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Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials

Close-up of homemade chocolate covered cherries, showing the white coconut filling and bright red cherry center.
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Make classic, decadent chocolate covered cherries at home using a simple fondant center that surrounds a juicy maraschino cherry, all coated in rich chocolate. These are perfect for gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained well
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
  • 1 pound dark or milk chocolate, for dipping
  • 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)

Instructions

  1. Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Pat them very dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter mixture, alternating with the reserved cherry juice, until a stiff dough forms. You may need slightly more or less juice.
  4. Knead the dough briefly until smooth.
  5. Take a small piece of fondant dough (about 1 teaspoon) and flatten it into a circle in your palm. Place one dried cherry in the center. Gently wrap the fondant around the cherry, sealing it completely to form a 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 2 hours, or until firm. This step is important for successful dipping.
  7. Melt the chocolate and shortening (if using) in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  8. Dip each chilled cherry into the melted chocolate using a dipping tool or two forks. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
  9. Place the dipped cherries back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. If you want a thicker shell, allow the first layer to set completely (about 15 minutes at room temperature or 5 minutes in the refrigerator), then dip them a second time.
  11. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing. For a liquid center, store them at room temperature for several days; the sugar in the fondant will draw moisture from the cherry, creating the cordial effect.

Notes

  • Drying the cherries completely before wrapping them in fondant prevents the dough from becoming sticky.
  • For a smoother chocolate coating, add a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
  • These homemade candy treats are best stored at cool room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain the liquid center.

Nutrition

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