Chocolate-covered cherries are a timeless treat loved by many, especially during holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Making them at home might seem tricky, but with a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create these luscious delights yourself. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to make chocolate-covered cherries that taste better than store-bought!
Why Make Chocolate-Covered Cherries at Home?
– Better flavor and freshness: Homemade cherries have a rich, fresh taste that’s hard to beat.
– Customizable: You can choose your favorite chocolate and adjust sweetness.
– Perfect gift or treat: They make thoughtful homemade gifts or a special indulgence.
– Fun tradition: Making them can turn into a fun family or holiday activity.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients
– Maraschino cherries with stems: These are ideal because the stems make dipping easier.
– Powdered sugar: Used to create the sweet filling that wraps the cherry.
– Butter: Softened, to mix with powdered sugar for the filling.
– Milk or sweetened condensed milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the filling.
– Almond or vanilla extract: Adds a lovely flavor that complements cherries and chocolate.
– Semi-sweet or dark chocolate: For dipping; chocolate almond bark is also a great option.
– Shortening or coconut oil: Helps thin the chocolate for smooth dipping.
Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Spoon or hand mixer
– Wax or parchment paper
– Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
– Baking sheet or tray
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate-Covered Cherries
1. Prepare the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry cherries ensure the filling sticks well and the chocolate coats evenly.
2. Make the Sweet Filling
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk (or condensed milk) with almond or vanilla extract until it forms a smooth, pliable dough. This sugary dough is what creates the classic gooey center.
3. Wrap the Cherries
Dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of the dough, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it completely around each cherry, covering it fully. Place the wrapped cherries on a wax paper-lined tray.
4. Chill the Wrapped Cherries
Refrigerate or freeze the dough-covered cherries for at least an hour or overnight. This step firms up the filling, making it easier to dip in chocolate.
5. Melt the Chocolate
Using a double boiler or microwave, melt your chocolate with a little shortening or coconut oil. Stir until smooth and glossy.
6. Dip the Cherries
Hold each cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place the dipped cherry back onto the wax paper.
7. Let the Chocolate Set
Chill the dipped cherries in the refrigerator for about an hour until the chocolate hardens.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate-Covered Cherries
– Use cherries with stems for easier handling and a classic look.
– Make sure cherries are completely dry before wrapping.
– The longer you let the wrapped cherries sit before dipping, the more the filling softens into a delicious syrup inside.
– Store finished cherries in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
– For a decorative touch, drizzle melted colored candy melts over the chocolate once set.
Chocolate-covered cherries are surprisingly simple to make and bring a delightful homemade touch to any occasion. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy this classic treat fresh from your own kitchen.
Enjoy making and sharing your chocolate-covered cherries!
Ready to try? Would you like a detailed recipe with exact measurements next?