Indulge your sweet tooth with a treat that marries the rich flavors of chocolate with the lusciousness of maraschino cherries. These Chocolate-Covered Cherries are not only a delight to the taste buds but also a visual feast. Whether enjoyed on their own or shared as a homemade gift, this recipe promises a decadent experience that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating these heavenly chocolate-covered gems.
Ingredients: Gather the following ingredients to embark on the journey of making Chocolate-Covered Cherries:
- 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries (reserving 1/4 cup juice)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups powdered sugar
- 16 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening
- 4 ounces white chocolate chips (optional)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries:
- Lay the maraschino cherries on paper towels to drain any excess liquid.
- Dab them dry several times with paper towels and allow them to sit while you proceed with the recipe.
- Make the Fondant Mixture:
- Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, combine the softened butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice.
- Gradually add the remaining cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture forms a soft ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Refrigerate the fondant mixture for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Assemble the Cherries:
- Roll the chilled fondant into little balls, slightly less than 1 inch in size, and flatten them with the palms of your hands.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center, pulling up the fondant around it. Roll it into a smooth ball and place it on a parchment-covered rimmed baking sheet.
- Continue this process until all the cherries are coated, spacing them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Freeze the cherries for 30 minutes, uncovered.
- Dip in Chocolate:
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and coconut oil according to the instructions on the chocolate package.
- Using a fork, carefully dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, sliding them off the fork with a table knife onto a parchment-covered sheet.
- Allow the chocolate-covered cherries to sit until the chocolate sets.
- Optional Drizzle:
- For an extra touch of decadence, melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the cherries.
- If you want to elevate the presentation, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cherries as well.
Notes:
- Thoroughly drying the cherries is crucial for the fondant to adhere properly.
- You can use maraschino cherries with or without stems, but those without stems are easier to work with.
- Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar when rolling the fondant around the cherries.
- The chilling periods are essential for easy handling of the fondant and dunking the balls in melted chocolate.
- Store the chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 8 weeks.
Conclusion: With each bite of these Chocolate-Covered Cherries, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of sweet, fruity, and chocolatey goodness. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitary indulgence, these treats are a testament to the joy of homemade confections. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the chocolate-dipping adventure, and relish the satisfaction of creating these delectable chocolate-covered gems.