Chocolate covered cherries are a classic indulgence, offering the perfect balance of juicy, sweet cherries wrapped in smooth, rich chocolate. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday, special occasion, or simply for a sweet treat, they never fail to impress. The contrast between the tart cherry and the bittersweet chocolate is simply irresistible. While you can certainly buy these in stores, there’s something extra special about making them at home. Homemade chocolate covered cherries give you complete control over the quality of ingredients and the chocolate coating thickness, and they’re surprisingly simple to make. Plus, they make beautiful gifts that show how much you care!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this chocolate covered cherries recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly easy—we’re talking about a quick prep time and minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy a sweet tooth. The best part? You can customize them however you like. Whether you prefer dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, you can adjust the recipe to match your preferences.
These chocolate covered cherries also make a lovely gift for friends and family, especially around the holidays or for special occasions. They’re personal, thoughtful, and, of course, delicious! Not to mention, you can get creative with fillings like cherry liqueur, almond paste, or even cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor. And if you’re looking for something a little extra, sprinkle some sea salt or fun sprinkles on top for that perfect finishing touch.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The beauty of chocolate covered cherries lies in their simplicity. At the heart of this recipe is the delicate balance between fresh cherries and the rich chocolate coating. The cherries provide a burst of natural sweetness and tartness, while the chocolate adds smooth, velvety indulgence. This combination of fresh fruit and chocolate creates a treat that feels both luxurious and light at the same time.
Another great thing about making chocolate covered cherries at home is the ability to experiment. You can swap out maraschino cherries for fresh cherries, or even try adding a variety of fillings to the inside. Want to make them more decadent? Add a drizzle of white chocolate on top, or roll them in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture. The possibilities are endless, which is what makes this recipe so fun to customize.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible chocolate covered cherries:
- Fresh cherries with stems (you can also use maraschino cherries if you prefer)
- High-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate (chips or bars work well)
- Optional: maraschino cherries or dried cherries for a twist
- Optional fillings: cherry liqueur, almond paste, or cream cheese
- Sea salt or sprinkles for decoration (optional, but recommended for that extra touch!)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Cherries: The first step is to wash and thoroughly dry the cherries. Any moisture on the cherries will cause the chocolate to seize up, so it’s crucial to make sure they’re completely dry before dipping. If you’re using maraschino cherries, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your chocolate of choice—dark, milk, or white chocolate—all work beautifully. You can do this in the microwave by heating the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop for more control over the melting process. If you’d like a smoother consistency, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to the chocolate as it melts.
- Dip the Cherries: Once the chocolate is melted, hold each cherry by its stem and dip it into the chocolate, making sure to coat it evenly. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can dip the cherries one at a time, or if you’re in a hurry, you can line up a few cherries and dip them all together!
- Decorate (Optional): While the chocolate is still soft, you can get creative and sprinkle some sea salt, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes on top. This adds a beautiful finishing touch that complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries.
- Let the Chocolate Set: Once you’ve dipped all of your cherries, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let them chill for about 15 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Serve or Store: After the chocolate has hardened, your chocolate covered cherries are ready to enjoy! You can eat them immediately, or if you’re storing them, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool place or in the fridge.
Tips for Best Results
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the star of the show here, so make sure you’re using high-quality chocolate. Whether you opt for dark, milk, or white chocolate, choose one that’s rich and smooth. This will make a world of difference in both taste and texture.
- Thoroughly Dry Your Cherries: Any moisture left on the cherries will cause the chocolate to seize up and not coat the fruit properly. Make sure your cherries are completely dry before dipping!
- Let the Chocolate Set Properly: Don’t rush the chilling process. Let the chocolate-covered cherries chill for at least 15 to 30 minutes, or longer if you can, to ensure the coating is firm and not too soft.
- Experiment with Fillings: For an added surprise inside, try filling your cherries with something special, like cherry liqueur, almond paste, or even cream cheese. These fillings give the cherries a unique twist that will surprise your guests.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
While this recipe is already amazing as it is, here are some ideas for substitutions and variations that can take your chocolate covered cherries to the next level:
- Fillings: Instead of just dipping the cherries in chocolate, why not add a little something extra inside? Try filling maraschino cherries with a bit of cherry liqueur, almond paste, or cream cheese before dipping them in chocolate. It adds an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Different Types of Chocolate: The beauty of this recipe is that you can use any type of chocolate that suits your taste. Dark chocolate gives a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cherries, while milk chocolate offers a creamier, sweeter bite. White chocolate is a great option if you prefer a sweeter, lighter flavor.
- Nutty or Coconut Topping: After dipping the cherries in chocolate, roll them in crushed nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans are all great options) or shredded coconut for a delicious crunchy texture.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate adds a sophisticated touch and enhances the flavor by balancing out the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate covered cherries are perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Serve at Parties: These are perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or even casual get-togethers. Place them in a cute bowl or dish for guests to enjoy.
- Gift Idea: Chocolate covered cherries make a thoughtful and personal gift. Package them in a small box or jar, tied with a ribbon, and give them to someone special.
- Pair with Drinks: Enjoy these treats with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with both beverages and creates a satisfying combination.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy these chocolate covered cherries within a couple of days, you can store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezer: You can freeze chocolate covered cherries by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Then, transfer them to a container or freezer bag. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
If you’re planning ahead, you can make these chocolate covered cherries up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge. For longer-term storage, freezing them works great too—just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Cherries Enough: This is one of the most important steps! If there’s any moisture on the cherries, the chocolate will seize up and not coat the cherries properly.
- Using Low-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the key element here, so be sure to use good-quality chocolate for the best taste and texture.
- Rushing the Chilling Process: Don’t skip the chilling step. The chocolate needs time to set properly to get that perfect bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and dry them completely before dipping. - How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
The key is to make sure the cherries are thoroughly dry before dipping. - What type of chocolate should I use?
Use high-quality couverture chocolate or good chocolate chips for the best results. - Can I use white chocolate?
Yes, but be careful when melting it, as white chocolate is more sensitive to heat.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Parchment paper for lining the baking sheet
- A paper towel to dry cherries
- A spoon or spatula for dipping
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 jar 10 oz maraschino cherries, drained and with stems
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smooth melting)
Instructions
- Drain the maraschino cherries well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Hold each cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
- Place the dipped cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can decorate them with toppings like crushed nuts or sea salt at this point.
- Refrigerate the cherries for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Once the chocolate is firm, your chocolate covered cherries are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or at room temperature.
