Name: Delicious Chocolate Covered Cherries for Valentine's Day Snacks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 40 pieces maraschino cherries (with stems); 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels (for rich chocolatey taste); 1 cup white chocolate morsels (for elegant finish)

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I can practically taste the love in the air! In the midst of planning the perfect romantic evening, I stumbled upon a delightful treat that combines indulgence and nostalgia: Chocolate Covered Cherries. These bite-sized delights not only brighten up any sweet spread, but they also evoke warm memories of joyful celebrations and shared moments.

Picture the tender sweetness of plump maraschino cherries enveloped in rich, velvety chocolate. The balance of flavors is simply irresistible! What I love most is how effortless they are to make, allowing you to impress your partner or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can get creative with your chocolate choices—swirling in that elegant white chocolate for an eye-catching twist.

So, whether you’re aiming to woo that special someone or just want a festive treat to enjoy, let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherries that will sweeten your Valentine’s Day!

Why are Chocolate Covered Cherries a Must-Try?

Irresistible sweetness: The juicy burst of maraschino cherries combined with rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Effortless elegance: These treats look stunning on any dessert table, elevating your Valentine’s Day spread with minimal effort.
Quick prep: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch and still have time to plan the perfect evening.
Customizable delight: Mix and match your chocolate coatings for a fun twist—try half semisweet and half white chocolate for a beautiful contrast!
Perfect for sharing: These bite-sized chocolates make for an ideal treat to share with loved ones, spreading joy and sweetness in every bite.

Chocolate Covered Cherries Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful treat!

For the Cherries
• Maraschino cherries – 40 cherries with stems add a fun touch and nostalgic flavor to your treats.

For the Chocolate Coating
• Semisweet chocolate morsels – 1 cup to deliver that rich, classic chocolatey taste.
• White chocolate morsels – 1 cup for a beautiful contrast and an elegant finish.

Now, you’re all set to create these delightful Chocolate Covered Cherries that will surely impress this Valentine’s Day!

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries

Prepare the sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. This will provide a non-stick surface for your gorgeous cherries, ensuring they don’t stick while cooling.
Melt the chocolates: Fill a saucepan with simmering water and place a stainless steel bowl on top. Add the semisweet chocolate morsels, stirring until smooth and melted; repeat with the white chocolate morsels in a separate bowl.
Dip the cherries: Grab a cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted semisweet chocolate, coating it generously. For an elegant touch, dip half of the cherry in white chocolate as well, creating a beautiful two-tone effect.
Transfer to prepare: Place the chocolate-dipped cherries on the lined cookie sheet, allowing a little space between each. Repeat this process with the remaining cherries until they’re all decadent and coated.
Chill to set: Refrigerate the tray of cherries for about 40 minutes, or until the chocolate has set firmly and they are ready to be devoured.

Optional: Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for a decorative flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Cherries?

When your taste buds meet the magic of chocolate and cherries, it’s time to elevate your dessert experience with a few delightful pairings.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the cherries beautifully, creating a classic pairing. Dive into a scoop alongside a cherry for a blissful experience.
Sparkling Wine: A glass of fizz adds a celebratory touch, balancing the richness of the chocolate with refreshing bubbles. Perfect for a romantic evening!
Dark Chocolate Fondue: Serve with fresh fruits and marshmallows for a decadent dessert spread, inviting everyone to indulge and share. The experience of dipping adds an element of fun.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this luxurious topping makes every bite feel extra special, enhancing the sweetness of the cherries while adding a silky texture.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Offer a salty-sweet contrast that rounds out your snack table, keeping guests engaged with a mix of flavors and textures.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa: This cozy drink pairs well by mirroring the rich chocolate while the mint adds an unexpected refreshment, making it a delightful finish on a cold evening.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a tropical twist that contrasts elegantly against classic chocolate, making your dessert experience even more dynamic.
Pistachio Cookies: Their nutty crunch offers a robust flavor and pairs well with the sweetness of the cherries, creating a well-rounded dessert platter to explore.
Berry Medley Salad: Fresh berries bring a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of chocolate-covered cherries, making for a bright, refreshing end to your meal.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries

