If you have a sweet tooth and love the nostalgic taste of cherries and chocolate combined, this Chocolate-Covered Cherry Truffles Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These truffles are decadently smooth with a luscious cherry center embraced by a glossy, bittersweet chocolate coating. Whether you’re looking for the perfect homemade gift, an impressive dessert for your next party, or just a delightful treat to satisfy those cravings, this recipe beautifully captures the holiday spirit in every bite. Trust me, once you’ve made these, you won’t want to buy candies from the store again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. Each bowl holds a different ingredient: fresh green mint leaves with red candy pieces, light brown caramel sauce, dark brown rectangular chocolate pieces, smooth white cream, round dark chocolate chips, fine white powdered sugar, bright red candy-coated chocolates, and soft yellow butter cubes. The bowls form a loose circle pattern, highlighting the contrast of colors between the rich browns, bright reds, fresh greens, and the clean white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make these irresistible truffles, the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. From the juicy cherries that infuse every bite with fruitiness to the silky butter and smooth chocolate that bring everything together, simple ingredients yield spectacular results.

Maraschino cherries (1 cup, finely chopped): These bring that sweet cherry surprise inside each truffle, so make sure they’re chopped well for even distribution.
Cherry juice (3 tbsp): Adds a natural tang and moisture to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, softened): Provides a rich creaminess that helps bind the filling and smooth out the texture.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): This delivers the classic sweetness and helps achieve the silky, fudgy consistency of the filling.
Almond extract (½ tsp): Just a hint enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty undertone that feels so sophisticated.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (12 oz, chopped): The star of the coating, dark chocolate’s slight bitterness perfectly complements the sweet center.
Coconut oil or shortening (1 tbsp, optional): This helps the chocolate coating become smooth and glossy, making your truffles look professionally finished.

How to Make Chocolate-Covered Cherry Truffles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Begin by draining your maraschino cherries thoroughly and patting them dry; excess moisture can make the filling too soft. Then, chop them finely so that every truffle gets a burst of cherry in every bite. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract, stirring until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring even distribution without crushing them. Once combined, cover and chill the mixture for 30 to 45 minutes until it firms up enough to handle.

Step 2: Shape the Truffles

When your cherry filling is firm but pliable, use a small scoop or teaspoon to portion out the mixture, rolling each into a neat 1-inch ball. Don’t worry if your hands get a bit sticky; chilling the balls after shaping for about 15 minutes in the freezer will help them firm up and prepare them for dipping.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

While the truffles are chilling, melt your chopped chocolate with the optional coconut oil for a smooth, shiny finish. You can do this gently over a double boiler, stirring frequently, or warm it carefully in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate just enough to coat the truffles evenly without losing that luscious sheen.

Step 4: Dip and Set the Truffles

Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each cherry ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate and place the finished truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker firming. Once completely set, they’re ready to enjoy or store.

How to Serve Chocolate-Covered Cherry Truffles Recipe

The image shows a close-up of several round chocolate truffles with a smooth, shiny dark chocolate coating on a white bowl. One truffle is cut open in the center, showing three layers inside: a dark brown chocolate outer shell, a pink creamy middle layer with a soft texture, and a bright red cherry-like filling in the center. The truffles have small bits of nuts sprinkled on top, adding texture. Pecans are scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface, giving a natural touch. A woman’s hand is partly visible holding the open truffle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra charm, consider decorating your truffles with a drizzle of contrasting white chocolate, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. These touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful texture that complements the smooth truffle interior.

Side Dishes

Pair your chocolate-covered cherry truffles with a cup of rich espresso, a glass of deep red wine, or even a sparkling berry mocktail for an elegantly indulgent experience. Their fruity and chocolatey flavors shine best when balanced with complementary drinks that aren’t overly sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can totally elevate your truffles. Arrange them in a pretty box lined with wax paper for gifting, or display them nestled in festive cupcake liners on a dessert platter. For themed parties, consider adding edible gold leaf or dusting with edible glitter to make these treats truly shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These truffles keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled ensures the filling stays firm and the chocolate maintains its snap and shine.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or extend their shelf life, freeze the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll happily stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep their texture perfect.

Reheating

Because these truffles are best served chilled, there really isn’t a need to “reheat.” If the chocolate coating softens at room temperature, just pop them back in the fridge for a little while until they firm up again. They’re at their best when cool and creamy.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries tend to have more moisture, which can affect the texture of the filling. Maraschino cherries are preferred for this recipe because they’re sweet, firm, and have less water content, keeping your truffles firm and smooth.

What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is ideal for the coating because the slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the cherry filling nicely. Milk chocolate can be used but may make the truffles overly sweet.

Is it necessary to use coconut oil in the chocolate?

The coconut oil is optional but highly recommended if you want a smoother, shinier coating that sets well. It also makes dipping easier by thinning the melted chocolate slightly without impacting flavor significantly.

Can I make these truffles vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps—like using dairy-free butter and ensuring your chocolate is vegan—you can definitely adapt this recipe. Just keep in mind the texture might shift slightly, but the cherry goodness will remain.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

From start to finish, including chilling time, expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Most of this time is hands-off chilling, so the active prep is quite quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate-Covered Cherry Truffles Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It brings together classic flavors that feel both nostalgic and luxuriously decadent at the same time. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting someone special, these truffles show how simple ingredients and a little care can create pure magic. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did.