Sweet Chocolate Cherries (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate (or a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate)
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1 jar of maraschino cherries with stems (about 25 cherries, keep the juice aside)
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4 tablespoons of softened salted butter
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4 cups of powdered sugar (roughly 390-520 grams, split into portions)
→ Optional Decorations
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Drizzle with red candy melting wafers if desired
# Instructions:
01 -
Remove the cherries from the jar, saving at least 1/4 cup of their juice. Place the cherries on paper towels to soak up excess moisture, then gently pat them completely dry. Dry cherries stick better to the fondant.
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Blend the softened butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of cherry juice in a big bowl using a hand mixer. Mix it all together until smooth.
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Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar—about 1/4 cup at a time—until you have a pliable and soft dough. You might not need all the sugar, so add cautiously. Chill the dough for 20 minutes to help it set.
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Sprinkle your hands with powdered sugar so things don’t stick. Take a small piece of the fondant, form it into a ball about 1 1/2 inches wide, and flatten it in your hands. Wrap it snugly around a cherry, covering it completely, and roll it until smooth.
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Lay the fondant-covered cherries on a tray lined with parchment paper. Chill them for 20 minutes to make dipping easier.
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Microwave the chocolate in a safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring after each time until fully melted. Go slow to keep the chocolate smooth and avoid burning.
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Grab each cherry by its stem and dip it in the warm chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Let extra chocolate drip off, then set the cherry onto a wax paper-lined baking tray.
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If you want, melt red candy wafers based on their instructions and drizzle them over your chocolate-dipped cherries. It’s a fun way to make them look fancy or cover any rough spots.
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Allow the dipped cherries to harden completely at room temperature. Once set, put them into an airtight container and keep them stored at room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
These sweet treats combine juicy cherries with a creamy fondant center, all finished with a rich chocolate coating.
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If you’re working with cherries without stems, use a fork to handle the dipping. To thin thick chocolate, mix in a tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening.