Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries
Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries are a delightful treat that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. Who doesn’t love the combination of luscious cherries wrapped in creamy chocolate? These delicious bites make a wonderful dessert for parties or a special treat to enjoy at home. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these candies bring a smile to anyone’s face.
What You’ll Need for Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries
Here’s what you’ll need to create these yummy treats:
- 10 oz (280 g) Maraschino Cherries, drained and patted dry
- 2 tbsp (30 g) softened Butter
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Corn Syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the liquid from the Maraschino Cherries
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) Invertase (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) Powdered Sugar
- 12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries
Follow these simple steps to create your own chocolate-covered cherry delights:
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Prepare the Cherries: Drain the Maraschino cherries, reserving some of the juice. Gently dab the cherries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Spread them out on paper towels to allow them to continue drying.
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Make the Sugar Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of cherry juice, and invertase (if using). Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until you have a soft dough.
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Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
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Shape the Dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1/2-inch balls. Flatten each ball and wrap the dough around each cherry, completely covering it.
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Chill the Covered Cherries: Place the dough-covered cherries back in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
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Melt the Chocolate: Meanwhile, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using the microwave or a double boiler, following the package instructions.
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Dip the Cherries: Once melted, dip each covered cherry into the chocolate using a fork. Gently shake off any excess chocolate and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Drizzle With More Chocolate: After refrigerating the dipped cherries for another 20 minutes, you can drizzle more melted chocolate over the top for a lovely presentation.
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Serve and Store: These treats are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries
These decadent chocolate-covered cherries are fantastic served straight from the fridge, where they will be firm and refreshing. You can plate them simply on a decorative dish, or get creative! Consider dusting them with a bit of cocoa powder or sprinkles for an added touch. Pair them with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of bubbly for a delightful dessert experience that feels indulgent.
Helpful Tricks for Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Ensure Cherries Are Dry: The drier your cherries are, the better the sugar dough will adhere and the smoother the chocolate coating will be.
- Customize Your Chocolates: You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer those flavors. Adding a touch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets can also add a wonderful contrast.
- Add a Flavor Twist: Try mixing a bit of almond or vanilla extract into the sugar dough for an extra layer of flavor!
Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of Maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to pit them first! Fresh cherries will not have the same sweetness, so you may want to adjust your sugar dough accordingly.
2. What happens if I don’t use invertase?
If you omit invertase, your chocolate-covered cherries will still taste fantastic, but the centers will remain firm instead of liquefying over time.
3. How long can I store chocolate-covered cherries?
These treats can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions.
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe – your sweet tooth will thank you!
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 10 oz Maraschino Cherries, drained and patted dry
- 2 tbsp softened Butter
- 1 tsp Corn Syrup
- 1 tbsp liquid from the Maraschino Cherries
- 1/2 tsp Invertase (optional) Optional, for a softer center
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar Divided into two portions
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain the Maraschino cherries, reserving some of the juice. Gently dab the cherries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Spread them out on paper towels to allow them to continue drying.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, corn syrup, 1 tablespoon of cherry juice, and invertase (if using). Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until you have a soft dough.
- Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1/2-inch balls. Flatten each ball and wrap the dough around each cherry, completely covering it.
- Place the dough-covered cherries back in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set.
Chocolate Coating
- Meanwhile, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using the microwave or a double boiler, following the package instructions.
- Once melted, dip each covered cherry into the chocolate using a fork. Gently shake off any excess chocolate and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- After refrigerating the dipped cherries for another 20 minutes, you can drizzle more melted chocolate over the top for a lovely presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- These treats are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
