Chocolate covered cherries are one of those timeless treats that combine elegance, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor. Their blend of rich chocolate and juicy cherries creates a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, offering a delightful bite that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether enjoyed during the holidays, gifted for Valentine’s Day, or simply made as a homemade indulgence, chocolate covered cherries never fail to impress. They look beautiful on dessert trays, taste incredible with minimal ingredients, and are surprisingly easy to make at home.
What makes chocolate covered cherries especially appealing is how customizable and versatile they are. You can adjust the chocolate type, choose between fresh or maraschino cherries, and even add fillings or flavorings to create your ideal version. They also evoke a sense of tradition, reminding many people of old-fashioned candy shops and celebrations. Preparing them at home adds a personal touch that store-bought versions can’t match, making them a wonderful homemade gift or treat. With just a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create stunning chocolate-covered cherries that melt in your mouth and bring joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers the perfect blend of juicy cherries and silky chocolate in a simple, approachable way that anyone can master. Whether you want a quick dessert or a thoughtful homemade gift, these chocolate covered cherries offer rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and endless customization options.
Ingredients
- 40 maraschino cherries with stems
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother melting)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional, for coating cherries before dipping)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
Using maraschino cherries with stems makes dipping easier and provides a charming, classic presentation. Semisweet chocolate offers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, though you may choose dark or milk chocolate based on preference. Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and creates a glossy finish. Powdered sugar can prevent excess moisture from affecting the chocolate’s texture, making the dipping process more successful. Almond extract enhances the flavor and adds a subtle depth, but the recipe is equally delicious without it.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Forks or dipping tools
- Paper towels
- Refrigerator-safe container
Each tool plays an important role in achieving clean, smooth, beautifully coated cherries. Parchment paper prevents the dipped cherries from sticking to the baking sheet as they harden. A microwave-safe bowl or double boiler allows you to melt chocolate evenly, ensuring proper consistency for dipping. Paper towels help dry the cherries thoroughly, which is crucial for the chocolate to adhere properly. Finally, a refrigerator-safe container allows you to store the cherries as they set or chill before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by preparing the cherries, which is one of the most important steps for achieving perfect results. Drain the maraschino cherries well and spread them on paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Blot them gently but thoroughly, paying special attention around the stem area.
Moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or crack, so drying them completely ensures a smooth coating. Allow the cherries to sit on a dry surface for several minutes, letting any excess liquid evaporate before dipping.
While the cherries finish drying, prepare your chocolate. Place the chocolate chips or melting wafers into a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If using the microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Add coconut oil or shortening if desired to thin the chocolate and improve its consistency. If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate slowly over simmering water, stirring frequently to keep it silky and lump-free. Once the chocolate is ready, stir in almond extract if you’re adding flavoring.
Now you are ready to dip the cherries. Hold each cherry by the stem and lower it into the melted chocolate, swirling gently to coat it completely. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the cherry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Work quickly so the chocolate does not firm up prematurely. Shake or tap your wrist lightly to help excess chocolate fall back into the bowl, keeping the coating smooth and even. Continue dipping until all cherries are coated, reheating the chocolate as needed if it begins to thicken.
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set. If you prefer a firmer shell, chill them a little longer. Once chilled, the cherries are ready to enjoy or package for gifting. Be sure not to stack them until they are completely hardened to prevent smudging or sticking. The result is a glossy, delicious batch of homemade chocolate covered cherries that look stunning and taste even better.
Pro Tips for Best Results
To achieve a perfectly smooth and glossy chocolate coating, choosing the right type of chocolate is essential. High-quality chocolate chips or melting wafers melt more evenly and maintain a better texture during dipping. Using coconut oil or shortening helps thin the chocolate, making it easier to coat the cherries completely without resulting in thick, uneven layers. Working with chocolate requires attention to temperature, so avoid overheating it to preserve the delicate balance needed for dipping.
