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In Krista's Kitchen//delicious meals and baked goods

In Krista's Kitchen//delicious meals and baked goods

Easy delicious family friendly meals and baked goods

Home / Desserts / Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Chocolate, Desserts

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A silicone truffle mold, a bowl with melted chocolate that has a spoon above it dripping chocolate off of it into the bowl and a bite taken out of one of the chocolate covered cherries.
chocolate covered cherries stuffed with Nutella on a plate. One has a bite taken out of it so you can see the center.

This Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe is the absolute BEST! It’s a sweet maraschino cherry, covered in Nutella then dipped in a rich dark chocolate!

Yes, that’s right, Nutella instead of the traditional liquid center. That means no corn syrup or artificial flavorings!

a pile of chocolate covered cherries on a plate with a bite taken out of one so you can see the Nutella and cherry in the center. A white bowl with fresh cherries behind the plate.

I top mine with flaky sea salt because I’m obsessed with salt on my chocolate. Really salty sweets in general.

It’s the perfect combination.

I always loved chocolate covered cherries growing up, they were a special treat. Usually I only ate them at my grandparents house because my mom hated them, haha.

I always knew them as cordial cherries or Queen Anne cherries. This homemade version is a step up from that in my opinion.

And they are SO EASY! They only use a few ingredients.

If you love Nutella then you will also love my Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies and Easy PB2 Peanut Butter Cookies!

Table of Contents

  • Why you’ll love this recipe
  • Ingredients needed
  • Equipment needed
  • Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
  • How to make the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries
    • Prepping the cherries
    • Making the molds
    • Melt the chocolate & coat cherries
    • More recipes that include chocolate
  • Additional toppings for the cherries
  • Please leave me a star rating and/or review!
  • FAQ
    • How to store chocolate covered cherries
    • Can chocolate covered cherries be frozen?
    • What are chocolate covered cherries called?
    • Where should I buy chocolate covered cherries?
  • Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients  1x2x3x
      • Chocolate Covered Cherries
    • Instructions 
      • Making the Chocolate Covered Cherries
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • It’s such an easy recipe! You won’t believe how simple it is your first time making them.
  • They’re stuffed with Nutella...need I say more?!
  • These cherries are very decadent and rich! They’ll definitely cure your sweet tooth, that’s for sure.
  • This is such a great recipe for holidays, parties and table gifts. You won’t believe how quick and easy they are.
  • It’s a recipe the whole family will love, my husband is obsessed with them!
  • They are the best chocolate covered cherries!
A couple white plates with chocolate covered cherries, a box of Maldon's sea salt, a sheet pan with a bowl of chocolate, one bowl of fresh cherries and a bowl of maraschino cherries.

Ingredients needed

  • Maraschino Cherries – I like using maraschino cherries because of the nostalgia behind it. There are many maraschino cherry brands, I like to use Collins because the cherries are a little larger. You could use frozen cherries if you prefer or a fresh Bing cherry but you would have to pit it.
  • Nutella – Nutella is a hazelnut chocolate spread found in most local grocery stores.
  • Dark Chocolate – I would recommend using a high quality chocolate. Something that contains cocoa butter. The chocolate will just set nicer if you do. You can melt chocolate bars or chocolate chips but if you’re using chocolate chips, make sure it’s a better quality chocolate.
  • Flaky Sea Salt – Per usual, I like to top my chocolate in flaky sea salt. Not a necessity but highly recommended!
Nutella, maraschino cherries, flaky sea salt and dark chocolate in a bowl.

Equipment needed

  • Silicone Molds – Also called a truffle mold or chocolate mold. These work perfectly for this Chocolate Covered Cherry recipe! Make sure to use the correct size. These are the molds I used.
  • Measuring Spoons – I use a teaspoon to get the Nutella into the molds.
  • Bowl or Double Boiler – You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl or you can melt it on the stove using a double boiler. A double boiler consists of a sauce pan with a small amount of water in it that is simmering or slightly cooler than a simmer and a metal or glass bowl that is larger than the pan, set over the top.
  • Fork – I use a fork to coat the cherries with the melted chocolate. I find that the easiest, it helps drain the chocolate off the bottom as well.
  • Sheet Tray – Use a parchment lined sheet tray to set the chocolate covered cherries on after coating them with chocolate. A sheet tray is essentially the same thing as a baking sheet or cookie sheet.
  • Parchment Paper – I prefer parchment paper but you can use wax paper as well to line your sheet tray.
  • Paper Towels – Make sure you have a few paper towels to dry your cherries off with.
a pile of chocolate covered cherries on a plate with a bite taken out of one so you can see the Nutella and cherry in the center. A white bowl with fresh cherries behind the plate.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

