Chocolate Covered Cherries
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries are an irresistible treat that combines sweet and tangy cherries with rich chocolate. Perfect for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, these delightful bites are sure to impress your friends and family. Easy to make, they offer a unique twist on traditional candy. Enjoy the fun of creating these gourmet delights at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just about 60 minutes of prep time, making it a convenient option for any occasion.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and creamy chocolate creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Whether for holidays or casual gatherings, chocolate covered cherries fit right in, making them perfect for gifting or serving at parties.
- Fun Activity: Making these candies can be a fun activity to do with friends or family, bringing everyone together in the kitchen.
- Customizable Options: You can easily tweak the ingredients or add toppings to suit your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your chocolate covered cherries, gather the necessary tools. The right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and better results.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients without worrying about spills.
- Saucepan: Essential for melting chocolate smoothly, ensuring even texture without burning.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet provides space to set the cherries as they cool and harden after coating.
Ingredients
For the Cherries
- 40-60 maraschino cherries
For the Filling
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
For Dipping
- 1 pound dipping chocolate
- 1 pound semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening (or coconut oil)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Begin by draining the maraschino cherries well. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the chocolate adhere better.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Mix until smooth and well blended. You want a thick but pliable consistency that can easily wrap around each cherry.
Step 3: Form Cherry Balls
Take a cherry and scoop out some filling with your fingers. Shape it into a ball around each cherry, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Chill the Filling
Place the filled cherries in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the filling so it holds its shape when dipped in chocolate.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the dipping chocolate along with shortening (or coconut oil) until smooth. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 6: Dip the Cherries
Once melted, dip each chilled cherry into the chocolate mixture using a fork. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Set and Serve
After all cherries are dipped, let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely. Enjoy your homemade chocolate covered cherries as a delicious treat for any occasion!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherries
Chocolate covered cherries are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just indulging in something sweet, these cherries can enhance any gathering.
As a Sweet Snack
- On a Dessert Platter: Arrange chocolate covered cherries on a decorative platter alongside other sweets for an eye-catching dessert table.
- With Cheese and Crackers: Pair them with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a sweet and savory combination that guests will love.
For Special Occasions
- Gift Boxes: Package chocolate covered cherries in small boxes tied with ribbons for thoughtful gifts during holidays or celebrations.
- At Parties: Serve them as bite-sized treats at birthday parties or holiday gatherings to impress your guests.
With Beverages
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy chocolate covered cherries with red wine for a rich flavor combination that enhances both the wine and the treat.
- Hot Chocolate Accents: Use them as a garnish for hot chocolate, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the warm beverage.
How to Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherries
To achieve the best results when making chocolate covered cherries, follow these simple tips.
- Use Fresh Cherries: Starting with fresh maraschino cherries ensures better flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Dipping: Refrigerate the cherries before coating them to help the chocolate set faster.
- Melt Chocolate Carefully: Always melt your dipping chocolate slowly to prevent it from burning, maintaining smoothness.
- Add Flavor: Enhance your filling by mixing in extracts like almond or vanilla for added depth.
- Experiment with Toppings: Consider rolling your finished cherries in crushed nuts or sprinkles for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Covered Cherries
Chocolate covered cherries are versatile enough to pair with various side dishes. Here are some delicious suggestions.
- Cheese Board: A mix of soft and hard cheeses creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cherries.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds lightness, balancing out the richness of the chocolate.
- Mini Pastries: Serve alongside flaky pastries filled with cream or fruit for a complete dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the cherry flavors beautifully.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pie bites add a nutty crunch that pairs well with the smooth chocolate.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip fresh fruits into chocolate fondue as an interactive dessert option alongside your cherries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making chocolate covered cherries can be exciting, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring the cherry prep: Always drain and dry maraschino cherries thoroughly before coating. Excess moisture can make the chocolate slide off.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure that your butter and syrup are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause clumping in your chocolate mixture.
- Rushing the cooling process: Allowing your chocolate covered cherries to set at room temperature ensures a smooth finish. Don’t rush them into the fridge as it might cause unsightly cracks.
- Skipping the shortening: Adding shortening or coconut oil to your chocolate helps achieve a smoother, shinier coating. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Not tempering chocolate properly: If using dipping chocolate, follow instructions carefully. Improperly tempered chocolate may not harden correctly or could appear dull.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Chocolate covered cherries can last up to two weeks when refrigerated.
Freezing Chocolate Covered Cherries
- For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Oven: Preheat to low heat (around 200°F). Place cherries on a baking sheet until warm but not melted.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting.
- Stovetop: Use a double boiler with water simmering gently. Keep cherries covered until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making chocolate covered cherries:
How do I make my chocolate covered cherries shiny?
To achieve a shiny finish, add shortening or coconut oil when melting your chocolate. This helps create a smooth coating.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes! Fresh cherries give a delightful taste, but ensure they are pitted and dried well before dipping.
How long do chocolate covered cherries last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, they can last for up to two weeks.
Are chocolate covered cherries suitable for gifts?
Absolutely! They make wonderful homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions when packaged nicely.
What other coatings can I use for chocolate covered cherries?
Consider using white chocolate or colored candy melts for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries offer a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different chocolates or toppings. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just indulging in something sweet, these treats will surely bring joy and satisfaction to every bite!
Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings (40 cherries) 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries, a perfect blend of sweet maraschino cherries and rich, creamy chocolate. These gourmet treats are not only easy to prepare but also an impressive addition to any gathering or celebration. Ideal for holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, they offer a unique twist on traditional candies. Whether for gifting or serving at parties, these cherry confections are sure to please everyone’s palate. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the fun of creating these irresistible bites together!
Ingredients
- 40–60 maraschino cherries
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 pound dipping chocolate
- 1 pound semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening (or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Drain and pat dry the maraschino cherries to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, and corn syrup until smooth.
- Shape the filling around each cherry and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the filled cherries for about 30 minutes.
- Melt dipping chocolate with shortening over low heat until smooth.
- Dip each chilled cherry in the melted chocolate and allow excess to drip off.
- Place dipped cherries back on the baking sheet to set completely at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cherries (30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
