Do you ever get a craving for something that just screams “special occasion,” but then realize that special occasion is… Tuesday? That’s how I feel about chocolate covered cherries. I remember as a kid, my grandma always had a box of them tucked away in her pantry, and sneaking one always felt like such a treat. The combination of the rich, dark chocolate, the sweet, syrupy cherry, and that little bit of… something… inside? Pure bliss!

But let’s be honest, store-bought chocolate covered cherries can be a real letdown. Sometimes the chocolate is waxy, the cherry is overly processed, and the “something” is just… weird. I was determined to create a homemade version that lived up to my childhood memories, and let me tell you, after a few kitchen mishaps (exploding cherries, anyone?), I finally nailed it!

There was the time I tried to melt the chocolate in the microwave without checking it every 30 seconds – burnt chocolate is NOT a good look (or taste!). Or the time I forgot to dry the cherries properly and ended up with a grainy, separated chocolate coating. But hey, that’s how we learn, right?

My kids adore these things. They help me carefully dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, and even though they end up with more chocolate on their faces than in their mouths, it’s become a cherished family tradition. My husband, who claims he “doesn’t have a sweet tooth,” always manages to polish off at least three! These homemade chocolate covered cherries are so much better than anything you can buy in a store, and are a hit with everyone.

This recipe is surprisingly easy, even if it looks intimidating. I promise, you can do this! You don’t need to be a fancy chocolatier, just someone who appreciates a delicious treat and isn’t afraid to get a little messy in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious chocolate covered cherries. I’ve included my favorite tips and substitutions to help you along the way.

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1 (10 ounce) jar of maraschino cherries with stems, drained and thoroughly dried: Make sure you get the kind with stems – it makes dipping so much easier! As noted by FoodData Central, maraschino cherries are low in fat and provide some vitamin A. Pat them dry really well with paper towels; this is key to getting the chocolate to adhere properly.
4 ounces (about 1 cup) powdered sugar: This is the base of our creamy filling. If you want a slightly less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar by a tablespoon or two.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Make sure the butter is truly softened, not melted. It should be easy to cream together with the powdered sugar. I usually take mine out of the fridge about an hour before I start. The butter’s softened state is crucial for achieving the right consistency in your filling. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend properly, leaving you with a lumpy mixture.
2 tablespoons milk (or cherry juice from the jar, for extra cherry flavor!): Start with 2 tablespoons and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, slightly thick consistency. Using cherry juice will make your chocolate covered cherries extra delicious. Consider the intensity of cherry flavor you prefer when choosing between milk and cherry juice.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the filling. If you’re not a fan of almond, you can substitute vanilla extract or simply omit it. Extracts are potent, so a little goes a long way. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste.

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if you prefer): I like using semi-sweet chocolate chips because they melt easily and have a good balance of sweetness and bitterness. But feel free to use your favorite kind of chocolate! Dark chocolate will give you a richer, more intense flavor. The quality of your chocolate will significantly impact the final taste.
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening (optional, but recommended): This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine. You can also use coconut oil. The addition of shortening or coconut oil prevents the chocolate from seizing and ensures a glossy finish.
Sprinkles, for decoration (optional): Because everything is better with sprinkles!

Budget-Friendly Tip: Maraschino cherries can sometimes be pricey. Check your local discount stores or look for sales at your regular grocery store. Also, store brand chocolate chips work just as well as the name brands!

Storage Hack: These chocolate covered cherries are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help them keep their shape and prevent the chocolate from melting.

Shopping Tip: When buying your chocolate, make sure to check the expiration date! Older chocolate doesn’t melt as smoothly.

These ingredients are what work best for my family, but feel free to adjust them to your liking. For example, you could use a different extract in the filling, or add a touch of liqueur for an adult twist. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of making your own homemade chocolate covered cherries!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into making these irresistible chocolate covered cherries! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step, sharing my personal tips and tricks along the way.

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Prepare the Cherries: This is the most important step! Gently remove the cherries from the jar and place them on several layers of paper towels. Pat them completely dry. I cannot stress this enough! Any excess moisture will prevent the chocolate from adhering properly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to ensure they are as dry as possible. According to the National Confectioners Association, the quality of ingredients heavily impacts the final product. The dryness of the cherries is paramount; otherwise, the chocolate will not adhere correctly, resulting in a messy and unappealing final product.
Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the milk (or cherry juice) and almond extract (if using) until smooth. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape, but still spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. The great thing about this recipe is it yields delicious results, like chocolate covered cherries. The key to a perfect filling is achieving the right balance of moisture and sweetness.
Fill the Cherries: This can be a little fiddly, but it’s worth it! Take a small amount of the filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) and gently wrap it around each cherry, covering it completely. Try to keep the stems exposed for easy dipping. Place the filled cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step requires patience and a gentle touch to ensure the cherries are evenly coated without breaking.

Chill the Filled Cherries: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling firm up and make the cherries easier to dip in the chocolate. Don’t skip this step! Chilling the cherries makes them easier to handle and prevents the filling from melting into the chocolate during the dipping process.
Melt the Chocolate: In a heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening (if using) until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily. If using the microwave, stir well after each interval. Melting chocolate requires precision to avoid burning or seizing.
Dip the Cherries: Remove the chilled cherries from the freezer. Using the stems as handles, dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing the dipped cherry back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also use a fork to help dip the cherries. Ensure the chocolate is at the right temperature – not too hot, not too cold – for a smooth, even coating.

