Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries (Better Than Store-Bought!)

Introduction

Did you know that Americans consume over 58 million pounds of Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries (Better Than Store-Bought!) during the holiday season alone? This beloved confection, often associated with special occasions and gifting, doesn’t have to be store-bought with its often artificial ingredients and excessive sweetness. The magic of creating these luxurious treats at home lies in the transformation of simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. When you craft your own cherry cordials, you control the quality, freshness, and flavor profile, resulting in a treat that’s not only more delicious but also more meaningful. These homemade delicacies feature plump, juicy cherries enveloped in a silky-smooth chocolate coating with a delightfully sweet filling that slowly liquefies around the fruit. Let’s discover how to create these irresistible chocolate covered cherries in your own kitchen!

Ingredients List

For the perfect homemade cherry cordials, you’ll need:

• 24 maraschino cherries with stems (look for natural varieties without artificial dyes)
• 3 tablespoons of cherry juice (reserved from the jar)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons of corn syrup (or honey as a natural alternative)
• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or almond extract for a more pronounced flavor)
• 12 ounces of high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate (60-70% cacao)
• 2 tablespoons of shortening or coconut oil (helps create a smoother chocolate coating)

The quality of your chocolate significantly impacts the final product. Consider splurging on premium chocolate with a high cacao percentage for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates your Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries (Better Than Store-Bought!) to gourmet status.

Timing

Creating these luxurious treats requires patience, but the results are worth every minute:

• Preparation time: 45 minutes (including cherry draining and fondant preparation)
• Chilling time: 4 hours minimum (24 hours recommended for optimal results)
• Dipping time: 30 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 5-24 hours (78% of this time is passive waiting)

While commercial production takes just minutes per batch, this artisanal approach ensures a superior texture and flavor that develops beautifully over time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving 3 tablespoons of the juice. Gently pat each cherry dry with paper towels, being careful not to remove the stems. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess moisture for at least 2 hours. This crucial step prevents the fondant from becoming too runny later.

Step 2: Create the Sweet Fondant

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, corn syrup, and cherry juice. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a thick, pliable dough that resembles modeling clay. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the mixture feels too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a few drops of cherry juice.

Step 3: Wrap the Cherries

Take approximately 1 teaspoon of the fondant and flatten it in your palm. Carefully wrap it around a cherry, completely encasing the fruit but leaving the stem exposed. Shape it gently to create a smooth, round form. Place the wrapped cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Temper the Chocolate

Melt the chocolate and shortening or coconut oil using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each heating. The addition of shortening creates a thinner consistency that’s perfect for dipping and results in a glossier finish. The ideal temperature is 88-90°F (31-32°C) for properly tempered chocolate.

Step 5: Dip the Cherries

Hold each cherry by its stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage of the fondant. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place it back on the parchment paper. Work quickly but carefully—the chilled fondant may cause the chocolate to set rapidly.

Step 6: Allow Magic to Happen

Let the chocolate-covered cherries set at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. For the best experience, store them at room temperature for 1-2 days before serving. During this time, the fondant slowly liquefies around the cherry, creating that distinctive cordial center that makes Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries (Better Than Store-Bought!) so special.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 cherry cordials):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 1g

While these treats are undeniably indulgent, research suggests dark chocolate contains beneficial antioxidants, and cherries offer anti-inflammatory properties—making these homemade versions a slightly more nutritious option than commercial alternatives.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a more wholesome version of these luxurious treats:

• Substitute honey or maple syrup for corn syrup
• Use coconut oil instead of shortening
• Opt for 70-85% dark chocolate to reduce sugar content and increase antioxidant benefits
• Try fresh cherries when in season (pitted and briefly marinated in cherry juice)
• Incorporate a small amount of cream cheese in the fondant for protein and reduced sugar
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for metabolism-boosting properties

These modifications can reduce the overall sugar content by approximately 25% while enhancing the nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions

Present your chocolate covered cherries with flair:

• Arrange on a crystal platter for elegant entertaining
• Pair with a glass of port or cherry liqueur for a sophisticated dessert experience
• Serve alongside espresso to balance the sweetness
• Create a dessert board with other complementary treats like shortbread cookies and dark chocolate truffles
• Garnish with edible gold dust for special occasions
• Package in small decorative boxes for heartfelt homemade gifts

The combination of dark chocolate and cherry flavors pairs exceptionally well with both bold red wines and coffee-based drinks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Insufficient cherry drying: Excess moisture prevents proper fondant adhesion and can lead to leakage
• Overworking the fondant: This creates a tough texture; handle just enough to wrap the cherries
• Chocolate too hot: Temperatures above 90°F will melt the fondant during dipping
• Rushing the aging process: 70% of homemade cherry cordial failures come from consuming them too soon; patience allows the filling to liquefy properly
• Improper storage: Fluctuating temperatures can cause « bloom » on the chocolate; store at a consistent temperature
• Using low-quality chocolate: The coating is 40% of the flavor experience—don’t compromise here

Storing Tips for the Recipe

For optimal enjoyment of your Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries (Better Than Store-Bought!):

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature (65-70°F) for up to 2 weeks
• Avoid refrigeration after the initial setting period as it can inhibit the natural liquefying process
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Keep away from strong odors as chocolate readily absorbs surrounding aromas
• For longer storage (up to 1 month), place in a cool, dry place but not the refrigerator
• Allow refrigerated cherry cordials to come to room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving

Conclusion

Creating homemade cherry cordials transforms a simple confection into an extraordinary culinary experience. The process might require patience, but the reward—biting into a perfectly crafted chocolate shell to discover a sweet, slightly liquefied center surrounding a juicy cherry—is incomparable. These Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries (Better Than Store-Bought!) aren’t just treats; they’re expressions of care and craftsmanship that elevate any occasion. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as gifts, the handcrafted quality shines through in every bite. Why not start your batch today? Your future self (and anyone lucky enough to receive them) will thank you for embarking on this sweet adventure.

FAQs

Q: Why didn’t my fondant center liquefy?
A: The liquefaction process takes time—typically 1-2 days at room temperature. If yours didn’t liquefy, you might need to allow more aging time or check that your fondant had the proper ratio of cherry juice to sugar.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
A: Yes! Pit fresh cherries and soak them in cherry juice or kirsch for 24 hours before using. They won’t be as sweet but offer a more natural flavor profile.

Q: Why did my chocolate bloom or look streaky?
A: This occurs when chocolate isn’t properly tempered or experiences temperature fluctuations. To fix, ensure consistent storage temperature and consider adding a small amount of cocoa butter to your melted chocolate.

Q: How far in advance can I make these for gifting?
A: Ideally, make them 3-5 days before gifting. This allows time for the centers to develop that perfect consistency while ensuring they remain fresh.

Q: Can I make these without corn syrup?
A: Absolutely! Honey, maple syrup, or invert sugar can be substituted in equal amounts, though each will impart a slightly different flavor to your chocolate covered cherries.