Sweet maraschino cherries dipped in rich, velvety dark chocolate—this classic treat is the perfect blend of juicy and indulgent. Chocolate covered cherries are a delightful homemade dessert or edible gift, ideal for holidays, romantic occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Their glossy finish and irresistible flavor make them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chocolate covered cherries are simple to make and incredibly elegant. The vibrant maraschino cherries bring a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smooth, slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate. This treat requires minimal ingredients and preparation, but the result is a luxurious bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for gifting, plating at parties, or enjoying with a glass of red wine or espresso.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Directions
- Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and gently pat them dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential to help the chocolate adhere.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and heavy cream together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, if using, to the melted chocolate mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it into the chocolate mixture, coating it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the dipped cherries onto a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Serve chilled or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 cherries.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Milk or White Chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier variation.
- Boozy Cherries: Soak the cherries in a splash of amaretto, brandy, or bourbon for several hours before dipping for a grown-up twist.
- Chocolate Shell Crunch: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate for a firmer, snappier shell.
- Garnish: Drizzle the dipped cherries with a contrasting chocolate or sprinkle with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or edible gold dust.
- Candied Cherry Core: Freeze the cherries slightly before dipping to help the chocolate set faster and reduce dripping.
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Keep the chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing:
You can freeze them for longer storage. Place in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating:
These treats are not meant to be reheated. Always serve them chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used when in season. Just ensure they’re pitted and very dry before dipping.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Avoid letting any water come into contact with the chocolate, and melt it slowly using low heat.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, these are perfect for making ahead. They stay fresh in the fridge for several days.
Why is my chocolate not sticking well?
Ensure the cherries are fully dry before dipping. Moisture can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly.
Can I use cherry liqueur?
Yes, soak the cherries in cherry liqueur for extra flavor, but be sure to dry them thoroughly before dipping.
Can I skip the cream?
The cream creates a softer ganache-like chocolate coating. If you’d prefer a firmer shell, you can melt the chocolate without cream.
What kind of chocolate is best?
Use high-quality dark chocolate chips or bars with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor and texture.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Tempering is optional. For a glossy, snappy shell that stores well at room temperature, tempering is recommended but not required.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale up all ingredients for a larger batch.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Once set, they can be packaged in small candy boxes or cellophane bags for a beautiful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Chocolate covered cherries are a timeless treat that blend the juiciness of cherries with the richness of dark chocolate in the most elegant way. Simple to make and irresistibly good, they are perfect for holidays, romantic evenings, or handmade gifts. Whether you keep them all to yourself or share with loved ones, this classic confection is always a sweet success.
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Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 12 cherries
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chocolate Covered Cherries are a decadent blend of juicy maraschino cherries and rich dark chocolate, creating a luxurious treat perfect for gifting or serving at special events. With minimal ingredients and a simple prep, these indulgent bites are ideal for holidays, parties, or a sweet craving fix.
Ingredients
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1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
-
1 cup dark chocolate chips
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions
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Drain the maraschino cherries and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the heavy cream using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
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Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar (if using) until fully blended.
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Holding each cherry by the stem, dip into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
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Place dipped cherries on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm.
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Serve chilled or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
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For a variation, roll cherries in chopped nuts or drizzle with white chocolate after setting.
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Use chocolate melting wafers for a shinier finish and firmer coating.
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Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holiday trays, or edible gifts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
