Chocolate Covered Cherries

Dive into the irresistible world of Chocolate Covered Cherries, a classic confection that's surprisingly easy to recreate at home, offering a delightful blend of juicy sweetness and decadent chocolate. This recipe is your guide to crafting these beloved treats, perfect for gifting, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

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Prep Time 30

Setting Time 20

Course: Confectionery, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound fresh, ripe cherries, preferably Bing or Rainier Leave stems on.
8 ounces good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped use chocolate chips specifically for melting or a bar
1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening optional, to help chocolate set smoother

Equipment

Heatproof bowl
Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
Parchment paper or wax paper
Fork or toothpick
Kitchen towel or paper towels

Method

Gently wash the fresh cherries under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It is crucial that the cherries are thoroughly dry, as any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or bloom. Leave the stems on; they make for a perfect handle when dipping and add a lovely aesthetic.
1 pound fresh, ripe cherries, preferably Bing or Rainier
Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. If using, add the coconut oil or vegetable shortening. You have a couple of options for melting:
- Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Place the bowl of chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate constantly until it is smoothly melted and glossy.
- Microwave Method: Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is almost entirely melted, then stir until any remaining lumps have dissolved and the chocolate is smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn easily.
8 ounces good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Once the chocolate is smoothly melted, it's time for the fun part! Hold a cherry by its stem and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate, rotating it to coat it evenly. Use a fork or a toothpick inserted into the stem to help guide and coat the cherry. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
1 pound fresh, ripe cherries, preferably Bing or Rainier, 8 ounces good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
Place the chocolate-dipped cherries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Ensure they are not touching each other. This will prevent them from sticking together as they cool.
Let the Chocolate Covered Cherries sit at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes. For faster setting, or if your kitchen is warm, you can carefully place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, but avoid leaving them in the fridge for too long, as this can cause condensation and affect the chocolate's sheen.

Notes

Store in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1-2 months.