Another tip is to ensure that your cherries are completely dry before dipping them. Even the smallest amount of water can cause chocolate to seize or coat unevenly. For best results, dry the cherries multiple times with fresh paper towels and leave them uncovered for several minutes before dipping. Some bakers even lightly dust the cherries with powdered sugar to absorb any residual moisture and create a better surface for the chocolate to cling to.
If you want your chocolate covered cherries to have a more professional appearance, use a dipping fork or specialized candy dipping tool. These tools help you achieve smoother lines and minimize pooling around the base of the cherry. They also allow the excess chocolate to drip off more cleanly. You can tap the tool gently against your wrist to help the chocolate settle into a flawless finish.
Consider cooling the cherries completely before serving. Chocolate tastes best when it has fully set and returned to room temperature after chilling. This helps the flavor blossom, prevents condensation, and improves the overall texture. If planning to serve them at a gathering, remove them from the refrigerator 10–15 minutes beforehand for the perfect consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is dipping cherries that are still wet from the jar. Moisture is the enemy of melted chocolate and can cause it to seize, resulting in a thick, grainy consistency that won’t coat properly. Taking the time to dry cherries completely is essential for achieving beautiful results. It may feel tedious, but it makes a significant difference in the quality of your finished treats.
Another mistake is overheating the chocolate, which leads to separation or burning. Chocolate should melt gradually, whether in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stirring frequently and keeping an eye on temperature prevents the chocolate from losing its smooth texture. If chocolate does seize, adding a small amount of coconut oil may restore some fluidity, but preventing overheating is the best solution.
Some people rush the dipping process, leading to uneven coatings or clumsy results. Take your time when dipping each cherry, ensuring a smooth swirl and allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Working in small batches prevents the chocolate from cooling too quickly and becoming too thick to use. Patience leads to cleaner, more attractive finished cherries that look gift-worthy.
Finally, avoid stacking or packaging the cherries before the chocolate has fully set. Premature handling can smudge the coating, cause sticking, or damage the appearance. Chilling them thoroughly ensures that each cherry remains beautifully finished with no fingerprints or imperfections. Allowing adequate time to set also helps maintain the chocolate’s snap and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate covered cherries make a beautiful addition to dessert platters, offering a pop of color and elegance that complements other holiday or celebration treats. Their glossy appearance and vibrant cherry stems make them visually appealing, especially when arranged alongside cookies, truffles, or chocolate-dipped strawberries. They work wonderfully on charcuterie-style dessert boards, adding both flavor and charm.
For gift giving, package the cherries in decorative tins, small bakery boxes, or clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons. Adding tissue paper or cupcake liners creates a polished presentation. These homemade treats make thoughtful gifts for friends, teachers, coworkers, or hosts during special occasions. Their classic flavor and handmade quality make them meaningful and delicious tokens of appreciation.
You can also serve chocolate covered cherries alongside beverages that complement their richness. Pair them with wine—especially cabernet, merlot, or red blends—for a sophisticated tasting experience. They also go beautifully with champagne or prosecco, which provides a refreshing contrast to their sweetness. For non-alcoholic options, hot cocoa, coffee, and black tea pair just as well.
For special celebrations, use the cherries as cake or cupcake toppers. Their bright stems and glossy chocolate coating make them a playful and elegant garnish. Whether they sit atop a chocolate cake or crown a cupcake swirl, chocolate covered cherries elevate presentation and add a festive touch to desserts.
Variations & Customizations
One enjoyable variation is using different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate offers a more intense, slightly bitter flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of maraschino cherries. Milk chocolate creates a creamier, softer flavor profile. White chocolate, though sweeter, can be dyed with food coloring for holiday or themed events. Mixing chocolate types allows you to create trays with variety and visual appeal.
Another customization is filling the cherries before dipping. Some people enjoy adding a small amount of maraschino syrup or liqueur to the inside of the cherry. Cherries soaked in brandy, amaretto, or cherry liqueur offer a sophisticated twist for adult celebrations. These additions create a luxurious indulgence with stronger flavor and a smoother bite.
