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Cherry Cordials

- MAKES
- 2 1/2 dozen
- COOK TIME
- 5 Min
Sure, anybody can pick up a box of Cherry Cordials as a last-minute gift, but why would you when making them on your own is so easy, and much more special? Place this fancy Christmas candy on a pretty plate and get ready to soak up the compliments!
What You'll Need
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 (10 ounces) jar stemmed maraschino cherries, well drained
- 1 (11 ounces) package milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
What to Do
- Line baking sheet with waxed paper.
- In small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, butter, and milk; mix until stiff dough forms. Shape dough evenly around each cherry and place on baking sheet. Freeze 15 minutes, or until firm.
- In small saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat until smooth. Remove coated cherries from freezer and dip each into the chocolate mixture, coating completely.
- Return to baking sheet and chill for 1 hour, or until chocolate is firm. Serve, or cover and chill until ready to serve.
Notes
These can also be covered in white or semisweet chocolate and, for an added touch, after dipping them in chocolate, drizzle them with a different color chocolate.
bjberk1 4970706
Nov 24, 2019
You say to use 1/4 cup of butter stick do you mean use 1/2 stick? 1 stick of butter is 1/2 cup. Please let me know as I am in the middle of making them. Thank you , Barbara
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Test Kitchen Team
Nov 25, 2019
Thank you for pointing that our, Barbara! The corrections have been made above.
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hapalona22 6196432
Dec 18, 2016
What about using juice from cherries in place of milk
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Test Kitchen Team
Dec 19, 2016
Hi there! Yes, you can use the juice from the cherries in place of milk in this recipe. Keep in mind that by eliminating the milk and replacing it with the juice that it will turn the center of these candies pink. Enjoy!
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luvmocha
Oct 24, 2015
I used to get a box of store bought choc. covered cherries every year at Christmas and loved them. But as an adult I started to hate them....until I found a home made recipe. It calls for 3 Tbsps. butter, 3 Tbsps. corn syrup, 1/2 teasp. vanilla extract and 1/4 teasp. salt....all added to 2 1/2 cups sifted confectioners sugar. If it is to thick knead fondant with buttered fingers until sugar is combined. Divide this mixture in half and shape into 2 logs and wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1- 1 1/2 hours or until firm. Then slice thinly and flatten between palms and wrap around each cherry. I drain the juice and spread the cherries out on paper towels and blot them with more paper towels before wrapping. After wrapping, freeze them for 30 minutes on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper before dipping in chocolate. SO Good!!! Everyone that I've made these for expects them for birthdays and Christmas and won't buy store bought again! I'm going to take the advice of the reviewer that advises putting paraffin in the chocolate next time I make these....because they do need to be kept in the refrigerator. I do like them chilled though. They are time consuming because of all the refrigeration and freezing time, but the results are mouth-watering!!
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buncogranny 8267578
Oct 21, 2015
I would put paraffin in the chocolate to keeo it clossy and firmly set. If tou like the gooey centers the candy has to age a bit, check it in a week.
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hapalona22 6196432
Dec 18, 2016
How much paraffin to bag of chips
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bigmama9623 0157816
Dec 20, 2014
Can I make the chocolate dip with cocoa
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Test Kitchen Team
Dec 22, 2014
Hello! We haven't tried making this recipe with cocoa, but we wouldn't suggest it. Let us know how it turns out if you try it. :)
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Chef 9240812
May 02, 2014
Would make a GREAT Special Homemade Mother's Day gift. Put in a pretty decorated Tin Box
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bjmmcsock 7466556
Dec 26, 2013
A very sweet and delicious Christmas gift to give to your friends and love ones who love chocolate covered cherries. I used dark chocolate. Suggestions to do for the next time: Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate as one does not have to stir as often. wear plastic gloves when shaping the sugar mixture onto the cherries as the mix will not stick to your hands and you can roll the mixture onto the cherries. Plan to soak the next batch of cherries in brandy and let marinate as I think they will even be better. So good! Will make to take as a gift to a hostess any time.
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mawmy1957
Dec 25, 2013
I have to share with you that I made these for my brother who has always loved his chocolate covered cherries every year for Christmas and this year I made these for him and he said "They were Amazing" That made my Christmas! I hope you all had a great one too! Thanks for the great recipe! I am making them again because I gave all of mine away ;)
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bets147roaadrunnercom
Dec 06, 2012
can I possibly use brandyfor theliquid
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bulldoggmab 2503355
Mar 03, 2013
try draining the juice and replace it with your brandy and letting it soak for bout a week, then pat them dry so the dough will stick , chill then dip......
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bjmmcsock 7466556
Nov 19, 2013
Like the idea, are you marinating the cherries in brandy for a week, drain and then follow the recipe as written with the milk???
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S48tal 8171427
Dec 06, 2012
These sound wonderful, as my hubby and grandchildren love cherries and chocolate! I had a great idea ............ try to use (frozen blueberries) thawed out some. I am bound to try this! Thanks again "Mr, Foods team" for all the delicious recipes. Sincerely, 'little ole' Ohio cook, Sherry
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deliah64
Nov 11, 2012
My husband loves chocolate covered cherries, but he will only eat the ones with the clear cream inside! Anyone know how to make those? They are so hard to find. We look every year!!! Didn't find any last year!!!
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fmorell 1019878
Nov 13, 2012
There is a brand called Cello chocolate covered cherries.They have the clear cream and are the very best.You can find them at Wal-mart,Walgreen or any where.
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babeboomer
Nov 02, 2012
I wonder how these would be if you used fresh cherries. Anyone got an answer? Never made homemade before but always buy them for my husband since he loves them so much. Would like to try making my own and see how they turn out.
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whosyournana 9622226
Nov 05, 2012
never used raw cherries, however dried cherries are a great surprise, novel and tasty
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francireed 5043810
Apr 19, 2013
Fresh cherries don't produce enough juice, but I have made these with canned Royal Anne Cherries and they are wonderful.
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jcu7776205 9918705
Oct 24, 2012
I am going to make these as they are my families very favorite. I am going to make one substitution...going to put in 2 tablespoons of Amaretto rathur than the milk.
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whosyournana 9622226
Nov 05, 2012
adding the amaretto will give a liquid center
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mep1938
Jan 27, 2012
I made these and they are oh soooo good. I had a problem getting the butter/sugar mixture to stay on the cherry. any suggestions?
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whosyournana 9622226
Nov 05, 2012
dry cherries well with paper towel will help the creamy mixture stick
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laurak308 2665177
Dec 02, 2012
Making sure the cherries are dry helps. Also, here are some extra steps I take: (1) Put the finished dough in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes, that gives the butter a chance to harden a little and makes it less sticky. (2) Pour a little powdered sugar into a bowl and use it to dust your hands and fingertips as needed, as you would with flour when making bread. This will also keep the dough from sticking more to your fingers than to the cherries.
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cookingshowaddict 3609055
Dec 21, 2011
I feel like Homer Simpson right now going "Ooohhh, chocolate covered cherries..." :) Robin in SF
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Ginag13
Dec 07, 2011
julesdm-- It means not to use a spread. Use part of a stick of butter. I haven't tried these yet, but I'm hoping to soon. I hope they are as easy and awesome as they sound!
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julesdm
Dec 07, 2011
I am just a little confused about how the butter amount is written. A stick of butter is 1/2 cup, or does it mean do not use spread in this recipe?
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duckes 9971877
Apr 04, 2011
Hi I make these at X-mas and I use peanut butter instead butter and there delicious.
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