Make classic chocolate covered cherry cordials with a sweet, liquid fondant center surrounding a maraschino cherry.
Author:Chloe Fleetwood
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:4 hours 40 min
Yield:About 30 pieces
Category:Candy
Method:Stovetop and Dipping
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 pound semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained well and patted very dry
Instructions
Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until the mixture reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. This is your fondant base.
Place the dried maraschino cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the fondant mixture over the top of each cherry, ensuring the cherry is completely encased. Let the fondant set at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Melt the chopped chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip each fondant-covered cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage. Use a fork or dipping tool to lift the candy.
Return the dipped cordials to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator.
Notes
Drying the cherries completely before coating them with fondant is crucial for the fondant to adhere properly.
For a thinner chocolate coating, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
If you prefer a firmer center instead of liquid, reduce the cooking time of the sugar mixture slightly.