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Easy Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries (Cherry Cordials)

Three homemade chocolate covered cherries, one cut open to show the creamy filling and bright red cherry center.
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Make classic cherry cordials at home using maraschino cherries and a simple fondant center, then coat them in rich dark chocolate. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained well
  • 1 tablespoon reserved maraschino cherry juice
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)

Instructions

  1. Pat the drained maraschino cherries very dry using paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the reserved cherry juice, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Add the vanilla extract.
  4. Knead the mixture briefly until smooth. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  5. Take a small piece of fondant dough (about 1 teaspoon) and flatten it in your palm. Place one dried cherry in the center and carefully wrap the fondant completely around the cherry, sealing it well. Roll it into a smooth ball. Place the wrapped cherry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all cherries.
  6. Chill the fondant-covered cherries in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This step is important for successful dipping.
  7. Melt the chocolate and shortening (if using) together using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.
  8. Dip each chilled cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork or dipping tool to lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  9. Place the dipped cherries back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature, or chill briefly if needed. For a thicker coating, you can perform a second dip once the first layer is set.

Notes

  • The liquid center forms over time as the sugar in the fondant draws moisture from the cherry. For a more pronounced liquid center, let the finished candies sit at room temperature for several days before serving.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in your gourmet homemade chocolates.
  • If you want a thinner chocolate coating, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening to the melted chocolate to improve flow.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/chocolate-covered-cherries-recipe/