Chocolate Covered Cherries
Delight in homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries, a simple yet elegant treat combining fresh, juicy cherries dipped in rich, smooth chocolate. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a decadent snack, this recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and offers customizable variations to suit any taste.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 to 30 chocolate covered cherries
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake, dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Fresh cherries with stems – 20 to 30 cherries, firm and ripe
- Chocolate chips or bars (semi-sweet or dark chocolate) – 8 ounces
- Corn syrup or honey – 1 tablespoon (optional, for glossy finish)
- Butter or heavy cream – 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon respectively (optional, for creamy coating)
Optional Add-ins
- Maraschino cherries – 10 cherries, for sweeter variation
- Almonds or pecans, crushed – ¼ cup, for topping
- Cinnamon or chili powder – a pinch, for spiced chocolate
- Brandy, rum, or cherry liqueur – 2 tablespoons, for alcohol infusion
- Prepare the Cherries: Rinse fresh cherries thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a clean towel to ensure no moisture remains, which can prevent the chocolate from adhering properly. Keep the stems intact for easier handling and a decorative touch.
- Melt the Chocolate: Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring often until smooth and glossy. If desired, stir in butter or heavy cream to add extra creaminess and a ganache-like texture.
- Dip the Cherries: Hold each cherry by its stem and dip it fully into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s evenly coated. Gently tap the cherry against the bowl edge to remove excess chocolate and avoid drips.
- Add Toppings (Optional): While the chocolate is still wet, roll or sprinkle the cherries with crushed nuts or other toppings so they stick well to the chocolate coating.
- Cool and Set: Place the dipped cherries on parchment paper-lined trays and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens and becomes firm to the touch.
Notes
- Make sure cherries are dry before dipping to prevent chocolate seizing.
- Use room temperature chocolate and melt slowly for a smooth coating.
- Line trays with parchment paper to avoid sticking during cooling.
- Experiment with different chocolates like milk, dark, or white for varied flavors.
- Refrigerate dipped cherries immediately for quicker and cleaner setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cherries
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Cherries, chocolate cherries, dipped cherries, homemade chocolate dessert, holiday treats, easy chocolate recipes