Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights Recipe

If you’re a fan of that perfect blend of sweet cherries and rich chocolate, you’re going to absolutely love this Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights Recipe. This recipe gives you those classic cherry cordials we all crave, but making them at home is way more satisfying (and fun!). I remember the first time I tried making these; the way the fondant melts into a luscious syrup inside the chocolate blew me away. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step so your batch turns out like a gift-shop treat but made with all the love right in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together beautifully to create those rich, sweet cherry centers enveloped in smooth chocolate. When shopping, look for good quality dipping chocolate because the finish depends on it. Also, maraschino cherries work best for their sweet kick and texture.

• Maraschino Cherries: Choose ones with stems if you want an easier dip but stems off if you want a cleaner look.
• Fondant Ingredients (Powdered Sugar, Butter, Corn Syrup): These combine to make the soft dough that melts into the cherry syrup—use fresh powdered sugar for smooth fondant.
• Dipping Chocolate: Get a pound of good quality melting chocolate plus semi-sweet chocolate chips for richness and smoothness.
• Shortening or Coconut Oil: This thins the chocolate just enough for easier dipping and a glossy finish.

Variations

I like to tweak this Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. You can make these boozy for special adults-only parties or keep them completely kid-friendly and just as delicious.

• Boozy Cherries: Soaking your cherries in brandy or rum for up to 24 hours adds an extra depth of flavor that my family goes crazy for at holiday gatherings.
• Stem-On Dipping: Leaving stems on makes dipping easier and looks charming for gift presentation—though I personally prefer the toothpick method for a neat finish.
• Chocolate Varieties: You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
• Nutty Twist: Add some finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes to the chocolate coating before it sets for a fun texture.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Optional Soak Your Cherries

Start by deciding if you want the stems on your cherries or off—both ways work great, but stems can help with dipping. Drain them well and then dry thoroughly with paper towels; dryness is key to getting the fondant to stick properly. If you want to make boozy cherry cordials, now’s the time to soak the cherries in brandy or rum for up to 24 hours, then dry them again thoroughly. Trust me, the soaking step is totally worth the wait if you enjoy that subtle kick.

Step 2: Mix the Fondant Dough by Hand

I discovered that mixing the fondant dough by hand is way easier and gives you better texture than using a mixer. Combine butter and corn syrup in a bowl, kneading with your hands until smooth. Sift powdered sugar over and knead until you get a soft dough kind of like Play-Doh. If it feels too sticky, add more powdered sugar. Chill this fondant dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm it up for wrapping.

Step 3: Wrap Each Cherry in Fondant

Roll out the fondant dough into small logs about the size of your index finger, then flatten. Place one cherry in the center of the log, and roll the fondant around it, pinching the ends tightly. Roll the cherry one last time in your palm to smooth the fondant and make sure it’s an even thickness all around. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 30 minutes—but be careful not to let them sit more than 2 hours or the fondant starts to get too soft.

Step 4: Melt Your Chocolate for the Dipping Bath

While your cherries are chilling, melt the dipping chocolate and semi-sweet chips with a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil over low heat. I like to use a double boiler to avoid scorching. Stir almost constantly until it’s silky smooth with no lumps. Remember—no water should come near the chocolate or it will seize up, so watch that steam carefully!

Step 5: Dip and Coat Each Cherry Carefully

Use toothpicks to dip one fondant-wrapped cherry at a time into the melted chocolate. Once dipped, gently tap off the excess and transfer it to your parchment paper. Immediately use another toothpick dipped in chocolate to fill the little hole left by the dipping pick—that’s a trick I learned to get a smooth finish. After all cherries are dipped and the first layer has set, dip each cherry’s bottom just enough to give it a second layer for sturdiness. This extra layer keeps that delicious fondant syrup from leaking out over time.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust these delights lightly with cocoa powder or sprinkle some finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before the chocolate sets. It adds a bit of texture and keeps them looking fancy when I serve them for dessert or at parties.

Side Dishes

Pairing these chocolate cherry treats with a rich latte or a glass of chilled champagne is my go-to. They also work wonderfully with simple whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if you want to turn it into a dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love placing each cherry in a mini cupcake liner and arranging them in a pretty box with tissue paper. They make beautiful homemade gifts, especially around holidays, and guests always ask for the recipe after tasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep for at least a month that way, as long as the place is cool and dry. Refrigeration can cause the chocolate to sweat, so I avoid that when possible.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t great for these because the fondant inside turns to liquid, and the chocolate shell can crack when thawed. I recommend keeping them at room temp instead to maintain their texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these treats are best eaten cold or room temp, reheating usually isn’t necessary. If the chocolate looks dull, you can let them come to room temperature before serving to restore that shiny finish naturally.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights Recipe is one of those timeless treasures I always enjoy making and sharing with friends and family. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but that payoff—biting into a cherry wrapped in sweet, melting fondant covered in glossy chocolate—is beyond worth it. If you’re looking to impress at your next holiday, party, or just want a decadent homemade treat, do yourself a favor and try this recipe. Trust me, once you make these, store-bought cherry cordials will never taste quite the same again!

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