Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials

Creating delicious homemade treats is a joy that warms the heart and brings loved ones together, and what better way to spread sweetness than with Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials? These delightful confections balance sweet and tart flavors beautifully, transforming simple maraschino cherries into something truly special. Picture this: a chewy, sugary shell hugging a juicy cherry, all wrapped in a rich chocolate coating. Yum, right? Whether you’re planning a decadent dessert spread for a holiday gathering or just looking to whip up a heartfelt gift for someone special, this recipe offers an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Plus, it’s an easy way to get your creative juices flowing in the kitchen while creating something that’ll impress everyone at your table. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to make some scrumptious Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials together!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials recipe balances the sweet and tart flavors of maraschino cherries with a smooth, rich chocolate coating. The dough, made from butter, corn syrup, and powdered sugar, creates a soft and sweet shell that encapsulates each cherry, providing a delightful contrast. The combination of flavors in this treat makes it irresistible—every bite offers a delightful mix of sweetness and richness that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials

Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials are not just treats; they are heartfelt gifts perfect for holidays or special occasions. People often enjoy the personal touch that comes with a home-cooked gift, showing thoughtfulness and love. This recipe is easy to follow, making the process approachable for cooks of all skill levels. You can also customize the flavors, allowing you to express your creativity. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, a friend, or yourself, these cordials are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• About 60 maraschino cherries, stems removed
• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (recommended: Guittard)
• 1 piece (1″x2″x3/4″) of paraffin, found in the baking aisle

Prepare the Dough Mixture

In a large bowl, combine butter, corn syrup, salt, and powdered sugar

Begin by mixing the unsalted butter, light corn syrup, kosher salt, and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Blend until fully incorporated and smooth. It’s like mixing a fun, sweet cloud of goodness that is going to cradle those cherries beautifully!

Knead the dough

Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. This shouldn’t take long, and it should come together nicely. If it feels too soft, don’t worry! Just pop it in the refrigerator for a short time to help firm it up.

Shape the Cherries

Wrap the cherries with dough

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to wrap the cherries! Take a slightly mounded teaspoon of dough and flatten it to form a circle. Wrap this dough around each maraschino cherry. Remember, use a bit more dough for larger cherries to ensure a nice coating. You want to give each cherry a cozy little dough blanket!

Chill the wrapped cherries

Now, to help set things properly, place the dough-wrapped cherries on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate them for about 2 hours or overnight for optimal firmness. The waiting time will pay off when you’re ready to dip them in chocolate!

Dry the Cherries

Drain and dry the cherries

After chilling, it’s time to drain the cherries. Carefully remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined pan to dry. Drying is important because any moisture can ruin the chocolate coating later on. A little extra care now goes a long way!

Melt the Chocolate

Prepare the chocolate mixture

In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsweetened chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips with the paraffin. Set this over a saucepan of barely simmering water or use a double boiler. Stir gently until about 75% melted. This gentle melting method makes sure you don’t scorch the chocolate.

Continue melting

After removing the bowl from heat, keep stirring off the heat. In no time, you’ll have a smooth and glossy chocolate mixture that’s perfect for dipping.

Dip the Cherries

Dip each cherry

Here comes the fun part! One at a time, dip a chilled, dough-wrapped cherry into the melted chocolate. Use two forks to roll it until completely covered. Watching that chocolate envelop the cherry is quite satisfying—they look gorgeous already!

Remove excess chocolate

Once dipped, lift the chocolate-covered cherry out by balancing it on one fork. Gently tap the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip back.

Place on wax paper

Next, scrape the bottom of the fork along the bowl rim. This helps reduce any unsightly chocolate drips. Set the cherry on a wax paper or parchment paper-lined pan. To help slide it off the fork neatly, use a toothpick if needed. Repeat this process for all cherries until they’re all coated in chocolate bliss.

Serving Suggestions

When ready to serve, these delightful Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials make a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table. They are also perfect for gifting in decorative boxes, adding a personal touch that says you care. Imagine how thrilled your friends and family will be when they receive these delicious homemade treats!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your cherries are well-dried before dipping to prevent excess water from ruining the chocolate coating. This small step is key to getting that perfect finish!
• Feel free to experiment with flavored chocolates for a unique taste experience. A hint of orange or raspberry flavor could add a delightful twist.

Variations

Consider adding a splash of almond extract into the dough for a nutty flavor or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for an extra flavor dimension. For a festive touch, trying colored chocolate melts can make these cordials even more appealing during the holidays or special occasions!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Fresh cherries are not recommended because they contain moisture, which can interfere with the dough’s integrity. Stick with maraschino for the best results!

2. How long can I store these Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ensuring the best flavor and texture.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! You can use any chocolate you like, but keep in mind it may alter the sweetness level.

4. Is there a substitute for paraffin?
You can indeed omit the paraffin and use additional chocolate. Just be aware that the chocolate might not set as firmly without it.

5. Can these cordials be frozen?
Yes! However, it’s best to freeze them unwrapped first before transferring to an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator to help maintain texture.

Creating these Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials offers an opportunity to indulge in the joy of homemade treats while sharing love and creativity with those around you. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful confections will not only satisfy sweet cravings but will also become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy making these a family tradition and watch as they delight friends and loved ones alike!

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