Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries

These Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries are a grown-up twist on a nostalgic favorite. Made with maraschino cherries soaked in cherry vodka or crème de cacao, then dipped in smooth melted chocolate, they’re sweet, rich, and full of holiday cheer. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or sneaking a little treat for yourself.

I wanted to share something that’s super easy, but extemely delicious and very fancy looking: Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries.

I’ve been a fan of chocolate covered cherries since I first tasted one. When I was a child, Santa would always bring me a box of Queen Anne’s Cherries, and I’d gobble them up in no time. Now as an adult (and a blogger), I thought it was time to try making them. However, I’ve kicked them up a notch by spiking them with delicious liquors. Remember the rum soaked gummy cherries I made this summer? Apparently I like to soak things in liquor. I tried cherry vodka and white creme de cacao. Let them soak for several days, ideally a week.

As it turned out, I liked both liquor flavors equally. The cherry vodka is higher in alcohol so the cherries soaked in it are a bit stronger, but still very tasty. It all depends on what you prefer.

The cherries look fabulous when served by themselves, but you can also tuck them into your cookie trays for a pop of color. The cherries also work beautifully as a cocktail garnish. (They’d be extra delicious in my Cherry Almond Cocktail and White Christmas Martini). I think they’d look really beautiful atop a cake or cupcake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They’re a nostalgic favorite with a grown-up twist. If you’ve ever loved those boxed chocolate-covered cherries from your childhood, this version brings them back with a splash of something special. The liquor adds depth and warmth while keeping all that cherry-chocolate charm you remember.
• They’re simple but impressive. You only need a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience while the cherries soak. Once dipped and set, they look like a confectioner’s creation making them perfect for gifting, party trays, or an after-dinner treat.
• They’re versatile and festive. Serve them as part of a holiday dessert spread, tuck them into cookie boxes for a pop of color, or use them as a fancy cocktail garnish. No matter how you enjoy them, they add a touch of whimsy and cheer to any celebration.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s review the ingredients you’ll need for these cherries. I’ll walk you through what I used below. 

• Maraschino cherries with stems – These classic cherries add the perfect sweet bite and pop of color. Keeping the stems on makes them easy to dip and even more charming to serve.
• Cherry vodka – This adds an extra punch of cherry flavor and a little kick. It infuses the fruit with warmth and turns an old-fashioned candy into something for the grown-ups.
• White crème de cacao – A smooth, chocolate-flavored liqueur that complements the cherries beautifully. It brings a touch of sweetness and pairs perfectly with the melted chocolate coating.
• Chocolate Melting Wafers – Melted into a rich, glossy coating that envelops each cherry. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on the flavor and look you prefer. I like the Ghirardelli brand.
• Shortening – Just a bit helps the melted chocolate stay silky and easy to work with. It also keeps the coating from turning rock-hard once it sets.

How to Make

And with that, we’re ready to make these Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries. Let’s get to it. I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

1. Begin by soaking maraschino cherries (with stems) in liquor for 4-7 days. I tried two different versions. One with cherry vodka; the other with white creme de cacao. I soaked my cherries right in the jar they came in. Just empty out the red syrup and fill the jar with the liquor. Once they have soaked for the specified time, drain off the liquor. (You can save this for cocktails.) Then, dry the cherries on a paper towel. This will help the chocolate to stick.
2. Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside.

3. In a double boiler (or the microwave), melt your chocolate chips and shortening. (The shortening prevents the chocolate from getting really hard.) Stir until smooth.
4. Next, dip the cherries into the chocolate and set on wax paper. Add any leftover melted chocolate to a plastic baggie. Cut a very small section of the tip of the bag and pipe lines or designs on the cherries.

Once you try these, you’ll see why I’m such a fan. They have that perfect balance of sweet, rich, and a little spirited. I like to think of them as a candy and a cocktail all in one bite. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch up the liquor or make them alcohol-free?

Yes. Amaretto, kirsch, bourbon, or dark rum are all delicious. For alcohol-free, soak in cherry juice or the reserved maraschino syrup mixed with a little vanilla, then proceed as written.

How should I store them, and can I freeze?

Store covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Freezing isn’t ideal since the fruit can release liquid as it thaws and crack the chocolate.

How long should I soak the cherries, and is there a quicker option?

Four to seven days gives the strongest flavor, but a 24-hour soak works if you’re short on time. For a same-day shortcut, warm the liquor slightly, soak for 2 to 3 hours, then dry the cherries very well before dipping.

More Festive Treats You’ll Love

• Peppermint Oreo Truffles
• Caramel Pretzel Squares
• The Best Hot Cocoa Mix
• Homemade Cranberry Cordial
• Peppermint White Chocolate Chex Mix

For some reason, I just love the flavor of cherries during the holidays. They are comfort food. Maybe it’s all those Queen Anne’s I ate as a kid. Who knows? Give these a try and tell me what you think. Stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. 

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Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries

These Spiked Chocolate Covered Cherries are an easy, delicious, and fun treat to make for the holidays or any time of the year.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cherries, chocolate, chocolate covered cherries

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Soaking Time: 4 days days

Total Time: 4 days days 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 246kcal

Ingredients

• 16 ounces maraschino cherries with stems
• 1/2 cup liquor Cherry vodka or creme de cacao work well.
• 1 cup chocolate chips dark, milk, or white
• 1 teaspoon shortening

Instructions

• Begin by soaking maraschino cherries (with stems) in liquor for 4-7 days. I tried two different versions. One with cherry vodka; the other with white creme de cacao. I soaked my cherries right in the jar they came in. Just empty out the red syrup and fill the jar with the liquor.
• Once they have soaked for the specified time, drain off the liquor. (You can save this for cocktails.) Then, dry the cherries on a paper towel. This will help the chocolate to stick.
• Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside.
• In a double boiler (or the microwave), melt your chocolate chips and shortening. (The shortening prevents the chocolate from getting really hard.) Stir until smooth.
• Next, dip the cherries into the chocolate and set on wax paper. Add any leftover melted chocolate to a plastic baggie. Cut a very small section of the tip of the bag and pipe lines or designs on the cherries.

Notes

*I recommend making two batches at once so that you have an additional chocolate to garnish your cherries.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 0.3mg