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Easy Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries (Cherry Cordials)

Close-up of several freshly made chocolate covered cherries cooling on white parchment paper.
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Learn how to make classic chocolate covered cherries at home! This simple recipe wraps juicy maraschino cherries in a smooth fondant center and coats them in rich chocolate for a decadent, nostalgic treat perfect for gifting or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained well
  • 1 tablespoon cherry juice (reserved from the jar)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for dipping)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Pat them very dry with paper towels. Place the dried cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Make the fondant: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and reserved cherry juice until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter mixture, beating until a thick, smooth dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring it together.
  4. Wrap the cherries: Take a small piece of fondant (about 1 teaspoon) and flatten it into a small disk in your palm. Place one dried cherry in the center and carefully wrap the fondant around it, sealing it completely. Roll it gently into a smooth ball or oval shape.
  5. Chill the centers: Place the fondant-wrapped cherries back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the fondant is firm. This step is crucial for successful dipping.
  6. Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate and shortening (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
  7. Dip the cherries: Working with one chilled cherry at a time, use a dipping tool or two forks to fully submerge the cherry in the melted chocolate. Lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  8. Set the coating: Place the dipped cherry back onto the parchment-lined sheet. If you want a thicker shell, let the first layer set for 10 minutes at room temperature, then dip them a second time.
  9. Final set: Allow the chocolate covered cherries to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is hard. For the best cordial center, store them in the refrigerator for several days before serving; this allows the sugar to draw moisture from the cherry, creating the classic liquid center.

Notes

  • For a glossy finish, temper your chocolate properly before dipping.
  • If you want a liquid center quickly, you can skip the fondant step and simply dip the dried cherries directly into melted chocolate, but the texture will differ from a true cherry cordial.
  • These homemade candy recipes make wonderful gourmet gift ideas food, especially around the holidays.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/chocolate-covered-cherries-recipe/