Decorate (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the chocolate covered cherries with sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Sprinkles add a festive touch and a delightful textural contrast. Consider using different types of sprinkles to match the occasion or your personal preferences.
Chill Again: Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. This final chilling ensures the chocolate is firm and the cherries are ready to be enjoyed.

Real-Life Cooking Tip: If your chocolate starts to thicken up while you’re dipping, you can add a little more vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.

Lesson Learned: Don’t try to rush the drying process of the cherries! I once tried to speed it up with a hairdryer (don’t ask), and it was a complete disaster. Just be patient and let them air dry.

Family Reaction: My kids love helping with the dipping process, but I usually have to do a “chocolate face wipe” after each cherry!

Meal Prep Insight: You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before using.

Leftover Advice: If you have any leftover melted chocolate, you can use it to make chocolate bark or drizzle it over ice cream. Or, let’s be real, just eat it with a spoon.

And there you have it! Homemade chocolate covered cherries that are sure to impress.

Serving Ideas

Now that you’ve made these decadent chocolate covered cherries, let’s talk about how to serve them. Here are some ideas based on how we enjoy them in my home:

Straight Up: Honestly, the best way to enjoy these is just as they are – a sweet, chocolatey treat that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings.
As a Dessert Platter Addition: These chocolate covered cherries make a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert platter. They add a touch of elegance and are always a crowd-pleaser. Consider arranging them alongside other chocolate treats, fresh fruits, and cheeses for a visually stunning and diverse dessert spread.
Gift Giving: Homemade chocolate covered cherries make a wonderful gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Package them in a pretty box or tin for a thoughtful and personalized present. Add a ribbon or a handwritten note to make the gift even more special.

With Coffee or Tea: The rich chocolate and sweet cherry flavor pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a lovely way to end a meal or enjoy an afternoon treat. The bitterness of the coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the cherries, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
Special Occasions: We often make these for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthdays. They’re a festive and delicious way to celebrate. Consider customizing the sprinkles or using themed packaging to match the occasion.
Leftover Transformation: If you happen to have any leftover chocolate covered cherries (which is rare in my house!), you can chop them up and add them to ice cream, yogurt, or even bake them into cookies or brownies. This is a great way to add a burst of flavor and texture to your favorite desserts.

Portion Sizes and Family Feedback: I usually allow about 2-3 chocolate covered cherries per person, but honestly, everyone always wants more! My kids love them, my husband loves them, and even my picky uncle raves about them. They’re a guaranteed hit!

These treats are also great to prepare if you’re craving chocolate cherry candy that is a simple and easy dessert. My family loves it when I make this recipe, so I always make sure to have all the ingredients on hand.

Enjoy your chocolate covered cherries!

FAQs

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this recipe over the years, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here:

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

A: While you can use fresh cherries, they won’t have the same sweetness and texture as maraschino cherries. If you do use fresh cherries, I recommend soaking them in a sugar syrup for a few hours before dipping them in chocolate.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! In fact, I often make them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: My chocolate keeps seizing up when I melt it. What am I doing wrong?

A: Chocolate seizes up when it comes into contact with even a tiny amount of water. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry. You can also add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help the chocolate melt smoothly.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?

A: Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips, dairy-free butter, and almond milk in the filling.

Q: What can I use instead of almond extract?

A: Vanilla extract is a great substitute for almond extract. You can also use cherry extract for an extra boost of cherry flavor, creating a delicious cherry chocolate candy.

Q: Can I freeze these?

A: I don’t recommend freezing them, as the chocolate can become discolored and the cherries can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Q: My filling is too runny. How can I fix it?

A: Add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Do I have to use a double boiler to melt the chocolate?

A: No, you can also melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.

Q: Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

A: Absolutely! White chocolate would be delicious. You could even drizzle some dark chocolate over the white chocolate for a beautiful contrast. In my personal experience, chocolate covered cherries always taste better when they are homemade.

Conclusion

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These chocolate covered cherries are more than just a recipe to me; they’re a sweet reminder of my childhood and a fun tradition that I now share with my own family. The slight tartness of the cherry mixed with the rich chocolate makes for the perfect flavor explosion, and the combination is just wonderful. I hope you’ll give this homemade version a try. It’s so much more rewarding than buying them from the store!

Before you head off to your kitchen, here are a few final tips to ensure your chocolate covered cherries turn out perfectly:

Dry the cherries thoroughly: This is the most important step!
Don’t overheat the chocolate: Melt it slowly and carefully.

Chill the filled cherries before dipping: This will help the filling firm up and make them easier to handle.

This recipe is flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment! You can adjust the sweetness of the filling, use different types of chocolate, or add your own special touches. My sister likes to add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate for a salted chocolate cherry flavor.

I truly hope you love these chocolate covered cherries as much as my family does. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your questions or suggestions. And if you do make them, please share a photo – I’d love to see your creations! These homemade treats are a delightful cherry chocolate candy that’s perfect for any occasion, so I encourage you to give the recipe a shot. Happy cooking!

Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries: Delicious Homemade Treat

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Indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade chocolate covered cherries. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and creates a decadent treat perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 20 cherries
Category: Dessert

Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between), melt the chocolate and vegetable shortening (if using), stirring until smooth.
Dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Place the chocolate-covered cherry on the prepared baking sheet.
Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Notes

For a festive touch, sprinkle the cherries with chopped nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.