Description
Delight in these decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries featuring maraschino cherries enclosed in a sweet, buttery powdered sugar dough and dipped in rich melted chocolate almond bark. Perfect for gifting or a special treat, this no-bake recipe combines smooth vanilla and almond flavors with luscious chocolate in an easy hand-rolled preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries (with stems)
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Coating
- 12 ounces chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, add the sifted powdered sugar, softened butter, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly using clean hands until the mixture comes together into a smooth dough resembling Playdoh in consistency.
- Line baking sheet: Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for shaping the cherries.
- Shape dough balls: Using about 2 teaspoons of dough each time, roll it into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten dough balls: Press each ball into a disk approximately 2 inches in diameter, ready to enclose the cherries.
- Enclose cherries: Take one maraschino cherry at a time and mold the dough around it completely, smoothing the surface. Place the covered cherries back on the baking sheet and repeat with remaining cherries.
- Melt chocolate: Place the chocolate almond bark in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for one minute, stir, then heat for an additional 30 seconds. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip cherries: Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it thoroughly into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing it on the baking sheet to set.
- Repeat dipping: Continue dipping all the covered cherries in melted chocolate and let them dry on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Decorate with drizzle: Reheat any remaining melted chocolate if it has hardened, then transfer it to a small Ziplock bag. Snip a tiny corner and drizzle the chocolate elegantly over the cherries.
- Allow to dry: Let the chocolate drizzle dry completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Using hands to mix the dough is faster and ensures dough comes together smoothly.
- Make sure to smooth the dough completely around each cherry for an even coating.
- Work quickly when dipping cherries in chocolate to prevent chocolate from hardening prematurely.
- Store finished chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Almond bark can be substituted with high-quality dark or milk chocolate chips if preferred.
