What’s better than sweet cherries wrapped in chocolate?
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I know I can’t possibly speak for everyone, but for me, there are fewer things sweeter than a chocolate-covered cherry. I’ve loved them since I was a child, in part because they were only given out on rare occasions. When I was lucky enough to be given one, it was something to savor and enjoy. That’s why I almost can’t believe how simple it is to create homemade chocolate-covered cherries that taste just as sweet as anything made by a professional chocolatier.
For starters, maraschino cherries are as sweet as any fruit I can name. They are so juicy and flavorful; I often can’t get enough. When you add a layer of chocolate to the equation, I can’t think of anything better. Granted, there are a few more ingredients involved, not to mention a little bit of patience. But I promise that you won’t be disappointed with the results of making your own chocolate-covered cherries.
Are Chocolate-Covered Cherries Healthy?
As you can probably guess, chocolate-covered cherries aren’t meant to be a healthy snack but rather an occasional indulgence. Unlike other fruits, maraschino cherries don’t have much in terms of vitamins and nutrients. The cup of powdered sugar in this recipe doesn’t exactly help the nutritional profile of chocolate-covered cherries. Therefore, this is a treat that should only be enjoyed in moderation.
Adjust to Your Liking…
I like to think of homemade chocolate-covered cherries as a labor of love. It’s one of those things you make based on feel rather than following the recipe exactly. For instance, you’ll be able to feel when the sugar dough is pliable and ready to be used. If it’s not the right consistency, small increments of powdered sugar can be added. But it’s also possible to add some maraschino cherry juice half a teaspoon at a time. Likewise, once you get a little experience with this recipe, you’ll start to develop a feel for when the chocolate is properly melted and the right consistency when dipping each cherry in the chocolate.
INGREDIENTS
- 24 maraschino cherries with stems, well-drained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare
Mix dough and wrap cherries.
Chill
Refrigerate wrapped cherries.
Dip
Coat cherries in chocolate and chill.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
As long as the chocolate-covered cherries are in a covered container and stored in a cool, dry place, preferably the fridge, they should be good for at least 2 weeks.
Chocolate-covered cherries are also called cordials. They date back to the 1700s when sour cherries were dipped in marzipan and chocolate to preserve them and create a sweet treat.
Serving Suggestions
Even though chocolate-covered cherries are sweet enough on their own, they can be used to top off another type of dessert. Ice cream is perhaps the best example of this, especially if you make a healthy Ice Cream with Chocolate and Pomegranate. Naturally, chocolate-covered cherries also go well with Homemade Frozen Yogurt.
Additionally, if you crave chocolaty goodness day and night, there are a few other recipes I’d like to pass along. The first is Chocolate Lava Cake, another personal favorite of mine, although this one is paleo-friendly and gluten-free. I would also recommend cooking a batch of Flourless Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies and making some of these No Bake Chocolate Energy Bars. It’s truly a great time to be a chocolate lover.
Chocolate-Covered Cherries
Ingredients
- 24 maraschino cherries with stems well drained
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chopped
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until a dough forms. If the mixture is too sticky, gradually add more powdered sugar until it is pliable.
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Take a small amount of the sugar dough and flatten it into a disc. Wrap each cherry in the dough, completely encasing the fruit. Place on a parchment-lined tray with the stems pointing up. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
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Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each burst.
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Dip each dough-wrapped cherry into the melted chocolate by holding the stem. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place back on the parchment paper. Chill the chocolate-covered cherries until set, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Nutrition
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