to a week. Can also be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator over night before serving.
Whether you make these for an afternoon tea, your holiday cookie tray, or just for fun to share with family and friends, won’t they be surprised when they bite into one of these little gems and find a sweet juicy maraschino cherry inside!
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Cherry Surprises
These decadent cherry surprises are so easy to make. A maraschino cherry wrapped in a cream cheese and coconut coating and rolled in graham cracker crumbs. Perfect for the holidays or every day!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut (or finally shredded sweetened coconut)
- 1 1/2 confectioners sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 24 maraschino cherries
- 1 to 2 cups graham crumbs
Instructions
- Add coconut, confectioners sugar, butter, vanilla extract and milk to the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium until well blended and creamy. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove from refridgerator and roll into approximately 2 1/2 inch balls, making a deep indent in one side. Add cherry into the indent and proceed to wrap the dough around to completely cover the cherry. Repeat until all the cherries are covered.
- Place on a parcment lined baking tray and return to the refrigerator until firm.
Notes
Store in air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to one month.
I don’t even like cherries and these look good. A well photographed picture is a good percentage of whether or not a recipe will be tried. 🙂
I featured the recipe you linked-up last Friday in today’s post… http://katislittlecorner.blogspot.com/2012/10/31-days-of-decadent-desserts-day-12.html
Thanks for the link Kati! Much appreciated.
I love cherry anything and I definitely could see how these would be the hit of a cookie tray!
I like to soak drained cherries in some brandy for a couple of days before making these.
Now, that is something I think I will try!
My Grandmother used to make these. My mother still does. I just got the recipe from her a couple of years ago.
Wonderful amazing and tasty perfection thanks
So glad you enjoyed them 🙂
I have to make a large quantity of these. Can they be frozen?
Hi Barbara! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, these cherry surprises freeze well. I have frozen them up to 4 weeks
Has anyone tried dipping these in chocolate? If frozen before dipping do you think they would hold up OK in the hot dipping chocolate?
Sorry, it never occurred to me to dip these in chocolate, so I can’t honestly say how it would work out. I am always for giving new ideas a try though!
I love cherry anything and can definitely see how these would be the hit of any cookie tray!
I most definitely will be making these! How delicious they sound and look!
Your description says Cream Cheese Coconut Wrap around Cherry, however in ingredients list and instructions there is no Cream Cheese listed. I substituted the Cream Cheese for the Butter with Tremendous results.
Oh Carol! Thank you for pointing out the error in the description! It definitely is butter! Glad you enjoyed them 🙂