Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

If you love the classic combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries, you are going to adore this homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe. It’s a wonderfully indulgent treat that balances the lush sweetness of maraschino cherries with a tender, buttery filling and a smooth, glossy chocolate coating. This recipe feels like a special gift you can create in your own kitchen, perfect for sharing and savoring whenever you want a bite of pure delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these irresistible chocolate covered cherries. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the fruity pop of maraschino cherries to the creamy richness of butter, and the melt-in-your-mouth smoothness of the almond bark chocolate finish.

• Maraschino cherries (10 ounces, with stems): These tender, sweet cherries add vibrant color and juicy flavor, and the stems make dipping easy and elegant.
• Powdered sugar (2 1/4 cups, sifted): Using sifted powdered sugar ensures a smooth, lump-free dough that’s just sweet enough.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Softened butter adds a creamy texture and helps the dough bind perfectly.
• Light corn syrup (2 tablespoons): This brings subtle sweetness and keeps the filling pliable and smooth.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
• Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a hint of nutty, aromatic depth that complements both cherry and chocolate.
• Chocolate almond bark (12 ounces): This melts beautifully to coat the cherries in a glossy, luscious shell that crisps just right.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling Dough

Start by combining the sifted powdered sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a medium bowl. This mixture will seem dry at first, but don’t worry!

Step 2: Mix Until You Get Playdoh Consistency

Using clean hands (this is the fun part), mix everything together. It might feel crumbly initially, but keep folding and pressing until the dough comes together and feels like Playdoh, smooth and pliable.

Step 3: Line a Baking Sheet

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to keep your work surface neat and make it easy to transfer your treats.

Step 4: Form Dough Balls

Pinch off about 2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into a ball in your hands. Place these dough balls evenly onto the lined baking sheet. This portioning keeps all your final cherries uniform and makes shaping easier later.

Step 5: Flatten the Dough Disks

Gently press each dough ball into a disk about 2 inches in diameter. These disks will cradle the cherries, so getting them just right sets you up for smooth assembly.

Step 6: Encase the Cherries

Take one maraschino cherry and carefully mold the dough around it, smoothing the dough until the cherry is completely covered. Return it to the baking sheet and repeat this with all cherries for that perfect, hand-crafted look.

Step 7: Melt the Almond Bark Chocolate

Place the chocolate almond bark into a microwave-safe dish. Heat it for one minute, then stir well. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth.

Step 8: Dip the Dough-Covered Cherries

Hold each cherry by its stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the cherry back on the parchment-lined tray.

Step 9: Let the Chocolate Set

Once all cherries are dipped, let them rest so the chocolate can harden at room temperature. Patience here results in that perfect crisp chocolate coating you crave.

Step 10: Add a Decorative Chocolate Drizzle

Reheat any leftover almond bark and transfer it into a small ziplock bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag and drizzle the chocolate across each cherry for an elegant finish. Let the drizzle dry completely before enjoying.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Garnishes

Add a festive touch by sprinkling finely chopped nuts, a pinch of sea salt, or even edible gold dust over the chocolate drizzle for a stunning presentation that whets the appetite before the first bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent cherries with light, fresh options like mint leaves, fresh berries, or a glass of sparkling wine to balance the richness, making your gathering feel even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe nestled in mini cupcake liners, on a decorative platter lined with fresh leaves, or arranged around a cheese board to surprise and delight guests with both flavor and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cherries in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chocolate shell protects the filling nicely, preserving that perfect texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these cherries by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed container or ziplock. They’ll keep well for up to two months without losing their charm.

Reheating

No reheating is required for Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe, but you can bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture. Avoid heating directly as this will melt the chocolate coating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries don’t have the same sweetness or stem strength as maraschino, which helps with dipping, so this recipe works best with maraschino cherries for ease and flavor balance.

What type of chocolate is best for coating?

Chocolate almond bark is ideal because it melts smoothly and sets firmly without needing tempering, making your job simpler and your results prettier.

How long do these cherries last?

When stored properly at room temperature or refrigerated, they stay fresh and tasty for about a week, perfect for gifting or enjoying over several days.

Can I customize the filling flavors?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding a touch of orange zest or swapping almond extract with peppermint for a festive twist on this Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe.

Is it okay to use a spoon instead of hands to mix the dough?

You can, but using hands is faster and helps you feel when the dough reaches that perfect consistency, ensuring your final texture is just right.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly satisfying about crafting Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe by hand—the combination of flavors, the hands-on process, and that beautiful presentation make every bite special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon; it’s a sweet way to brighten any day and impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you.

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