Perfect Drying: Pat the cherries dry: Ensuring the cherries are dry helps the chocolate adhere better, avoiding any chocolate slipping off.
Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler: Melting chocolate gently over simmering water prevents scorching, keeping your chocolate smooth and glossy for your delightful chocolate covered cherries.
Diverse Dipping: Experiment with types of chocolate: Don’t hesitate to try dark chocolate or adding sprinkles for variety, creating personalized chocolate covered cherries for your loved ones.
Chill Properly: Allow ample cooling time: Letting the cherries sit in the fridge for a full 40 minutes ensures the chocolate sets perfectly, making for a mess-free enjoyment.
Presentation Perfect: Use parchment paper: This keeps your chocolate covered cherries from sticking, resulting in easier serving and a beautiful presentation for your Valentine’s Day snacks.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Chocolate Covered Cherries are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to plan ahead for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion! You can prepare the cherries by dipping them in chocolate up to 24 hours in advance. Once coated, simply lay them on the lined cookie sheet and freeze them instead of refrigerating; this will help maintain their quality and prevent any chocolate bloom. When you’re ready to enjoy these treats, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Serve these luscious chocolates just as delicious as when they were freshly made, allowing you to savor every sweet moment with minimal effort on the big day!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Covered Cherries

Fridge: Store chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the chocolate covered cherries on a baking sheet until set, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen cherries, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating: If you prefer them slightly warmed, microwave for 10-15 seconds, but consume immediately as they may lose their firmness.

Chocolate Covered Cherries Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can take your snacking experience to the next level!

Dark Chocolate: Swap out semisweet for dark chocolate for a rich and slightly bitter contrast that elevates the sweetness of the cherries.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the melted chocolate for a crunchy texture and added flavor with each bite.
Flavor Infusion: Experiment by adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the melted chocolate for a delightful new twist.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate for a surprising heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherries!
Caramel Drizzle: After dipping, drizzle some melted caramel over the chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence and a stunning presentation.
Coconut Flakes: Roll the chocolate-covered cherries in toasted coconut flakes before chilling for a tropical flair that will transport you to paradise.
Mini Bites: Instead of whole cherries, chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix with the chocolate, creating clusters for a fun sharing opportunity.
Fruit Surprise: Swap maraschino cherries for strawberries or raspberries for a different fruit pairing that’s just as delicious and visually appealing.

These variations will not only enhance your chocolate-covered cherries but will also cater to diverse palates, making your Valentine’s Day snacks unforgettable!

Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! When selecting maraschino cherries, look for those that are vibrant in color and without any dark spots all over. They should be plump with firm stems attached. The syrup should be clear and thick, as this typically indicates better quality cherries.

How should I store chocolate covered cherries?
Very! To keep your chocolate covered cherries fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for about 5 days. Make sure they are separated by parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I freeze chocolate covered cherries?
Absolutely! To freeze chocolate covered cherries, first place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer them into a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to 2 months. This method preserves their delightful taste and texture!

What should I do if the chocolate isn’t setting properly?
If you notice that the chocolate isn’t setting as it should, it could be due to excess moisture on the cherries. Make sure they are thoroughly dried before dipping. It can also help to ensure that your melted chocolate is at the right temperature – not too hot, as it can cause the chocolate to be too thin. If needed, you can remelt the chocolate with a little bit of shortening to help it thicken.

Are chocolate covered cherries safe for pets?
Very! Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s crucial to keep these delightful treats out of their reach. If you’re making these for a gathering, consider letting your friends know to keep their pets away for safety.

Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can customize your chocolate covered cherries with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Feel free to add toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts for a delightful twist. Enjoy experimenting!