Introduction

If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent treat that will wow your friends and family, look no further than Chocolate-Covered Cherries! These bite-sized delights are the perfect combination of juicy, sweet cherries and rich, creamy chocolate, delivering a heavenly balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them to a loved one, or simply treating yourself, these chocolate-covered cherries are sure to steal the show!

What makes these treats even better? They’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few basic ingredients—cherries, chocolate, and a little patience—you can create these little bites of joy in no time. No special equipment needed, just a bit of care as you dip each cherry into the chocolate, making them feel like something special, even though they’re so simple to whip up.

Not only are they perfect for a festive gathering, but Chocolate-Covered Cherries also make an adorable and thoughtful homemade gift. Imagine packaging them in a beautiful jar or a cute gift box and handing them out at your next party or giving them to someone who needs a little pick-me-up. They’re the kind of treat that feels like a luxurious indulgence without the hefty price tag.

So, whether you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday spread or just want to create something that will impress your loved ones, these chocolate-covered cherries are sure to deliver. Let’s dive into the magic of how to make these irresistible treats at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons to love Chocolate-Covered Cherries:

Quick and Easy: You can whip up these treats in just under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—holidays, parties, or as a special gift.
Perfect Blend of Flavors: The combination of juicy cherries and smooth chocolate is irresistible.
Customizable: Choose dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit your taste.
Fun to Make: This is a great recipe for kids or anyone looking to get creative in the kitchen.
No Special Tools Needed: You don’t need fancy equipment to make these treats—just a few basic kitchen essentials.
Great for Gifting: Pack them up in cute boxes or jars for a personalized gift.
Impressive Yet Simple: Despite being so easy, these treats look elegant and professional.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Setting Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12-16 pieces (depending on size)
Calories per piece: Approximately 120 calories
Key Nutrients: Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

You’ll need these ingredients to create your Chocolate-Covered Cherries:

For the Cherries:

12-16 maraschino cherries (with stems)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your preferred chocolate)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for smooth coating)

Ingredient Highlights

Maraschino Cherries: The classic choice for chocolate-covered cherries, they’re juicy and sweet with a slight tartness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This helps bind the cherry filling and creates a creamy center.
Chocolate: The star of the show! Choose your favorite variety—milk, dark, or white chocolate.
Coconut (Optional): Adds a nice touch of texture and flavor, enhancing the overall experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Chocolate-Covered Cherries is easy. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Cherries

Drain the Cherries: Start by draining the maraschino cherries and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to ensure the chocolate sticks properly and doesn’t slide off.
Remove the Stems: Carefully remove the stems from the cherries, as you’ll want them to be fully coated in chocolate. Be gentle to avoid breaking the cherries.
Make the Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth.
Fill the Cherries: Take a small amount of the coconut mixture and gently stuff it inside the cherries. Try to pack it in just enough to create a nice, rounded shape, but not too much that it overflows. The filling will help to hold the chocolate in place once you coat the cherries.

Coat the Cherries in Chocolate

Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Dip the Cherries: Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each stuffed cherry into the melted chocolate. Make sure to coat the entire cherry evenly, letting any excess chocolate drip off. If you want a thicker coating, you can dip the cherries twice, allowing the first layer to harden slightly before adding the second.
Place on a Tray: Once each cherry is coated, place it on a parchment-lined baking tray. Leave a little space between each cherry to prevent them from sticking together.

Let the Chocolate Set

Chill the Cherries: After all the cherries are coated in chocolate, place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely. If you’re in a rush, you can also place the tray in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has set, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade chocolate-covered cherries! They’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving as a festive treat.

How to Serve

There are plenty of ways to serve your Chocolate-Covered Cherries for maximum impact:

On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cherries on a decorative platter for a fancy presentation at parties or gatherings.
As a Gift: Package them in small clear bags or jars and tie them with ribbon for a sweet and thoughtful gift.
With Coffee or Wine: These treats pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of red wine for an elegant touch.
On a Chocolate Dessert Table: Add them to a dessert table alongside other chocolate-themed treats like brownies, cookies, and truffles.
As a Standalone Treat: For a simple yet delicious treat, just serve them in a small bowl and enjoy!
Individual Wrapping: Wrap each cherry in foil or wax paper for a beautiful and personal touch for gifts or party favors.

Additional Tips

To get the most out of your Chocolate-Covered Cherries, here are a few tips:

Chill the Cherries Before Coating: If you find the cherries too soft to work with, chill them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before coating them in chocolate.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate—whether it’s semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate.
Don’t Overfill the Cherries: Stuffing the cherries with too much filling can cause them to leak or become hard to dip. A small amount of filling goes a long way.
Dip Twice for a Thicker Coat: If you want your chocolate-covered cherries to have a thicker layer of chocolate, dip them twice, allowing each layer to harden slightly before the next.
Store in an Airtight Container: Keep your chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Add a Flavor Twist: Consider adding a few drops of almond extract or other flavorings to the filling for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to get creative with Chocolate-Covered Cherries. Here are a few variations to try:

Dark Chocolate-Covered Cherries: Use dark chocolate for a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cherries and coconut filling.
White Chocolate-Covered Cherries: For a milder, creamier option, use white chocolate for the coating.
Add a Nutty Crunch: Roll the chocolate-coated cherries in crushed nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, for added texture and flavor.
Mint Chocolate: Use mint-flavored chocolate chips for a refreshing minty twist on this classic treat.
Liqueur-Infused Cherries: Soak the cherries in a splash of liqueur (like brandy or Chambord) for a sophisticated, adult version of this treat.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Chocolate-Covered Cherries fresh and ready for enjoyment, here’s what you need to know:

Storage: Store your chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch and store them for longer, you can freeze the chocolate-covered cherries. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw before serving.
Chill Before Coating: If your cherries are too soft or squishy to work with, chilling them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before dipping them can make the process easier.

Special Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make your Chocolate-Covered Cherries:

Mixing Bowls: For combining the filling ingredients and for melting the chocolate.
Fork or Toothpick: To dip the cherries into the melted chocolate.
Baking Sheet: To place the cherries while they set in the fridge.
Parchment Paper: To prevent the cherries from sticking to the tray as the chocolate hardens.

Chocolate-Covered cherries

Author: Martha
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

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