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Easy Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials with Liquid Centers

A stack of rich, dark chocolate covered cherries, one cut open showing the pink filling and whole cherry center.
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Make rich, homemade chocolate covered cherries with a classic liquid center using this straightforward recipe. These are perfect for holidays or gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (drained from jar)
  • 1/4 cup water (for syrup)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for fondant)
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup (for fondant)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for fondant)
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and patted very dry
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 12 ounces dark or milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil (optional, for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cherries: Pat the drained maraschino cherries completely dry using paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Make the fondant base: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Cook the syrup: Heat the mixture to 238 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage) without stirring after it boils. Remove from heat.
  4. Finish the fondant: Stir in the vanilla extract and the 1/4 cup of reserved cherry juice. Let the mixture cool completely, about 1 hour, until it thickens slightly.
  5. Create the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to form a slurry. Add this slurry to the cooled fondant mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, resembling a thick paste.
  6. Fill the cherries: Take a small amount of the fondant mixture and wrap it around each dried maraschino cherry. Roll into a ball shape. Place these filled cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Chill: Freeze the filled cherries for at least 2 hours until very firm. This step is crucial for successful dipping.
  8. Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate and shortening (if using) in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Melt slowly until smooth.
  9. Dip the cherries: Remove the frozen cherries from the freezer one or two at a time. Dip each cherry completely into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to lift it out. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
  10. Set the coating: Place the dipped cherries back onto the parchment-lined sheet. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Drying the cherries thoroughly prevents the chocolate coating from cracking.
  • For a liquid center, do not overmix the fondant; the freezing process keeps the center soft enough to liquefy slightly when eaten.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor contrast with the sweet cherry.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/chocolate-covered-cherries-recipe/