Homemade Cherry Cordials 🍒🍫

These luxurious homemade cherry cordials are the perfect treat to impress friends and family. With a luscious cherry center soaked in cherry liqueur and enveloped in rich chocolate, they offer a burst of flavor with every bite. These delightful confections make a wonderful gift during the holidays or a sweet indulgence any time of the year!

Ingredients

For the cherry filling

• 1 jar (15 oz) maraschino cherries, drained
• 1/4 cup cherry liqueur (like Kirsch or Luxardo)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup marzipan (optional)

For the chocolate coating

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for smoothness)

Instructions

1. Prep the cherries:

   • Place the drained maraschino cherries in a bowl and pour cherry liqueur over them. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavor.

2. Make the filling:

   • In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and marzipan (if using) until well combined. This creates a soft paste.
   • Take each cherry from the liqueur and carefully wrap a small piece of the sugar-marzipan mixture around it until it's fully covered. Place the covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Chill:

   • Place the baking sheet with wrapped cherries in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

4. Melt the chocolate:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

5. Coat the cherries:

   • Dip each chilled cherry in the melted chocolate, using a fork or toothpick to lift it. Let any excess chocolate drip off and place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Set the chocolate:

   • Once all cherries are coated, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.

7. Serve and enjoy:

   • Once set, enjoy your cherry cordials immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

🍬 Make sure not to overload the cherries with marzipan filling, as you want the cherry flavor to shine through beautifully.

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor; the contrast of dark chocolate with sweet cherries is divine! 🖤
• Flavored Chocolate: Add a few drops of almond or vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for an extra flavor twist.
• Nutty coating: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) on top for added texture.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and skip the marzipan for a simple sugar coating or a nut butter filling.

These charming cherry cordials are not just treats; they're a delightful experience to share with the ones you love! 🎉🍒