Easy Chocolate Cherry Cordials Recipe
Easy Chocolate Cherry Cordials Recipe! I’m talking about those little bites of heaven with the juicy cherry swimming in liqueur, all wrapped up in smooth, dark chocolate. But homemade. And way more fun. Trust me, you gotta try these.
My husband, bless his heart, has a serious sweet tooth. And he’s a sucker for anything cherry. The first time I made these, he ate, like, half the batch while “testing” them. Now, whenever I make them, I have to hide a few for myself! They’ve become a yearly tradition around the holidays. My kiddo loves helping too – though I sub juice for the booze in theirs, of course! Last year we made so many that we used them as party favors. Honestly, they never last long around here. They’re just too good.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Cherry Cordials Recipe
- It’s WAY easier than you think. Seriously, if I can do it (and I routinely burn toast), you can do this.
- You get to control the ingredients! Want extra dark chocolate? Go for it! Prefer bourbon to brandy? You’re the boss!
- They’re the perfect homemade gift. Who wouldn’t want a box of these little gems?
- They taste like pure indulgence without being a total sugar bomb. (Okay, maybe a little sugar bomb, but a delicious one!)
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. First things first, those fancy maraschino cherries? Gotta drain ’em. Like, really drain ’em. Nobody wants soggy cordials, am I right? Then, give ’em a little soak in your booze of choice. I usually go for brandy ’cause that’s what my grandma used, but honestly, rum, whiskey, even a cherry liqueur would work! Let those cherries get good and boozy for a few hours, or even overnight. The longer, the better!
Now, for the chocolate. I’m a dark chocolate kinda gal, but you do you. Melt it down slow and steady. Low and slow is the key, friends. If you rush it, you’ll end up with burnt, grainy chocolate and nobody wants that. I like to use a double boiler, but you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Just keep a close eye on it!
Once the chocolate’s melted, it’s time to assemble! I like to use a fork to dip the cherries, letting the excess chocolate drip off. Then, pop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect. Imperfection is what makes them charming. And delicious!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
Pop the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for a bit to let the chocolate harden up. And voila! You’ve got yourself some homemade chocolate cherry cordials! Okay, so maybe mine aren’t always the prettiest, but they always taste amazing. And that’s what really matters, right?
Ingredient Notes
- Maraschino Cherries: Okay, so these are the star of the show. But for the love of all that is holy, drain them well. Seriously. You don’t want watery cordials. Nobody does.
- Booze (Brandy, Rum, etc.): This is where you get to play! Brandy is classic, but rum gives it a fun kick. I once used amaretto when I was out of brandy, and it was surprisingly delicious!
- Chocolate (Dark, Milk, or Semi-Sweet): Use good quality chocolate! It really makes a difference. I usually go for dark, but milk chocolate is also amazing if you’re feeling extra sweet. Avoid the cheapo stuff. You deserve better!
Recipe Steps:
- Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly.
- Soak cherries in your choice of liqueur for several hours or overnight.
- Melt chocolate slowly, using a double boiler or microwave.
- Dip soaked cherries in melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
- Place chocolate-covered cherries on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill in refrigerator or freezer until chocolate is firm.
- Enjoy your homemade chocolate cherry cordials!
What to Serve It With
Okay, these are pretty much perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, you could serve them with:
- A glass of dessert wine (port or sherry would be lovely)
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A cup of strong coffee
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the chocolate when melting it. Patience is a virtue, especially when chocolate is involved.
- If your chocolate seizes up (it happens!), try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil. It can sometimes save the day!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different liquors. Get creative!
- Sprinkles. I mean, why not?
Storage Tips
Store these little guys in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for a few days… if you can resist eating them all! And yes, you can totally eat them cold straight from the fridge. Don’t judge. I’ve been known to have them for breakfast. (Don’t tell my doctor.)
Variations and Substitutions
- No booze? Use cherry juice or even a little bit of almond extract. Still delicious!
- Different chocolate? Go wild! White chocolate would be fun, or even a mix of dark and milk.
- Out of cherries? Okay, that’s a problem. But you could try using dried cranberries or even candied ginger. It won’t be the same, but it’ll be tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Chocolate Cherry Cordials Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 whole maraschino cherries drain and pat dry
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup confectioners' sugar sifted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place the maraschino cherries on a paper towel to drain and dry completely.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and light corn syrup. Mix until fully blended.
- Using a fork, dip each cherry into the chocolate mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- Chill the chocolates in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until set.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
