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Easy Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries (Cherry Cordials)

A pile of glossy, dark chocolate covered cherries, with one piece broken open showing the bright red cherry filling.

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Make classic chocolate covered cherries at home. This recipe uses maraschino cherries and a simple chocolate coating for a decadent, easy candy treat perfect for holidays or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries in syrup
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or milk/dark chocolate)
  • 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)

Instructions

  1. Drain the maraschino cherries well. Pat them completely dry using paper towels. This step is important for good chocolate coating.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. Mix until you form a thick, smooth paste or fondant.
  3. Roll small amounts of the fondant mixture around each dried cherry to create a ball around the cherry. If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes.
  4. Place the fondant-covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.
  5. Melt the chopped chocolate with the shortening or coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  6. Remove the frozen cherries from the freezer. Working quickly, dip each cherry into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, ensuring it is fully coated.
  7. Return the coated cherries to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature, or chill briefly to speed up the process.

Notes

  • For a liquid center, skip the fondant step and simply dry the cherries thoroughly before dipping them in chocolate. Freeze them for 1 hour before dipping.
  • If you are planning your weekly meals, these candies are a great addition to your dessert rotation, though they are not part of a standard meal planning service.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor coating.

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