Indulge in the irresistible charm of these delightful chocolate covered cherries, a truly special homemade rendition of the classic confectionery that promises to captivate your taste buds. Crafted with succulent maraschino cherries, enveloped in a rich, creamy fondant center, and generously coated in luxurious dark chocolate, these treats are simply impossible to resist. Forget the store-bought versions; preparing these iconic cherry cordials at home elevates them to an unparalleled level of freshness and flavor.
Chocolate covered cherries have always held a special place among my favorite confections, sharing the spotlight with other beloved treats like rum balls, rocky road fudge, and peppermint patties. These dessert recipes are not only perfect for satisfying a sudden chocolate craving but also make exquisite holiday gifts, thoughtful party favors, or a sweet indulgence for special occasions. Especially around Valentine’s Day, these elegant cherry candies pair beautifully with a homemade heart cake, creating a truly memorable celebration.
Table of Contents
- The Allure of Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Why Choose Homemade Cherry Cordials?
- Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chocolate Cherries
- Mastering the Art: Tips for Success
- Quick Fondant Tip: Stems or No Stems?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cordials
- Get Creative: Flavor Variations
- Serving and Storage Suggestions
- More Delightful Candy Recipes
- Rate and Review This Recipe
- Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
The Allure of Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
As a devoted fan of fine chocolates and candies, I always make a point to seek out chocolate-covered cherries whenever I visit a confectionery shop. There’s something uniquely satisfying about that burst of cherry, the creamy center, and the snap of rich chocolate. This homemade recipe replicates that beloved experience, and much to my delight, it’s far simpler to create than it appears. The result is a batch of exceptionally delicious candies that taste superior to many store-bought options, offering a fresh, vibrant flavor that truly shines. Making them yourself also allows for a personal touch, ensuring each cherry is crafted with care and high-quality ingredients.
Why Choose Homemade Cherry Cordials?
While store-bought chocolate-covered cherries are convenient, crafting them at home offers numerous advantages. Firstly, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients, from selecting your favorite dark chocolate to ensuring the freshest maraschino cherries. This often results in a superior taste and texture that mass-produced candies simply can’t match. Homemade versions are also free from many of the artificial preservatives and additives found in commercial products, offering a more wholesome treat. Beyond the quality, there’s immense satisfaction in creating something so exquisite with your own hands. The process itself can be a fun and rewarding culinary adventure, and the finished product makes for a thoughtful, personalized gift that truly shows you care. Plus, the aroma of melted chocolate and sweet cherries filling your kitchen is an added bonus!
Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherries
Creating these luscious chocolate covered cherries requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. You will need a jar of vibrant maraschino cherries (drained, of course, with some juice reserved), softened butter, a generous amount of powdered sugar to form that dreamy fondant center, and your choice of dark chocolate chips or high-quality candy melts. For those opting for chocolate chips, a small amount of shortening will be your secret weapon to achieve that perfect, smooth dipping consistency, ensuring a flawless chocolate shell every time. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste, so choosing fresh butter and good chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chocolate Cherries
The journey to these delightful treats begins with preparing your cherries. First, meticulously drain the maraschino cherries, making sure to reserve about a quarter cup of their flavorful juice. This juice is crucial for the fondant. Next, lay the drained cherries on a layer of paper towels and gently pat them until they are thoroughly dry. Any residual moisture can prevent the fondant from adhering properly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and three tablespoons of the reserved cherry juice. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they transform into a cohesive, pliable dough. This is your luscious fondant. If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, gradually add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the ideal consistency is reached. Conversely, if the dough is too dry, incorporate a teaspoon of cherry juice at a time until it becomes perfectly workable. Once your fondant is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about 20 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it much easier to handle.
