Best 5 Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls Recipes

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**Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls: A Delightful Treat for the Holidays**

As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the sweet scent of baked goods and festive treats. Among these delectable delights, Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls stand out as a true indulgence. Originating from Germany, these bite-sized confections combine the rich flavors of chocolate, lebkuchen spice, and juicy cherries, creating a symphony of taste that will tantalize your palate. With three variations to choose from, this recipe offers a range of options to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate coating, a luscious white chocolate ganache, or a healthier sugar-free option, these Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHOCOLATE LEBKUCHEN CHERRY BALLS



Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls image

Here's my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen-with a surprise inside. Maraschino cherries add a sweet and unexpected punch to the holiday spice of gingersnaps. -Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

40 gingersnap cookies
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1-1/4 cups sliced almonds, divided
2 tablespoons chopped candied orange peel
1 teaspoon almond extract
60 maraschino cherries, stems removed

Steps:

  • Place gingersnaps, cream cheese, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup almonds, orange peel and extract in a food processor; process until combined. Refrigerate until firm enough to form into balls. Pat cherries dry with paper towels. Wrap each cherry with a rounded tablespoonful of cream cheese mixture; shape into a ball. Freeze until firm, about 20 minutes. , Chop remaining sliced almonds; set aside. In a double boiler, melt remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Dip cherry balls in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle balls with almonds. Place on waxed paper. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 76 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 37mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

CHOCOLATE LEBKUCHEN



Chocolate Lebkuchen image

Having lived in Germany, I try to keep my German cooking as authentic as possible. This lovely lebkuchen recipe is a culinary Christmas custom. -Cathy Lemmon, Quinlan, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield about 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 25

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
Dash salt
1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon canola oil
2/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup ground almonds
1/3 cup ground hazelnuts
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon each ground cloves, cardamom and allspice
1/4 cup finely chopped candied lemon peel
1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
GLAZE:
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubed

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine water and vanilla; gradually add to crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. , On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/16-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° until set, 8-10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. , For topping, in a small bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and oil. Combine the oats, flour, nuts, cocoa, baking powder and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in candied peels. , Drop 1 rounded tablespoon topping onto each cookie; gently press down. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° until set, 13-16 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. , In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Dip each cookie halfway in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 122mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES



Chocolate-Covered Cherries image

Not only is this my family's favorite festive dessert, but it makes a delicious holiday present, too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it's stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. -Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 jars (8 ounces each) maraschino cherries with stems, well drained
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the sugar, butter, milk and extract. Knead until smooth and pliable. Shape into 1-in. balls and flatten each into a 2-in. circle. , Wrap one circle around each cherry and lightly roll in hands. Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. , In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding on to the stems, dip cherries into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in a covered container. Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 28mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

COCONUT CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES



Coconut Chocolate-Covered Cherries image

A friend gave me this recipe because she knew how much I like chocolate-covered cherries. Coconut and nuts make this version absolutely divine.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 25m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
2 jars (16 ounces each) maraschino cherries with stems, well drained and patted dry
2 packages (11-1/2 ounces each) milk chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in milk and vanilla until well blended and mixture looks like softened butter. Fold in the coconut and walnuts. , With moist hands, shape 2 teaspoonfuls of coconut mixture around each cherry, forming a ball. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled., In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip coated cherries into chocolate. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 131 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 31mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CHOCOLATE LEBKUCHEN



Chocolate Lebkuchen image

This recipe comes from Christmas, 1961. These bars have a light, tart frosting. This dough needs to ripen for a couple of days, but it's worth it.

Provided by Juanita Peek

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Time P3DT1h20m

Yield 50

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 ¼ cups white sugar
¾ cup honey
2 tablespoons water
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped almonds
½ cup candied mixed fruit, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup orange juice
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
2 ½ tablespoons orange juice
¼ cup green decorator sugar
¼ cup cinnamon red hot candies

Steps:

  • Combine sugar, honey and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, stir together the honey mixture with the chocolate chips, almonds, candied fruit, eggs, and orange juice. Sift together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, baking soda and baking powder; stir into the fruit and nut mixture. Tightly cover the bowl, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days to blend the flavors.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool and frost with the orange frosting.
  • To make the orange frosting, put the confectioners' sugar in a small bowl, and beat in the orange juice 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Spread over the cooled bars. Cut bars into diamond shapes, and place cinnamon candies on top then sprinkle with the green sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26.5 g, Cholesterol 7.4 mg, Fat 3.3 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 39.5 mg, Sugar 17.3 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your Lebkuchen balls.
  • Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the dough tough.
  • Chill the dough before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape.
  • Bake the cookies until they are just set. Overbaking will make them dry.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before coating them in chocolate. This will help the chocolate set properly.
  • Be creative with your toppings. You can use chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even dried fruit to decorate your Lebkuchen balls.

Conclusion:

Lebkuchen cherry balls are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holidays. They're easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So get creative and enjoy these delicious cookies!

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