Chocolate Covered Cherries

  Desserts

Not only is this my family's favorite festive dessert, but it makes 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.

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Average Rating: 4.631578

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + chilling
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

Instructions

  • 1. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, butter, milk and extract. Knead until smooth and pliable. Shape into 1-in. balls and flatten each into a 2-in. circle.
  • 2. Wrap one circle around each cherry and lightly roll in hands. Place with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
  • 3. 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

2 each: 206 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

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