Chocolate-Covered Cherries

Name: Chocolate-Covered Cherries
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 dozen
Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 tablespoon 2% milk; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 jars (8 ounces each) maraschino cherries with stems, well drained; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons shortening

Total Time Prep: 25 min. + chilling

Yield 3 dozen

Test Kitchen Approved

Better than the store-bought version, these chocolate-covered cherries with almond-flavored candy centers are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 jars (8 ounces each) maraschino cherries with stems, well drained
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

Directions

In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, butter, milk and extract. Knead until smooth and pliable. Shape into 1-in. balls and flatten each into a 2-in. circle.
Wrap 1 circle around each cherry and lightly roll in hands. Place with stems up on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding on to the stems, dip cherries into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper until set. Store in a covered container. Refrigerate 1-2 weeks before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 cherry: 111 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.

Not only are these chocolate-covered cherries my family's favorite festive dessert, but they make a delicious holiday present too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it's stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. —Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon

Recipe Creator