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Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with a soft fondant center and juicy maraschino cherries dipped in smooth chocolate. Perfect for gifting.
Prep Time20 minutes
Chill Time2 hours
Course: Candy
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
Servings: 30 servings
Calories: 127kcal
Author: Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

  • 10-12 oz jar maraschino cherries drained, patted dry

For the fondant/center:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 Tbsp light corn syrup or slightly more if needed
  • 2 Tbsp reserved cherry juice from the jar
  • 1 Tbsp water adjust if needed

For the coating:

  • 12-16 oz high-quality chocolate semi-sweet or dark works best — or a mix or good-quality chocolate melting wafers/candy melts
  • Optional: a bit of neutral oil coconut or vegetable or a small dab of butter to smooth the chocolate coating

Instructions

  • Prep the cherries: Drain well and pat the cherries completely dry; let them sit briefly so excess moisture can evaporate.
  • Make the fondant center: Mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, cherry juice, and water into a thick, moldable fondant. Adjust with tiny splashes of liquid if needed.
  • Wrap the cherries: Flatten a small piece of fondant, wrap it around a cherry, seal completely, and lightly dust with powdered sugar. Place on a lined tray.
  • Chill the centers: Refrigerate or freeze the cherry-fondant balls for 1–2 hours so they firm up for dipping.
  • Melt the chocolate: Warm chocolate gently (microwave or double boiler) with optional oil/butter, stirring until smooth and glossy.
  • Dip the cherries: Using a fork, dip each chilled ball into melted chocolate, let excess drip off, then place on parchment. Patch any small cracks with extra chocolate.
  • Set and enjoy: Let the chocolate harden fully at room temp or in the fridge.
  • Optional—but highly recommended: Let them rest for several days to 1–2 weeks to allow the fondant to liquefy into that classic cherry cordial center.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.4mg