Now comes the fun part: shaping and dipping! Take approximately two teaspoons of the chilled fondant mixture and flatten it into a thin disc in the palm of your hand. Place a single dried maraschino cherry onto the center of each disc, then carefully wrap the fondant around the cherry, sealing it completely to form a smooth, round ball. If you find the fondant sticking to your hands, a light coating of cooking spray can work wonders. Arrange these fondant-wrapped cherry balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to the freezer. Allow them to freeze for a minimum of 20 minutes, ensuring they are firm and cold. This step is vital to prevent the fondant from melting when dipped into warm chocolate. While the cherries are firming up, melt your chosen chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. If you’re using chocolate chips, remember to stir in a teaspoon or two of shortening to thin the chocolate, making it easier to achieve a smooth, even coat. Finally, dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate before placing the dipped cherry onto the parchment paper. Once all cherries are dipped, for a professional touch, drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the tops. Allow the chocolate coating to firm up completely at room temperature before serving or storing your exquisite homemade chocolate covered cherries.
Mastering the Art: Tips For The Perfect Dessert
- It is absolutely paramount to ensure that your maraschino cherries are completely dry before you even attempt to wrap them in the fondant. Any lingering moisture will create a barrier, preventing the fondant from adhering properly and potentially leading to a messy outcome. Take your time with the paper towel pat-down!
- The fondant dough can sometimes be a little challenging to work with due to its sticky nature. To prevent it from clinging to your hands, I highly recommend either lightly coating your hands in cooking spray or dusting your work surface with a small amount of powdered sugar. This creates a non-stick barrier, making the shaping process much smoother and more enjoyable.
- After you’ve meticulously wrapped each cherry in the creamy fondant, it’s crucial to chill them thoroughly. If the fondant-wrapped cherries are not sufficiently firm before dipping, they will be prone to melting and losing their perfectly round shape when they come into contact with the warm melted chocolate, compromising the final appearance.
- When it comes to the chocolate coating, I swear by Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers. They are a dream to work with because they melt beautifully into a perfectly smooth consistency, making dipping effortless. They also create a stunningly shiny and thin shell that truly enhances the elegance of the cherries. While you can certainly use standard chocolate chips or another brand of candy melts, be prepared to add a little bit of shortening to thin the chocolate to a dippable consistency, as many chocolate chips are too thick straight from the bag.
- For the ideal texture, store your finished chocolate-covered cherries at room temperature after they have completely set. This allows the creamy fondant centers to remain wonderfully soft and gooey, rather than hardening in the refrigerator. While the centers won’t fully liquefy like some commercial cordials, they will retain a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious texture that makes each bite a pure delight.
Quick Tip: Stems or No Stems?
I personally prefer my chocolate-covered cherries with the stems removed for a cleaner, more bite-sized experience. However, if you’re looking for an easier dipping process and a more classic presentation, leaving the stem on can provide a convenient handle!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cordials
Chocolate covered cherries are also commonly known as cherry cordials, especially those with a liquid or creamy fondant center. Another less common term is fondant cherries, highlighting their sweet, sugary interior.
Yes, maraschino cherries are indeed made from real cherries. They are typically sweet cherries, such as the Royal Ann variety, that have been brined, dyed bright red (traditionally with cochineal, now often with Red 40), and preserved in a sugary syrup. This processing gives them their distinct vibrant color and sweet, somewhat almond-like flavor, which differs significantly from a fresh cherry.
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade chocolate covered cherries will remain fresh and delicious for up to one week. If you need to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but be aware that refrigeration might cause the fondant center to firm up slightly. They can also be frozen for longer storage, up to a month, if placed in a freezer-safe container.
While maraschino cherries are traditional for their vibrant color and sweet flavor, you can experiment with fresh cherries, especially during cherry season. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them thoroughly and pat them very dry. Keep in mind that fresh cherries have a different moisture content and tartness, which will significantly alter the flavor and texture of the final product. Some enthusiasts prefer soaking fresh cherries in a sugar syrup or even a liqueur for a day before wrapping to mimic the maraschino effect.
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Get Creative: Flavor Variations
While this recipe for chocolate covered cherries is utterly delicious in its original form, it also serves as a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to customize some of the ingredients to perfectly suit your personal preferences or to cater to different tastes among your guests.
- Chocolate Choices: The type of chocolate you use can dramatically change the flavor profile. While dark chocolate offers a sophisticated bitterness that complements the sweet cherry, you can easily swap it for smooth milk chocolate chips for a milder, sweeter taste. For a visually striking contrast and a different flavor dimension, white chocolate makes a beautiful coating. Consider adding a hint of peppermint extract to white chocolate for a festive twist, or orange zest to dark chocolate for a bright, citrusy note.
