Decadent Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cordials
A rich and elegant homemade candy featuring maraschino cherries coated in a smooth bittersweet chocolate shell with a homemade cherry syrup infusion. Perfect for gifting or indulging in a sophisticated sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 30 cordials 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 jar (about 10 oz / 280 g) maraschino cherries, drained with stems (Luxardo brand recommended)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 12 oz (340 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely (Ghirardelli 60% cacao preferred)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) cocoa butter or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract if using.
- Coat the cherries: Add drained maraschino cherries to the syrup and stir gently to coat. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes at room temperature. Drain cherries again using a slotted spoon, letting excess syrup drip off.
- Melt the chocolate: Set up a double boiler by simmering water in a pot and placing a heatproof bowl on top. Add chopped bittersweet chocolate and cocoa butter or vegetable shortening to the bowl. Stir gently and continuously until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Dip the cherries: Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it fully into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place the dipped cherry on a wire rack lined over a baking sheet or parchment paper. Repeat for all cherries.
- Set the cordials: Allow the chocolate to cool and harden at room temperature for about 1 hour. For quicker setting, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, then place in an airtight container once set.
Notes
Use a double boiler to melt chocolate gently to avoid burning. Corn syrup prevents crystallization in the syrup. Soaking cherries in syrup is key for juicy centers. Use the cherry stem as a handle when dipping to avoid fingerprints. Cool chocolate slowly at room temperature for a glossy finish. Store cordials in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate if necessary but bring to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cordial
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: chocolate-covered cherries, cherry cordials, homemade candy, chocolate candy, holiday treats, easy candy recipe, bittersweet chocolate, maraschino cherries