Luxurious Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet summer memories flood back with these decadent chocolate covered cherries that melt in your mouth.

Every bite tells a story of rich, velvety chocolate embracing plump, juicy cherries.

Dark or milk chocolate creates a luxurious coating that elevates this classic treat from simple to spectacular.

The contrast between smooth chocolate and burst of cherry flavor makes this dessert irresistible.

These homemade confections beat any store-bought version with their fresh ingredients and personal touch.

Elegant yet surprisingly easy to prepare, these chocolate covered cherries will impress everyone at your next gathering.

Unleash your inner confectioner and treat yourself to a bite of pure bliss.

Reasons to Love Chocolate Covered Cherries Any Time

• Create beautiful, gourmet-style chocolate covered cherries that look professionally made with simple steps anyone can master.
• Enjoy a delightful cooking experience that transforms basic ingredients into impressive homemade candies perfect for gifting or personal indulgence.
• Personalize the recipe by experimenting with different chocolate types, adding decorative drizzles, or adjusting sweetness levels to suit individual preferences.
• Engage children in a fun kitchen activity where they can help wrap cherries, dip in chocolate, and explore culinary creativity while making delicious treats.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Maraschino Cherries: Sweet cherries preserved in syrup, perfect for creating a delightful candy center.
• Chocolate: Smooth melting chocolate that will create a rich and glossy coating for the cherries.

• Powdered Sugar: Fine sugar that provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, pliable fondant texture.
• Butter: Softened butter that adds richness and helps bind the fondant ingredients together.
• Cherry Juice: Reserved liquid from maraschino cherries that enhances the fondant's flavor and consistency.

• Red Candy Wafers: Optional decorative topping that adds a festive touch and can help cover chocolate coating imperfections.
• Parchment Paper, Wax Paper: Essential for easy handling and setting of the chocolate-covered cherries.

• Paper Towels: Used for drying cherries to ensure proper chocolate coating.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Prevents fondant from sticking to hands during preparation.

Supplies You’ll Need for Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Hand Mixer: Essential for blending fondant ingredients smoothly and creating consistent texture.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing fondant and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for lining trays and preventing cherries from sticking during chilling and dipping.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Required for melting chocolate evenly and safely.
• Paper Towels: Used to drain and dry maraschino cherries before wrapping.
• Baking Sheet: Helps set and cool chocolate-covered cherries after dipping.
• Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for placing dipped cherries.
• Small Bowls: Optional for melting candy wafers and creating decorative drizzles.

Simple Instructions for Making Chocolate Covered Cherries

Step 1: Prepare Cherries

Drain maraschino cherries and save some juice.

Place cherries on paper towels and gently pat them dry.

Make sure they are completely moisture-free for perfect dipping.

Step 2: Create Sweet Fondant Base

• Powdered sugar
• Softened butter
• Reserved cherry juice

Use a hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Perfect Fondant Texture

Slowly add remaining powdered sugar, mixing gradually.

You want a soft, workable dough that holds together nicely.

Pop the mixture in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Wrap Individual Cherries

Dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Take a small piece of fondant and flatten it out.

Place a dried cherry in the center and carefully fold the fondant around it.

Roll between your palms to create a smooth, round shape.

Step 5: Chill Wrapped Treats

Arrange fondant-covered cherries on a parchment-lined tray.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes to help them set and maintain their shape.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Coating

Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt chocolate.

Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval.

Take your time to avoid burning the chocolate.

Step 7: Dip and Coat Cherries

Hold each cherry by its stem and dunk completely into melted chocolate.

Let excess chocolate drip off.

Place coated cherries on a wax paper or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Add Decorative Touch

Optional: Melt red candy wafers and drizzle over chocolate-covered cherries for an extra fancy look.

This can also help cover any coating imperfections.

Step 9: Final Setting and Storage

Allow chocolate to set at room temperature completely.

Once set, store chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature.

Smart Tips for Dipping Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Ensure maraschino cherries are completely dry to prevent moisture from ruining the chocolate coating and fondant texture.
• Add powdered sugar gradually to achieve the perfect soft, pliable dough that's easy to shape around cherries without cracking.
• Refrigerate fondant-covered cherries before dipping to help them maintain shape and make chocolate coating smoother.
• Use short microwave intervals and stir frequently to prevent burning and create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
• Use red candy wafers to add a decorative touch and cover any imperfections in the chocolate shell.

Fun Variations for Chocolate Covered Cherries Lovers

• Dairy-Free Cherry Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a dairy-free version. Use dairy-free dark chocolate for coating, ensuring a rich and creamy alternative.
• Liqueur-Infused Cherry Bombs: Add a splash of kirsch or cherry brandy to the fondant mixture for an adult-friendly version. The alcohol enhances the cherry flavor and adds a sophisticated touch.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Treat: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free chocolate chips to create a diabetic-friendly dessert that's lower in calories.
• Gluten-Free Cherry Confection: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the chocolate and powdered sugar. Use cornstarch instead of flour for dusting hands to maintain a gluten-free preparation.

Sweet Ways to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the chocolate-covered cherries on a beautiful white porcelain plate, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
• Sweet Party Treat: Create a chocolate-covered cherry dessert buffet by displaying them on tiered stands, offering guests a decadent bite-sized indulgence perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Carefully place the cherries in elegant gift boxes lined with decorative tissue paper, tying with a silk ribbon for a luxurious homemade present that shows thoughtful craftsmanship.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a glass of rich port wine or sweet dessert wine, allowing the flavors to complement each other and elevate the chocolate-covered cherries into a sophisticated tasting experience.

Best Advice for Storing Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Store chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Wrap each cherry individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal moisture exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture, especially if your kitchen is cool and dry.
• Let frozen cherries thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the chocolate to separate and the fondant to become soggy.

FAQs

• Why do I need to dry the cherries completely?

Excess moisture can cause the fondant to become soggy and make the chocolate coating separate, leading to a messy result. Thoroughly drying the cherries ensures a smooth, professional-looking chocolate covered cherry.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries work best because they are uniform in size, already pitted, and have a consistent moisture level. Fresh cherries can be too juicy and unpredictable for this recipe.

• How do I prevent the fondant from sticking to my hands?

Dust your hands with powdered sugar before handling the fondant. This creates a barrier that stops the mixture from clinging to your skin and makes shaping the cherries much easier.

Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade chocolate covered cherries combine sweet maraschino cherries with rich chocolate coating. Candied fruit dipped in smooth chocolate creates a classic dessert perfect for special occasions or delightful treats you’ll savor with pure enjoyment.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) maraschino cherries with stems (about 25 cherries, juice reserved)
• 16 ounces (453 grams) semi-sweet chocolate (or a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate)
• 4 cups (390–520 grams) powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) salted butter, softened

Decorative Topping:

• Red candy melting wafers for drizzling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare maraschino cherries by thoroughly draining them, reserving cherry juice. Pat cherries completely dry using paper towels to ensure smooth coating during later stages.
2. Create fondant mixture by blending powdered sugar, softened butter, and reserved cherry juice using a hand mixer until smooth and consistent.
3. Gradually incorporate remaining powdered sugar to develop a soft, malleable dough. Aim for a texture that can be easily shaped without being too sticky or dry. Refrigerate mixture for 20 minutes to enhance firmness.
4. Dust hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Form fondant into small, flattened discs large enough to encase each cherry. Carefully wrap fondant around individual cherries, ensuring complete coverage. Roll gently to create uniform spheres.
5. Transfer fondant-wrapped cherries to a parchment-lined tray. Chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes to stabilize their structure before chocolate dipping.
6. Melt chocolate in microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals. Stir thoroughly between each heating cycle to prevent scorching and achieve smooth consistency.
7. Grasp each cherry by its stem and submerge completely in melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into bowl for even coating. Place dipped cherries on wax paper-lined baking sheet.
8. Optional decorative step: Melt red candy wafers and delicately drizzle over chocolate-covered cherries to enhance visual appeal and mask minor coating imperfections.
9. Allow chocolate to set naturally at room temperature. Once fully hardened, transfer chocolate covered cherries to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

• Carefully pat cherries completely dry to prevent liquid from ruining chocolate coating.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, easier fondant mixing without lumps.
• Refrigerate wrapped cherries before dipping to help chocolate adhere more cleanly and evenly.
• Customize by experimenting with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white for varied flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg