Irresistibly Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries: A Sweet Treat You’ll Fall in Love With

Oh, my sweet friends—thank you for stopping by my kitchen today! If you’ve ever bitten into a silky chocolate shell only to meet a burst of cherry sweetness inside, you know the pure joy of Chocolate Covered Cherries. These glossy little gems are elegant, nostalgic, and—believe it or not—so simple to make right at home!

Before we dive in, make sure to subscribe to my email list for more heartwarming homemade recipes you’ll want to save forever.

Overview of Recipe Content

What are Chocolate Covered Cherries?
They’re maraschino cherries wrapped in buttery fondant and dipped in rich, melted chocolate. Over time, the filling transforms into that dreamy liquid center we all adore. They’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or when you just want a little bite of chocolate bliss.

Why You’ll Love It:

• A classic candy that’s homemade and heartfelt.
• Only a handful of ingredients needed!
• Perfect for gifting, romantic desserts, or holiday platters.
• Gorgeous presentation with minimal effort.

What It Tastes Like:
Sweet maraschino cherries meet creamy, buttery fondant and dark, luscious chocolate. Each bite feels like a love letter wrapped in cocoa.

Health/Nutritional Benefits:
Sure, this is a treat—but making them yourself means no preservatives and customizable sweetness (you can use dark chocolate or reduced-sugar cherries).

Ingredients

PIN IT

• 10 ounces (283g) maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry (approximately 32–36 cherries)
• 2¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but divine!)
• 10 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (for smooth melting)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet lined with parchment
• Fork or dipping tool
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler

Substitutions

• Butter: Use unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt.
• Chocolate: White chocolate for a snowy twist or milk chocolate for sweetness.
• Cherries: Try fresh cherries (pitted) in summer for a gourmet touch.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries

PIN IT

1. Prep the Cherries:
   Drain your maraschino cherries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize—so take your time here.
2. Make the Fondant Filling:
   In a bowl, mix butter, corn syrup, and almond extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until a soft dough forms. It should feel like playdough—pliable, not sticky.
3. Wrap the Cherries:
   Scoop about 1 teaspoon of fondant and flatten it into a small disk. Wrap it gently around each cherry, covering completely. Place on a parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
   Melt chocolate and shortening together in the microwave in 30-second intervals (or use a double boiler). Stir until glossy and smooth.
5. Dip the Cherries:
   Hold each cherry by the stem and dip into the chocolate, swirling to coat. Let the excess drip off and return to the parchment.
6. Let Them Set:
   Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes. For that luscious liquid center, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks before enjoying!

What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cherries

Serve them with:

• A glass of red wine or champagne
• Coffee or espresso for dessert
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• On a dessert board with truffles and nuts

For inspiration, pair this treat with my other dessert favorites like Homemade Tiramisu, Classic Italian Pizzelle Cookies, No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, Soft Chewy Brownies, or Vanilla Bean Custard.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Dry those cherries well. Any extra juice ruins the chocolate coating.
• Chill between steps to make handling easier.
• Use good-quality chocolate—it makes all the difference.
• Patience pays off: Give them a few days to liquefy inside for that professional touch.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Up to 2 weeks (ideal for liquid centers).
• Refrigerate: Up to 1 month.
• Freeze: Yes! Up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

General Information

Chocolate Covered Cherries have been a holiday staple in the U.S. since the 1920s. They’re often gifted during Christmas and Valentine’s Day—symbols of sweetness and love.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes! Pit them first and use immediately. The fondant won’t liquefy as much, but they’ll be delicious.

2. Why isn’t my filling turning liquid?
It takes time! The enzymes in the cherries and fondant interact over days to create that syrupy magic.

3. What’s the best chocolate for dipping?
Couverture or high-cocoa dark chocolate melts beautifully.

4. Can I make them alcohol-infused?
Oh yes—soak cherries in rum or amaretto before wrapping for an adult twist!

5. How do I make them vegan?
Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate, and skip corn syrup (substitute agave).

Conclusion

There you have it—rich, glossy, homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries that rival any candy shop version. They’re thoughtful gifts, elegant desserts, and pure edible love.

If you adore chocolate treats, you’ll also love my No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars and Soft Chewy Brownies.

Happy dipping, sweet friends! 🍒

PIN IT

Interactive Elements

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations.

Nutritional Information

Serving	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein
1 cherry	95	5g	12g	10g	1g

Print