There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy maraschino cherry enveloped in rich, creamy chocolate. Chocolate covered cherries are a beloved classic that evoke nostalgia and satisfy sweet cravings. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this delightful treat, learning how to make chocolate covered cherries at home is a game-changer.
This recipe is special because it allows you to customize the flavors and quality of ingredients to your liking. No more settling for store-bought chocolate covered cherries that lack the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. With a few simple steps and some patience, you can create chocolate covered cherries that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 jar maraschino cherries with stems (16 ounces or about 25 cherries), drained with juice reserved
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 16 ounces semi-sweet chocolate or a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate
- Optional: Red candy melting wafers for drizzling
Preparation Notes: Ensure cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry before proceeding.
Instructions
- Drain the cherries, reserving at least 1⁄4 cup of the juice. Place the cherries on a paper towel to absorb extra juice, then dab them dry.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to mix 3 cups powdered sugar, butter and 1⁄4 cup cherry juice together. Add in the last cup of powdered sugar, 1⁄4 of a cup at a time, until the mixture forms a soft dough. Refrigerate the sugar mixture for 20 minutes.
- Dust your hands with powdered sugar so the sugar mixture doesn’t stick. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. Flatten the dough balls between the palms of your hands, dusting your hands with powdered sugar if necessary. Fold the dough over the dried cherry to completely cover it, then roll it into a smooth ball again.
- Refrigerate the covered cherries for 20 minutes. Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring between each interval. Melt it slowly so the chocolate doesn’t burn and seize up.
- Holding the cherry by the stem, dip it in the melted chocolate and allow the excess to drip off. Place the chocolate-dipped cherries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- If desired, melt the red candy melts and drizzle over the chocolate-dipped cherries for a festive touch.
- Refrigerate the chocolate covered cherries until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries Moist: The key to moist chocolate covered cherries is using very ripe maraschino cherries and allowing the fondant to soak up the cherry juice. Refrigerating the cherries also helps the fondant adhere better.
- Common Pitfalls: Avoid over-mixing the fondant, as this can make it tough. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become unusable.
- Time-Saving Hacks: You can prepare the fondant-wrapped cherries ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before dipping in chocolate.
Serving and Storage
Presentation: Arrange the chocolate covered cherries on a platter or in a decorative box for a beautiful presentation.Pairings: These cherries pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea and make a great addition to holiday gift baskets.Storage: Store chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Flavor Twists: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate. You can also add a touch of almond extract or cinnamon to the fondant for extra flavor.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving (2-3 cherries)
- Serving Size: 2-3 chocolate covered cherries
Conclusion
Chocolate covered cherries are a classic treat that never goes out of style. With this easy recipe, you can make them at home and enjoy the satisfaction of biting into a homemade version that surpasses any store-bought option. Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t forget to save some for yourself!