There is something utterly enchanting about the combination of luscious cherries and rich dark chocolate in this Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe. This homemade version takes the classic treat to a whole new level by wrapping maraschino cherries in a sweet, creamy center before dipping them in a glossy chocolate shell. The perfect harmony of flavors and textures makes these bites irresistible, whether you’re sharing them as a thoughtful gift or savoring them alongside your favorite cup of tea.
Ingredients You'll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy items for this Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe—just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy sweetness of the cherries to the luscious texture of the creamy center and, of course, the rich, shiny chocolate coating.
- Maraschino cherries: These provide a juicy, vibrant base with a delightful pop of flavor and color.
- Butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect dough consistency around the cherries.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and creates that creamy dough that encases the cherries perfectly.
- Dark candy melts or chocolate chips: The star coating for a glossy, decadent outer shell; use chocolate chips with added shortening for smooth melting.
- Shortening (optional): Necessary if melting chocolate chips to ensure a silky, manageable texture for dipping.
- Reserved cherry juice: Adds a fresh cherry flavor and helps adjust the texture of the dough just right.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cherries
Start by draining your maraschino cherries carefully, then reserve about a quarter cup of that brilliantly red cherry juice. Pat the cherries dry on some paper towels—this step is important because moisture can make your dough too sticky and interfere with chocolate coating later.
Step 2: Make the cherry dough
In a mixer bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, and 3 tablespoons of that reserved cherry juice. Beat the mixture until it comes together into a soft dough, perfect for wrapping your cherries. If it feels too wet, slowly add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s a bit dry, drizzle in the cherry juice one teaspoon at a time until you hit the ideal texture.
Step 3: Chill the dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes. This rest period firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and shape in the next steps.
Step 4: Wrap the cherries
Using two teaspoons of dough, flatten it into a small disc in your hands (a quick tip: spray your hands lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Place one cherry in the center of each disc and gently wrap the dough completely around the cherry to form a smooth ball. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 20 minutes. Freezing helps maintain their shape for the chocolate dip.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate
While your cherry dough balls chill, melt the dark candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth and glossy. If using chocolate chips, don’t forget to add 2 teaspoons of shortening before melting to get that silky texture perfect for dipping.
Step 6: Dip and drizzle
Grab a ball with a fork, dip it fully into the melted chocolate, and tap the fork gently against the bowl’s side to shed excess chocolate. Place each coated cherry on parchment paper. When all are dipped, fill a small plastic bag with some melted chocolate and snip off a tiny corner to pipe delicate decorative drizzles over the cherries for an elegant touch.
Step 7: Let the chocolate set
Allow the chocolate shell to harden naturally at room temperature. Once set, these chocolaty delights can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later indulgence.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive or elegant presentation, try sprinkling the chocolate-covered cherries with a pinch of sea salt, edible gold flakes, or finely chopped nuts. These garnishes add texture and a hint of extra flavor without overpowering the classic taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these chocolate-covered cherries alongside a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich espresso. The cool creaminess or bold coffee perfectly balances the sweetness and sharpness of the chocolate and cherry combo.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, arrange the cherries on a beautiful platter lined with mint leaves or edible flowers. You can also use decorative cupcake liners to make each cherry feel like a little handcrafted treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chocolate covered cherries at room temperature, away from heat or direct sunlight. Stored properly, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy that perfect bite anytime.
Freezing
If you want to preserve the cherries for longer, wrap them individually in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container. Frozen, they can last for up to three months. When ready, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats since the contrasting textures are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if your chocolate shell loses some of its shine, letting them sit briefly at room temperature will restore that perfect snap when bitten into.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture content, which can make forming the dough and coating a bit tricky. Maraschino cherries are ideal because their firmness and sweetness are perfectly balanced for this recipe.
What if I don’t have a mixer?
No mixer? No problem! You can mix the butter, powdered sugar, and cherry juice by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. It may take a little more elbow grease, but the dough will come together beautifully.
Why add shortening when melting chocolate chips?
Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that can make melted chocolate thick and clumpy. Adding vegetable shortening thins the chocolate, gives it a glossy finish, and makes dipping much easier.
Can I use milk or white chocolate instead?
Absolutely! Milk or white chocolate can be swapped in for dark candy melts if you prefer a sweeter, creamier coating. The dipping and chilling steps remain the same.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting after dipping?
Make sure the dough around the cherries is thoroughly chilled and firm before dipping. Also, dip the cherries quickly and allow the chocolate to set at cool room temperature. Avoid handling cherries too much after dipping to keep the shell intact.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe is a true celebration of flavor and texture that’s surprisingly simple to make but feels incredibly special. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these elegant bites bring a touch of homemade magic to any occasion. Go ahead—give this recipe a try. I promise these cherries will quickly become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
These chocolate covered cherries feature maraschino cherries wrapped in a creamy, sugary dough and dipped in rich dark chocolate, then decorated with a chocolate drizzle. This homemade classic American dessert is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet cherries and smooth chocolate in a bite-sized treat.
- Total Time: 62 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
Ingredients
Cherries and Dough
- 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons reserved cherry juice (from the jar)
Chocolate Coating
- 16 ounces dark candy melts or chocolate chips (if using chocolate chips, add 2 teaspoons shortening during melting)
- Cooking spray (for hands, optional)
Instructions
- Drain and Dry Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries and reserve ¼ cup of the cherry juice. Place cherries on paper towels and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Make Dough: In a mixer bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and 3 tablespoons cherry juice. Beat until mixture forms a dough. Adjust consistency by adding powdered sugar or cherry juice as needed—add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar if too sticky, or 1 teaspoon cherry juice if too dry. Cover and refrigerate dough for 20 minutes to firm.
- Form Cherry Balls: Flatten two teaspoons of the dough into a disc, place one cherry in the center, and wrap dough around it to form a ball. Coat hands lightly with cooking spray if dough sticks. Place balls on parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. If using chocolate chips, add 2 teaspoons shortening for better melting.
- Dip Cherries: Using a fork, dip each frozen cherry ball into melted chocolate, tapping off excess chocolate on the bowl edge. Place dipped cherries on parchment paper.
- Decorate: Spoon some melted chocolate into a resealable bag, snip a small corner, and drizzle over the dipped cherries to decorate.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature. Store finished chocolate covered cherries at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Chilling the cherries wrapped in dough is essential to keep them firm and prevent melting during dipping and handling.
- Use quality dark melting wafers like Ghirardelli for a shiny, smooth chocolate coating.
- If using chocolate chips instead of candy melts, adding 2 teaspoons shortening helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Melting and dipping
- Cuisine: American
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