- Cherry Alternatives: Beyond the classic bright red maraschino cherries, there’s a world of cherry options. Luxardo cherries or Italian amarena cherries, often steeped in rich sugar syrup, offer a more intense, complex cherry flavor and a darker, more elegant appearance. These gourmet cherries will give your cordials a more grown-up, sophisticated profile. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous and can source them, using dried cherries rehydrated in a bit of fruit juice or liqueur can also create an interesting texture and flavor.
- Liqueur-Infused Treats: For an adult-only indulgence, transform your cherries into alcoholic cordials. Simply soak your drained maraschino cherries in a spirit of your choice for at least 24 hours. Brandy, cherry vodka, or rum are excellent options that impart a wonderful depth of flavor. After their boozy bath, be sure to pat the cherries thoroughly dry before proceeding with the fondant and chocolate coating steps. This boozy variation is a fantastic option for holiday gifts or sophisticated dinner parties.
- Fondant Flavorings: Don’t limit the fondant to just cherry juice! A tiny drop of almond extract can enhance the cherry flavor, or a touch of vanilla bean paste can add complexity. For an extra kick, a minuscule amount of finely grated orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon could be incorporated into the fondant for unique seasonal variations.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These homemade chocolate covered cherries are not just a treat for the palate, but also a feast for the eyes. They make a stunning addition to any dessert platter, especially during festive gatherings or special occasions. For gifting, I adore packaging these beauties in small, elegant gift boxes tied with a ribbon around the holidays. They are always a cherished present for family, friends, and even teachers. The amazed reactions from people who can’t believe they were homemade are always a highlight!
To keep your cherry cordials in perfect condition, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This is key to maintaining the soft, creamy texture of the fondant center. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks, though the centers might become a bit firmer. For extended storage, freezing is an option for up to a month in a freezer-safe container. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving to regain their best texture.
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Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
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Ingredients
- 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 16 ounces dark candy melts or chocolate chips if using chocolate chips, you will also need to add 2 teaspoons of shortening to the recipe during the chocolate melting process
Instructions
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Drain the cherries, reserving 1/4 cup of the cherry juice.
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Place the cherries on paper towels and pat to dry thoroughly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, and 3 tablespoons of the reserved cherry juice. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture comes together to form a soft, pliable dough.
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If the fondant mixture appears too wet or overly sticky, gradually incorporate an additional 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
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Conversely, if the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add 1 teaspoon of the reserved cherry juice at a time until it becomes workable.
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Cover the bowl containing the fondant dough and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to handle.
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Once chilled, scoop out approximately two teaspoons of the cherry fondant dough. Flatten it into a thin disc shape in the palm of your hand.
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Carefully place one dried maraschino cherry onto the center of each fondant disc. Gently wrap the fondant around the cherry, completely encasing it to form a smooth, round ball. If the dough starts to stick, lightly coat your hands with cooking spray.
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Arrange the fondant-wrapped cherry balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a minimum of 20 minutes (or longer) until they are completely firm. This is crucial for preventing melting during dipping.
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While the cherry balls are chilling, prepare your chocolate. Place the candy melts or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If using chocolate chips, add 2 teaspoons of shortening to achieve a thinner, more dippable consistency.
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Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully pick up one frozen cherry ball. Submerge it completely into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
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Place each chocolate-dipped cherry ball back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this dipping process with all remaining cherry balls and melted chocolate.
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For an elegant finish, transfer any leftover melted chocolate into a resealable plastic bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag to create a makeshift piping bag.
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Drizzle delicate patterns or lines of melted chocolate over the tops of the freshly dipped cherries for a decorative touch.
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Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely at room temperature. Once set, store your homemade chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their creamy centers.
Notes
- After the cherries are wrapped in fondant, they need to be chilled so that they’re completely firm before they get dipped in chocolate. Otherwise, your cherries might start to melt and lose their round shape.
- I use Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers to dip my cherries in. They melt beautifully, are really easy to work with, and create a shiny thin shell on the cherries. If using chocolate chips, you’ll likely have to add some shortening to thin the chocolate before you start dipping.