  • Drain the cherries well then dry them. I let them drain for a few minutes then set them on a paper towel lined plate. Gently press paper towels over the tops and sides of the cherries as well. No need to smash them.
  • After you take the Nutella molds out of the freezer, work quickly. If you feel like you are going at a slower pace then just leave them in the freezer and take them out a few at a time.
  • Double stuff them with 2 cherries if you love cherries!
  • The best way to coat these dark chocolate cherries with the melted chocolate is to use a fork. It makes it easy to lift them out of the bowl.
  • Tap the fork on the side of the bowl multiple times when lifting the cherries out. That will help get the excess chocolate off. Then slide the bottom of the fork on the edge of the bowl before setting the chocolate covered cherries on the parchment lined sheet tray.
  • Use whichever brand of dark chocolate you like. You can also use a different chocolate, semi sweet, etc.
  • Let the Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries set in the fridge for 30 minutes after coating them.
  • If you plan to take these to a party then put them in a cooler with a cold pack to help them not melt on the way there.
  • The chocolate will set at room temperature but it goes faster if you refrigerate them after coating them.
  • MAKE SURE THE BOWL IS CLEAN AND DRY BEFORE MELTING THE DARK CHOCOLATE. Any little speck of water will make the chocolate seize up.
  • These are great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even summer gatherings. There’s really not a bad time for them!
A stack of finished cherries topped with flaky sea salt and freeze dried raspberries. A white bowl with fresh cherries behind the plate.

How to make the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries

This Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe makes a great gift! It’s the best, most decadent treat. Perfect for many occasions and easy to make.

Prepping the cherries

First drain the cherries, remove any stems then set the drained cherries on a paper towel lined plate. Allow them to dry for 2 minutes.

Using new paper towels, gently press down over the tops and sides of the cherries to soak up any extra juice. You DO NOT need to press hard. Do not smash the cherries.

Making the molds

Then spoon a little over a teaspoon of Nutella into each silicone truffle mold. Add a cherry to each and press down lightly.

Spoon a little more Nutella over the tops of the cherries. You can fill it to the top of the mold or slightly under.

Freeze the molds for 1 hour. They do not need to be wrapped.

Nutella inside the silicone mold with a cherry. A bowl of maraschino cherries sitting next to the molds.

Melt the chocolate & coat cherries

Once the Nutella covered cherries have been in the freezer for 1 hour then melt the dark chocolate for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave. MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING A CLEAN DRY BOWL.

Any little speck of water in the bowl can make the chocolate seize up. Stir the chocolate well with a dry metal spoon between each addition.

It should only take 3-4 increments.

Melted chocolate in a bowl. Melted chocolate dripping off a spoon into the bowl.

Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove the cherries from the freezer. Pop them out of their molds, place the cherries in the melted chocolate one at a time.

Coat them in chocolate using a fork (use a spoon to spoon the chocolate over the top if you’re having a hard time) then remove the chocolate covered cherry with the fork.

Let the excess chocolate drain off the cherry by tapping the fork on the side of the bowl so that the extra chocolate falls off into the bowl.

Drag the bottom of the fork along the edge of the bowl when removing the cherry to get the rest of the chocolate off the bottom.

Place the coated cherries on a parchment lined sheet tray. Once all the cherries are on the tray, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes then enjoy!

A view into the center of the chocolate so you can see the Nutella and cherry.

More recipes that include chocolate

  • Hot Chocolate Cookies
  • Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Pie Recipe
  • Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Easy S’mores Cookie Bars
  • Chocolate Raspberry Tart
  • No Bake Chocolate Coconut Balls
  • The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Additional toppings for the cherries

  • Powdered Sugar
  • Freeze Dried Cherries, Raspberries or Strawberries
  • Edible Flowers
  • Drizzle of White, Dark or Semi Sweet Chocolate

Please leave me a star rating and/or review!

If you make the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe then please leave me a star rating and/or review at the bottom of this blog post. It is SO helpful to me, adds value and is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

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a pile of chocolate covered cherries on a plate with a bite taken out of one so you can see the Nutella and cherry in the center. A white bowl with fresh cherries behind the plate.

FAQ

How to store chocolate covered cherries

Chocolate covered cherries are best kept in an airtight container. They can be stored on the counter for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 7 days.

I prefer to keep mine in the fridge because I like to eat them cold. They can be stored in a Ziplock bag as well if you don’t have a Tupperware container.

Can chocolate covered cherries be frozen?

Yes, absolutely! They can be stored in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag for up to 2 months in the freezer.

They can be eaten straight out of the freezer or you can bring them to a warmer temp by thawing them in the fridge overnight.

