The kitchen sometimes turns into a workshop for little treasures, and these chocolate covered cherries feel exactly like that. I remember one rainy afternoon when I needed a treat that wasn’t too complicated but still felt indulgent. A bowl of maraschino cherries sat on the counter, and their bright red shine instantly sparked an idea.

Soon, the air was filled with the sweetness of vanilla, the soft richness of almond extract, and the smooth melt of chocolate almond bark. Rolling each cherry in its creamy filling felt almost therapeutic, like shaping tiny gifts that would later surprise anyone who bit into them.

The sweetness of the filling balanced the tart cherry, and the chocolate sealed everything together with a glossy finish. I couldn’t help but notice how quickly they disappeared once placed on the table. These little bites are festive enough for holidays, yet simple enough for any ordinary afternoon.

They make wonderful edible gifts, a crowd pleasing party snack, or even a late night indulgence when the craving for something sweet won’t go away.

Rich Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe - PP281 Thumb Rich Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Short Description

Rich Chocolate Covered Cherries are a delightful treat made with maraschino cherries wrapped in a sweet filling and dipped in silky melted chocolate.

Key Ingredients

10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry (about 32–36 cherries)
2¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
12 ounces chocolate almond bark, broken into smaller chunks

Tools Needed

Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Microwave safe bowl
Fork or dipping tool

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, vanilla, and almond extract.

Step 2: Coat the Cherries
Pat the cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

Step 3: Shape and Chill
Place the shaped balls on the sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round, until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Dip the Cherries
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cherry ball into the melted chocolate.

Step 6: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the chocolate covered cherries for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely set with a crisp finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of tart, sweet, and rich flavors

Easy to make with simple, accessible ingredients

Great for holidays, gifts, or everyday indulgence

No need for special candy making equipment

Bite-sized treats that store well and taste better over time

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Not drying the cherries completely
Solution: Pat them thoroughly with paper towels; any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.

Mistake 2: Overheating the chocolate
Solution: Melt in short intervals and stir frequently to keep it smooth.

Mistake 3: Filling too soft to shape
Solution: Add 1–2 tablespoons more powdered sugar until the consistency is firm enough.

Mistake 4: Uneven chocolate coating
Solution: Use a fork or dipping tool, tapping lightly on the side of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off.

Mistake 5: Skipping the chilling step
Solution: Chill the balls before dipping; otherwise, they may fall apart in the chocolate.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a festive dessert platter for parties

Pair with hot coffee or espresso for a cozy afternoon treat

Arrange in gift boxes tied with ribbon for homemade holiday presents

Serve at the end of a dinner party as a sweet bite with wine

Add them to a dessert buffet alongside cookies and fudge

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Allow cherries to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture

Do not freeze, as freezing changes the texture of the filling and cherries

Avoid reheating these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but fresh cherries contain more moisture and may shorten storage life. Maraschino cherries work best for this recipe.

2. What can I use instead of almond bark?
You can substitute with high quality melting chocolate or candy melts.

3. How do I keep the filling from sticking to my hands?
Dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar while shaping the cherry balls.

4. Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better after resting a day or two as the flavors meld.

5. Why did my chocolate turn lumpy?
It likely seized due to moisture or overheating. Start over with a new batch of chocolate if this happens.

Tips & Tricks

Add a teaspoon of cherry juice to the filling for extra flavor depth

Work in batches when dipping cherries so the chocolate doesn’t cool too quickly

Keep a fork handy to gently nudge dipped cherries off the tool and onto the parchment

For a glossy finish, use a small amount of vegetable shortening when melting chocolate

Let the cherries rest overnight for the filling to soften slightly before serving

Recipe Variations

Dark Chocolate Cherries: Swap almond bark with 70% dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.

White Chocolate Twist: Use melted white chocolate instead of almond bark, and drizzle with dark chocolate for contrast.

Boozy Cherries: Soak cherries in rum or brandy for 24 hours before coating for an adult version.

Nutty Crunch: Roll dipped cherries in finely chopped toasted almonds before the chocolate sets.

Coconut Dream: Add shredded coconut to the filling for extra sweetness and texture.

Final Thoughts

Rich Chocolate Covered Cherries are a dessert that feels both luxurious and approachable. Each bite offers a satisfying snap of chocolate, a sweet creamy filling, and the surprise burst of juicy cherry at the center. What impressed me most was how well they held their shape and flavor even after days in the fridge.

The balance of flavors stood out immediately: the sweetness of the filling, the hint of almond, the snap of chocolate, and the juicy burst of cherry inside. They store well and even taste better after a day or two, which makes them perfect for planning ahead.