Description
Delight in these classic Chocolate Covered Cherries featuring maraschino cherries enveloped in a smooth, sweet powdered sugar dough and dipped in rich melted chocolate almond bark. Perfect for a festive treat or an elegant dessert, these cherries combine luscious fruit and creamy chocolate for a timeless indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Chocolate Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate almond bark, broken into smaller chunks
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar dough: In a medium mixing bowl (2-3 quarts), combine the sifted powdered sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir the mixture using a large spoon or your clean, dry hands until the ingredients begin to meld, starting off dry but gradually forming a cohesive dough.
- Knead the dough: Continue kneading the powdered sugar mixture until it becomes pliable, with a texture similar to play dough, making it easy to shape around the cherries.
- Line baking sheet: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet to prepare for shaping and coating your cherries.
- Form the cherry centers: Using a 2 teaspoon cookie scoop, portion out the sugar dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a circle. Carefully wrap each circle around a maraschino cherry, smoothing the sugar dough-covered cherry into a round shape. Place these on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all cherries are covered.
- Melt the chocolate: Transfer the chocolate almond bark chunks into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on full power for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate has completely melted and is smooth.
- Dip the cherries: Holding each sugar dough covered cherry by the stem, dip it fully into the melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing it back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Reheat the chocolate as necessary if it starts to harden.
- Optional decoration: Use any leftover melted chocolate to drizzle over the chocolate-coated cherries for added elegance.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent the sugar dough from becoming soggy.
- If the chocolate thickens, reheat gently to maintain a smooth dipping consistency.
- Store finished cherries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Using hands to mix and knead the dough is easier and helps achieve the right consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Cherries, Maraschino Cherries, Chocolate Almond Bark, Holiday Dessert, No Bake Dessert
