Print

Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries (Classic Cordial Style)

Close-up of chocolate covered cherries, one cut in half revealing the bright red cherry center and creamy filling.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make classic chocolate covered cherries at home using maraschino cherries wrapped in a simple fondant coating and dipped in rich chocolate. This recipe guides you to the signature gooey center.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained well
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (as needed)
  • 12 ounces dark or milk chocolate, for dipping
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries completely. Pat them very dry using paper towels. This step is important for the fondant to adhere.
  2. Make the fondant: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and vanilla extract. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until a thick dough forms.
  3. Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too dry to handle, add milk or water one teaspoon at a time until you have a pliable, slightly sticky dough, similar to playdough.
  4. Wrap the cherries: Take a small piece of fondant (about 1 teaspoon) and flatten it into a small disk. Place one dried cherry in the center and carefully wrap the fondant around it, sealing it completely. Roll it gently into a smooth ball shape.
  5. Chill the centers: Place the fondant-covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This prevents them from melting during dipping.
  6. Melt the chocolate: Place the dipping chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until smooth. Stir in the shortening or coconut oil if using, to thin the chocolate slightly.
  7. Dip the cherries: Working quickly, use a dipping tool or two forks to submerge one chilled cherry completely in the melted chocolate. Lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
  8. Set the coating: Place the dipped cherry back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want a thicker shell, allow the first coat to set for 10 minutes at room temperature, then repeat the dipping process (double-coating).
  9. Final set: Allow the chocolate covered cherries to set completely at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator until the chocolate is hard.

Notes

  • For a true cordial effect, allow the finished candies to sit at room temperature for 2-3 days before eating. The sugar in the fondant will draw moisture from the cherry, creating a liquid center.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in your homemade candy recipes.
  • If the fondant becomes too sticky while working, dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar.

Nutrition

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