Cherry Cordials
Cherry Cordials are indulgent confections featuring juicy maraschino cherries encased in a creamy, sweet filling, then dipped in smooth chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or as homemade gifts, they combine rich flavors and textures that appeal to chocolate lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners sugar until soft and fluffy.
- Blend in milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch balls around each drained maraschino cherry.
- Place the centers on wax paper and refrigerate until ready to dip in chocolate.
- Melt milk chocolate chips with paraffin until smooth.
- Dip each cherry center into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place dipped cherries on wax paper to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother chocolate coating, consider adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. If you prefer, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. Make sure to chill the cherry centers well before dipping to ensure the chocolate sets properly. For a fun twist, try using flavored chocolate or adding a hint of orange zest to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cherry cordials as a delightful dessert at gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. They can also be a charming addition to dessert platters or holiday gift baskets. For a fun pairing, try them with Mom'S Apple Cobbler for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cherry cordials in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To maintain their freshness, keep them separated with wax paper to prevent sticking. If you need to reheat the chocolate, do so gently in a microwave or double boiler to avoid burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cordials contains roughly 2869 calories, with 33g protein, 398g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (168% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries can be used, they need to be pitted and may require additional sweetening since they are not as sweet as maraschino cherries. The texture will also differ, so ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the chocolate coating.
How can I make these cordials vegan?
To make vegan cherry cordials, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Ensure the paraffin used is also vegan-friendly, or omit it entirely for a delicious treat.
What can I do if my chocolate isn't melting smoothly?
If your chocolate isn't melting smoothly, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to help it become more fluid. Be sure to melt it slowly over low heat to avoid scorching. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).