Finding the perfect homemade gift for the holidays or special occasions can feel like an impossible task. Between getting the timing right, picking something that travels well, and making sure it’s actually something people want to eat, the pressure can really pile up – especially when you’re trying to impress the foodies in your life.
That’s where these chocolate covered cherries with alcohol come in: they’re fun to make, always get rave reviews, and have that perfect mix of fancy and familiar that makes them ideal for gifting (or keeping all to yourself, I won’t judge!).
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Quick preparation – These treats come together in just 15-25 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or when you need a fast dessert fix.
- Just 3-4 ingredients – With only chocolate, cherries, coconut oil, and optional alcohol, you won’t need to hunt down any special ingredients at the store.
- Customizable recipe – You can easily switch between milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate, and choose your preferred alcohol (or skip it entirely) to make these exactly how you like them.
- Perfect party food – These elegant little treats are ideal for gatherings – they’re easy to serve, fun to eat, and always impress guests with their fancy appearance.
What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?
Maraschino cherries are the classic choice for this recipe, and there’s good reason for that. The bright red, stemmed cherries are perfect for dipping and give you something to hold onto while you work. Traditional maraschino cherries are widely available, but if you’re looking to avoid artificial ingredients, brands like Merry Maraschino or Luxardo make natural versions that taste great and have a deeper, richer color. Just make sure whatever cherries you choose still have their stems attached – this makes dipping much easier and gives the finished treats that classic chocolate-covered cherry look. If your cherries are packed in syrup, be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before dipping, as excess moisture can make the chocolate seize up.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps to match your taste or what you have in your pantry:
- Chocolate: You can use any type of chocolate you prefer – milk, dark, or semi-sweet. Just make sure to use real chocolate, not candy melts, for the best results. White chocolate works too, but it can be trickier to melt and might need extra coconut oil.
- Coconut oil: If you’re out of coconut oil, you can use shortening or paramount crystals instead. Regular butter isn’t recommended as it can make the chocolate seize up.
- Maraschino cherries: While maraschino cherries are really the star here, you can try cocktail cherries or even fresh cherries if they’re in season. Just make sure they have stems for easier dipping, and pat them very dry before using.
- Alcohol options: The recipe suggests brandy, but rum, vodka, or even bourbon work great. If you want to skip the alcohol altogether, try soaking the cherries in cherry juice or vanilla extract mixed with water for extra flavor.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making chocolate-covered cherries is not drying the cherries thoroughly after soaking them in alcohol, which can cause the chocolate coating to seize up and become grainy – pat them completely dry with paper towels and let them air dry for at least 30 minutes before dipping.
Temperature control is crucial when melting chocolate; using too high heat or getting even a drop of water in your melted chocolate can make it thick and unusable, so stick to gentle heat and melt it slowly in 30-second microwave intervals or use a double boiler.
When dipping the cherries, make sure to hold them by the stem and tap off excess chocolate gently, as too thick of a coating won’t set properly and can crack when you bite into it – if your chocolate starts to thicken while dipping, warm it up slightly by microwaving for 10-15 seconds.
For the smoothest results, let the chocolate-covered cherries set at room temperature rather than rushing them into the fridge, as sudden temperature changes can cause the chocolate to develop a dull, whitish coating called bloom.
What to Serve With Chocolate Covered Cherries?
These boozy chocolate covered cherries make a perfect ending to any dinner party or holiday meal! They pair wonderfully with after-dinner drinks like coffee, espresso, or even a small glass of the same brandy or rum you used to soak the cherries. If you’re setting up a dessert spread, try placing these alongside other bite-sized treats like truffles or cookies – they look really nice on a platter together. For a cozy night in, I love serving these with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, which brings out the chocolate coating even more.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These boozy chocolate cherries need to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 weeks, though I doubt they’ll last that long! Place them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together or getting damaged.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these in advance? You can make them up to 3 days before serving. The alcohol-soaked cherries actually get better with time as the flavors meld together. Just keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Serve: Take these treats out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the chocolate soften slightly – this brings out the best flavor. Keep in mind that these are meant to be enjoyed cool, not room temperature, as they might get too soft.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1800-2000
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 230-250 g
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (refined for no coconut flavor)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 24 maraschino cherries with stems (well-drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup brandy (or rum, for an alternative flavor)
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
If you’re using alcohol, soak the cherries overnight in brandy, rum, or vodka.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply drain the maraschino cherries and gently blot them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Lay the cherries out on paper towels to air dry for a little while, ensuring they’re not too wet for the next step.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
To melt the chocolate, you can use either the microwave or stovetop.
Combine chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with coconut oil.
If you’re using a microwave, heat at intervals, stirring often until smooth.
On the stovetop, use very low heat and continuously stir until the chocolate mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Dip the Cherries in Chocolate
Hold each dry cherry by the stem and dip it into the melted chocolate mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
Once dipped, place the chocolate-covered cherries stem-side up onto a sheet of waxed or parchment paper to allow the chocolate to dry.
Step 4: Allow Chocolate to Set
If needed, reheat any remaining chocolate mixture to maintain a smooth consistency for dipping.
Allow the coated cherries to air dry at room temperature or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Step 5: Storage
Once the chocolate has hardened, store the chocolate-dipped cherries at room temperature.
They will remain fresh for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat!