If you set them straight out on the counter after the fridge it’s likely to form condensation on the outside from the rapid temperature change.

I actually enjoy eating them frozen or chilled best.

What are chocolate covered cherries called?

Well, they can be called just that or sometimes they are known as cherry cordials. This particular recipe is slightly different than the traditional cherry cordial recipe.

The traditional cherry cordial recipe calls for cherries, sweet fondant and dark chocolate. I have replaced the sweet fondant with Nutella.

Where should I buy chocolate covered cherries?

Chocolate covered cherries are sold at most local grocery stores. Walmart for example carries them.

You can also find them on Amazon but no need to buy them anymore since you now know how simple it is to make them yourself!

Next time you’re craving a chocolate covered cherry, give this recipe a try! It’s delicious, decadent and easy!

a pile of chocolate covered cherries on a plate with a bite taken out of one so you can see the Nutella and cherry in the center. A white bowl with fresh cherries behind the plate.

Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Krista Stechman
Sweet maraschino cherries covered in Nutella then coated with dark chocolate and topped with flaky sea salt. The most delicious decadent sweet and salty combo that is so easy to make! Great for gifts, parties and holidays!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 mins
Chilling time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
Course dessert
Cuisine american
Servings 16 people
Calories 236 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 silicone truffle mold https://amzn.to/3bKDKsI
  • 1 teaspoon
  • 1 fork
  • 1 sheet tray https://amzn.to/3Qxa5TI  
  • 1 parchment paper https://amzn.to/39lK6xB

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Covered Cherries

  • 15 oz Nutella
  • 16 maraschino cherries I like Collins brand
  • 8 oz dark chocolate if using chocolate bar cut into small pieces
  • ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions
 

Making the Chocolate Covered Cherries

  • Drain the cherries, remove any stems then let them dry on a paper towel lined plate for 2 minutes. Gently pat the tops and sides of the cherries to dry any remaining juice
  • Add a heaping teaspoon of Nutella 16 different silicone molds and spread around slightly
  • Add 1 cherry into each mold then press down slightly
  • Spoon a little more Nutella over the top to cover the cherry completely. Smooth it around so that it covers the sides as well. The molds can be filled to the top or just under
  • Freeze the cherries for 1 hour
  • Melt the chocolate in a CLEAN AND DRY bowl at 30 second increments in the microwave, stirring between each increment until chocolate is smooth. It should only take 3-4 increments
  • Pop the cherries out of the molds and place them in the melted chocolate one at a time. Use a fork or spoon to coat it in chocolate then use the fork to remove the chocolate covered cherry from the bowl
  • Tap the fork on the side of the bowl multiple times to drain the excess chocolate then wipe the bottom of the fork along the edge of the bowl to remove any extra chocolate from the bottom
  • Place the cherries on a parchment lined sheet tray, sprinkle them with flaky sea salt then refrigerate them for 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Drain the cherries well then dry them. I let them drain for a few minutes then set them on a paper towel lined plate. Gently press paper towels over the tops and sides of the cherries as well. No need to smash them.
  • After you take the Nutella molds out of the freezer, work quickly. If you feel like you are going at a slower pace then just leave them in the freezer and take them out a few at a time.
  • Double stuff them with 2 cherries if you love cherries!
  • The best way to coat these dark chocolate cherries with the melted chocolate is to use a fork. It makes it easy to lift them out of the bowl.
  • Tap the fork on the side of the bowl multiple times when lifting the cherries out. That will help get the excess chocolate off. Then slide the bottom of the fork on the edge of the bowl before setting the chocolate covered cherries on the parchment lined sheet tray.
  • MAKE SURE THE BOWL IS CLEAN AND DRY BEFORE MELTING THE DARK CHOCOLATE. Any little speck of water will make the chocolate seize up.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 211mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 9IUCalcium: 42mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

July 4, 2022 · 4 Comments

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Comments

  1. Tammy Cruse says

    July 5, 2022 at 6:20 am

    Oh my goodness this looks delicious!

    Reply
    • admin says

      July 6, 2022 at 10:02 am

      Thanks!!

      Reply
  2. Moe says

    July 21, 2022 at 8:43 am

    Can’t wait to make these for me and my son inl aw. We are the only ones who like chocolate covered cherries.

    Reply
    • admin says

      July 21, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      Let me know what you think! I hope you both love them!

      Reply

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krista in a white sweater with a pink kitchen aid mixer eating cool whip off of one finger

My name is Krista Stechman. I’m a chef, food photographer and the mama of 2 gorgeous girls. Food has always been at the center of my life and  cooking is a way for me to show and share my love!

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