Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather all the items listed and make sure your cherries are pitted if using fresh ones. If using canned cherries, thoroughly drain them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies and softened cream cheese. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until the ingredients are well blended and form a thick dough. It is important to ensure that the cream cheese is really soft for easier mixing.
Next, chop the cherries into small pieces if they’re large because you want to create a uniform mixture. Add the chopped cherries and cherry-flavored rum into the cookie and cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, stirring continuously until it’s fully incorporated. The mixture should be slightly sticky and manageable. If it feels too wet, you can add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time will make the mixture easier to handle when shaping the balls.
After chilling, remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, around 1 inch in diameter.
To finish, you can roll each ball in chocolate chips or shredded coconut if desired. This step is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor and a festive touch.
Place the finished chocolatey balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once you have shaped all the balls, return them to the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up.
Serve the cherry rum chocolatey balls chilled, and enjoy the delightful burst of flavors. These treats are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering!
Additional Information:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Approximately 24 balls
Approximate calorie count per serving: 120 calories
Notes:
You can adjust the amount of rum according to your taste preference.
Feel free to substitute the chocolate cookies with graham crackers or almond cookies for a different flavor profile.