Decorating the finished cherries can take them to the next level. Drizzling contrasting chocolate in thin ribbons creates a bakery-quality design. Sprinkling crushed nuts, holiday sprinkles, or edible glitter onto the chocolate before it sets adds texture and visual excitement. Experimenting with toppings allows you to customize the cherries for different holidays, themes, or gift recipients.
For a completely different experience, consider using fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries. Fresh cherries offer a firmer texture and natural sweetness, especially when dipped during cherry season. Simply remove the pits while leaving the stems intact before dipping. This variation tastes pure and vibrant, though it has a shorter shelf life.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
Chocolate covered cherries store best in the refrigerator, where the chocolate remains firm and the cherries stay fresh. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, using parchment or wax paper to separate layers if necessary. Stored properly, maraschino cherry versions can last for up to two weeks. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as chocolate absorbs odors easily.
To freeze chocolate covered cherries, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cherries can last up to three months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the chocolate and cherry, especially for fresh cherry versions. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating chocolate covered cherries is generally unnecessary, as they are meant to be served cool or at room temperature. If your chocolate has dulled or developed slight condensation, let the cherries sit at room temperature for several minutes before serving. This helps restore the chocolate’s shine and improves mouthfeel. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly.
If the cherries stick together during storage, gently separate them with a small spatula or your fingers while still chilled. Storing them in a single layer prevents this problem, but if it occurs, separating them carefully ensures they maintain their shape and coating.
Nutrition Information
Chocolate covered cherries are a sweet indulgence, offering rich flavor and satisfying texture. Each cherry contains a small number of calories, but the chocolate coating adds sugar and fat. While these treats are not particularly low-calorie, they are perfect for enjoying in moderation during holidays and special occasions. The maraschino cherries provide a bit of fruit content, though most nutritional value comes from the chocolate and any added fillings.
Semisweet chocolate contains antioxidants and small amounts of minerals such as iron and magnesium. While the benefits are modest due to the small portions used in each cherry, it adds a bit of nutritional value. Dark chocolate versions provide more antioxidants, making them slightly healthier. However, the overall nutritional profile remains indulgent rather than health-focused.
The sugar content comes mainly from the chocolate and the cherries themselves, which are preserved in sweet syrup. Reducing the sweetness is challenging, but choosing dark chocolate can help create a more balanced treat. Portion control is key to enjoying chocolate covered cherries without overindulging in sugar and calories.
Ultimately, chocolate covered cherries are best appreciated as a dessert to enjoy mindfully. Their elegant presentation and rich flavor make them perfect for special events, celebrations, and gifting. Enjoying them alongside healthier snacks or meals throughout the day offers balance while still allowing you to savor their deliciousness.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries work wonderfully but require pitting beforehand. They offer a firmer bite and more natural flavor but have a shorter shelf life once dipped.
2. Why is my chocolate coating cracking?
Cracking usually occurs when the cherries are too cold before dipping or when moisture interferes with the chocolate. Ensure cherries are dry and at room temperature before dipping.
3. Can I make chocolate covered cherries without stems?
Absolutely. Use a fork or dipping tool to hold the cherries as you dip them. The result will still be delicious and visually appealing even without stems.
4. How can I thin my chocolate if it becomes too thick?
Add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening. Stir until the chocolate becomes smooth and fluid enough for dipping.
5. Can chocolate covered cherries be shipped as gifts?
Yes, but pack them tightly in insulated packaging and avoid warm climates. Chocolate can melt during shipping, so cold weather months are ideal.
Conclusion
Chocolate covered cherries offer a perfect blend of elegance, nostalgia, and indulgence, making them an ideal treat for holidays, celebrations, or thoughtful homemade gifts. With their rich chocolate coating, juicy centers, and endless options for customization, they bring joy to every bite and elevate any occasion with their timeless charm.