Chocolate Covered Cherries: A Sweet Treat Guide
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Chocolate covered cherries are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the rich taste of chocolate. You’ll need simple ingredients like maraschino cherries, butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips to create these festive candies.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these homemade treats are sure to impress. You can customize them with different types of chocolate or even add a liquid center for an extra surprise. Get ready to enjoy a classic dessert that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make delicious chocolate covered cherries:
Cherries: Fresh or maraschino cherries work best. Make sure to remove any stems and dry them thoroughly.
Powdered Sugar: This is used to create the filling. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine as a substitute.
Butter: Adds richness to the filling. You can use margarine or coconut oil instead if you prefer.
Milk: Helps bind the filling. Feel free to use any milk substitute like almond milk or soy milk.
Almond Extract: Provides a hint of flavor. You can swap this with vanilla extract if almond isn’t your preference.
Chocolate Chips: You’ll need these for melting and coating the cherries. Use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips based on your taste.
Tips for Substitutes:
For a healthier version, you can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and coconut oil instead of butter. This will give a different taste but still be delicious.
Finally, if you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try using powdered stevia or another sugar substitute instead of regular powdered sugar. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, mix softened butter and corn syrup until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Prepare the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries and place them on a paper towel to dry. This helps the dough stick better.
Wrap the Cherries
Take a small piece of dough and flatten it into a circle. Wrap the dough around each cherry, ensuring it is fully covered. If the dough starts to stick, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar.
Chill the Cherries
Place the wrapped cherries on a wax or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
Melt the Chocolate
Place chocolate chips and a bit of oil in a heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Dip the Cherries
Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the cherry back on the lined baking sheet.
Final Chill
Once all cherries are dipped, let them set in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens. Store the chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy your homemade chocolate-covered cherries!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
To make the best chocolate-covered cherries, start with fresh, firm cherries. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel before dipping.
Melt your chocolate gradually. Use a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring each time. This helps avoid burning.
For a smoother coating, add a bit of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the chocolate. About one teaspoon per cup of chocolate should be enough.
Using parchment or wax paper on your baking sheet prevents the cherries from sticking. This makes for easy removal and clean-up.
After dipping the cherries, let the excess chocolate drip off. You can drag the bottom of the cherry along the edge of the bowl to get rid of any extra.
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the dipped cherries adds a delicious touch. You can also try chopped nuts or shredded coconut for variety.
Storing Your Chocolate-Covered Cherries:
- Refrigerator: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, place the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if taken from the freezer. This will improve the texture and taste.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to enjoy chocolate-covered cherries. Here are some fun ideas to try:
Different Coatings:
- Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
- White Chocolate: Adds a sweeter, creamier twist.
- Almond Bark: Easy to melt and makes a smooth coating.
Additional Ingredients:
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Crushed Nuts: Roll the dipped cherries in crushed nuts for added crunch.
- Drizzle: Drizzle white or dark chocolate over the top for a decorative look.
Serving Suggestions:
- Chilled: Serve your chocolates chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Gift Boxes: Package them in a pretty box or tin for a homemade gift.
- Dessert Plate: Pair with other candies and fruits to create a stunning dessert platter.
Flavor Boosters:
- Cherry Emulsion: Enhance the cherry flavor by adding cherry emulsion to the dough.
- Liquor: Soak cherries in a flavored liquor like rum or brandy before dipping.
Texture Twists:
- Fondant Filling: Use fondant instead of dough for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Crunchy Shell: Double dip the cherries for a thicker, crunchier chocolate shell.
Get creative and make these treats your own! Enjoy experimenting with these variations and impress your friends and family with your delicious creations.