Christmas Maraschino Cherry: Festive Recipes & Holiday Treats

Christmas Maraschino Cherry delights are a festive and surprisingly simple treat that will add a touch of nostalgic charm to your holiday celebrations. Forget complicated baking projects; these little gems require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor and visual appeal. Have you ever wondered how to elevate a simple cherry into a show-stopping Christmas confection?

The maraschino cherry itself boasts a fascinating history, evolving from a preserved delicacy enjoyed by royalty to the vibrant, candied fruit we know and love today. While its origins trace back to Croatia, its association with festive occasions, particularly Christmas, has solidified its place in our culinary traditions. These cherries bring a pop of color and sweetness to everything from cocktails to desserts, and in this recipe, they take center stage.

People adore this dish because it’s incredibly easy to make, visually stunning, and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the Christmas Maraschino Cherry is perfectly balanced by the richness of the chocolate and the satisfying crunch of the nuts. Plus, they are incredibly convenient for holiday gatherings – a batch can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. So, are you ready to create a batch of these irresistible treats? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delightful Christmas Maraschino Cherry candies!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cherry Cordials:
• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
• Pinch of salt
• For the Chocolate Coating:
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon shortening (vegetable or coconut oil)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sprinkles (red, green, white – festive colors!)
• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• Sea salt flakes

Preparing the Cherry Filling:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our cherry cordials – the creamy, dreamy filling! This part is surprisingly easy, but a little patience goes a long way. Trust me, the end result is worth it!

1. Dry the Cherries: This is crucial! Gently pat each maraschino cherry completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will make the filling too soft and the chocolate coating won’t adhere properly. I usually lay them out on a paper towel-lined plate for about an hour to air dry a bit more while I gather the other ingredients.
2. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Make sure your butter is truly softened – not melted!
3. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the creamed butter, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your filling. If you add it all at once, you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen (been there, done that!).
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined. The mixture will likely be quite thick at this point.
5. Adjust the Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach a smooth, pipeable consistency. You want it to be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to easily work with. If it becomes too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it thickens up.
6. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes. This will help it firm up and make it easier to work with when you’re filling the cherries. I sometimes chill it for an hour or even longer if I have the time.

Filling the Cherries:

Now for the fun part – stuffing those cherries! This can be a little fiddly, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time.

1. Prepare Your Workstation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the cherries from sticking to the surface.
2. Scoop the Filling: Remove the chilled filling from the refrigerator. You can use a small spoon, a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or even a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to fill the cherries. I find a piping bag gives the neatest results, but a spoon works just fine too.
3. Fill the Cherries: Gently open the center of each cherry where the pit was removed. Carefully fill the cavity with the prepared filling, slightly overfilling it so that the filling forms a small mound on top of the cherry. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – we’ll be covering it with chocolate anyway!
4. Reshape (Optional): If the filling is a bit messy, you can gently reshape it with your fingers. Just make sure your hands are clean and dry.
5. Chill Again: Place the filled cherries on the prepared baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes. This will help the filling set and make the chocolate coating process much easier.

Melting the Chocolate:

Time to get that chocolate melting! There are a couple of ways to do this, and I’ll walk you through both.

1. Choose Your Method: You can melt the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler. I personally prefer the double boiler method because it gives me more control and prevents the chocolate from burning.
2. Microwave Method: Place the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy.
3. Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Place a heat-safe bowl (glass or stainless steel) on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chocolate chips and shortening to the bowl. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
4. Maintain the Temperature: Once the chocolate is melted, keep it warm over low heat (or in the microwave on a very low setting) while you’re dipping the cherries. If the chocolate starts to cool and thicken, you can add a tiny bit more shortening to thin it out.

Dipping and Decorating:

The final step – dipping and decorating! This is where you can really get creative and make these cherry cordials your own.

1. Prepare Your Dipping Station: Have your melted chocolate, chilled cherries, and any desired garnishes (sprinkles, chopped nuts, sea salt) ready to go. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper for the dipped cherries.
2. Dip the Cherries: Using a fork or dipping tools, carefully dip each chilled cherry into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated. Gently tap the fork against the side of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.
3. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the dipped cherry on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Decorate (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the dipped cherry with your desired garnishes, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or sea salt flakes. The chocolate will set quickly, so you need to add the garnishes right away.
5. Chill to Set: Once all the cherries are dipped and decorated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
6. Enjoy! Once the chocolate is set, your homemade cherry cordials are ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re best served chilled.

Tips for Success:

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the flavor of your cherry cordials.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Overheated chocolate can become grainy and difficult to work with.
• Work Quickly: The chocolate will set quickly, so you need to work efficiently when dipping and decorating the cherries.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes to create your own unique cherry cordials.
• Make Ahead: These cherry cordials can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Troubleshooting:

• Filling Too Soft: If your filling is too soft, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Filling Too Thick: If your filling is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Chocolate Seizing: If your chocolate seizes up, try adding a teaspoon of shortening or vegetable oil to thin it out.
• Chocolate Not Sticking: Make sure the cherries are completely dry before dipping them in the chocolate.

Conclusion:

This Christmas Maraschino Cherry recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a burst of festive flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delightful bite. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a touch of classic charm to their holiday celebrations. The combination of the sweet, juicy maraschino cherries, the rich, creamy chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of the toppings creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip up a batch of these beauties in no time. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it a perfect project for getting the kids involved, creating lasting memories in the kitchen. And let’s be honest, who can resist a little chocolate-covered cherry fun?

Beyond the basic recipe, there’s plenty of room for personalization. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate – dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, white chocolate for a sweeter touch, or even a combination of both for a visually stunning effect. For the toppings, the possibilities are endless! Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work wonderfully), sprinkles in festive colors, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel can elevate these cherries to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Consider serving these Christmas Maraschino Cherries as part of a dessert platter alongside other holiday favorites like cookies, fudge, and peppermint bark. They also make a thoughtful and homemade gift for friends, family, and neighbors. Package them in a pretty box or tin, and you’re sure to spread some holiday cheer. You could even get creative and use them as edible decorations for your Christmas tree or as a garnish for festive cocktails. Imagine a martini with a chocolate-covered cherry perched on the rim!

Another variation I love is to add a touch of liqueur to the melted chocolate. A splash of cherry brandy or rum can enhance the cherry flavor and add a sophisticated twist. Just be sure to add it gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, yet elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. The vibrant red of the cherries against the dark chocolate is visually appealing, and the taste is simply irresistible.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to create some delicious memories. I can’t wait to hear about your experience with this recipe! Please, please, please try this recipe.

I encourage you to give this Christmas Maraschino Cherry recipe a try and share your creations with me! Post photos of your finished cherries on social media and tag me so I can see your masterpieces. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this classic treat. Happy baking, and happy holidays!