Follow these simple steps to make your own chocolate-covered cherries:
- Prepare the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to prevent excess moisture from affecting the filling and chocolate coating.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
- Form the centers: Take a cherry and roll a small amount of the sugar mixture around it, creating a smooth ball-like shape around the cherry. Repeat this step with all the cherries, placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Chill the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate either in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler on the stovetop. Stir until smooth and completely melted.
- Coat the cherries: Once the filling has firmed up, dip each cherry (with the filling) into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. Place the coated cherries back on the parchment paper and allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Chill the chocolates: Place the tray of chocolate-covered cherries back in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chocolate has hardened, your chocolate-covered cherries are ready to be served! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them.
Serving and Storage
These chocolate-covered cherries are best served chilled and are the perfect treat for a holiday party or gift-giving. Here’s how to store and serve them:
- Serving: Serve these chocolate-covered cherries as a sweet treat for any occasion. They’re great for holiday parties, gifts, or just as a decadent snack for yourself!
- Storage: Store your chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer the cherries between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Tips
Here are some tips to help ensure your chocolate-covered cherries turn out perfectly:
- Ensure the cherries are dry: It’s important to dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly to avoid any extra moisture. This helps prevent the chocolate from becoming too soft or sticky.
- Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the finished product will taste. If you’re using chocolate chips, consider using high-quality ones or a chocolate bar that you can chop yourself for a smoother melt.
- Customize the flavor: You can easily customize the filling by adding a dash of cinnamon or even orange zest for a unique twist!
- Chill the cherries properly: Chilling the cherries before coating them with chocolate helps the filling set, making the process easier and cleaner.
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few variations on the classic chocolate-covered cherries:
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries: If you prefer strawberries, you can use them instead of cherries for a fresh twist on the classic chocolate-covered fruit.
- Cherry Almond Truffles: Instead of making a smooth filling, try using almond paste mixed with the powdered sugar for an almond-flavored truffle center around the cherry.
- Dark Chocolate or White Chocolate: Switch things up by using dark chocolate or white chocolate for the coating. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cherry, while white chocolate adds a creamy contrast.
- Cherry Cordials: Add a little splash of liqueur (like brandy or cherry liqueur) to the filling for an adult twist on this sweet treat.
Conclusion
Chocolate Covered Cherries are the perfect treat for any special occasion or just when you need a little something sweet. Their creamy, sugary filling and smooth chocolate coating make them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of these decadent candies that will be loved by all!
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While maraschino cherries are typically used for this recipe because they have a sweet, firm texture, you can use fresh cherries. Just be sure to remove the pits and pat them dry before dipping in the filling and chocolate.
2. How can I make the chocolate coating smoother?
If your chocolate is too thick or clumpy, try adding a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out. This will give the chocolate a smoother texture for dipping.
3. Can I freeze chocolate-covered cherries?
Yes, chocolate-covered cherries can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer them between parchment paper and store them in an airtight container to avoid them sticking together.