Perfect for Valentine's Day, this delightful old-fashioned cherry candy is absolutely delicious. Even those who aren’t typically fans of cherries, like me, may love it!
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 10 ounce jar of maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 20 ounces total of chocolate (you can use chocolate chips or almond bark)
- 1 1/4 cup cocktail peanuts, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional but it adds a hint of coconut and makes the chocolate go on smoother)
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Center
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Chop the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice. Finely chop the cherries and to mixing bowl.
- Mix the Center Ingredients: Add powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sweetened condensed milk to the chopped cherries in your mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat filling slowly at first, for about 30 seconds, until powdered sugar is mixed into the butter. Increase the speed of your mixer and mix the filling on medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture needs to be light and fluffy.
- Shape the Centers: Roll the cherry mixture into small balls about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a wax paper-lined tray or baking sheet.
- Freeze: Freeze for at least an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil if adding. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Peanuts: Stir chopped peanuts into the melted chocolate.
- Dip the Cherry Centers: Remove cherry center from freezer and using a fork, dip each cherry center into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. (If needed, reroll the candy center before dipping into the chocolate mixture to achieve a more perfect ball shape)
- Set the Candies: Place the dipped candies back onto the wax paper-lined tray. Let the chocolate set by either allowing it to harden at room temperature or refrigerating for quicker results.
Notes
- Chilling is important: Make sure the cherry centers are fully frozen before dipping. If they are too soft, they will fall apart in the chocolate.
- Sticky mixture is normal: The cherry filling will be soft and slightly sticky. Lightly chilling your hands or dusting them with powdered sugar can make rolling easier.
- Chocolate options: Semi-sweet chocolate gives the best balance, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate also work. If the chocolate seems too thick for dipping, add a little extra coconut oil.
- Nut-free option: You can leave out the peanuts entirely or replace them with crushed graham crackers, sprinkles, or finely chopped pecans.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
- Best texture tip: Let candies sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best bite and flavor.
COPYCAT CHERRY MASH CANDY
Yield 3 dozen
Ingredients
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 10 ounce jar of maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 20 ounces total of chocolate (you can use chocolate chips or almond bark)
- 1 1/4 cup cocktail peanuts, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional but it adds a hint of coconut and makes the chocolate go on smoother)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Center
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Chop the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving the juice. Finely chop the cherries and to mixing bowl.
- Mix the Center Ingredients: Add powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sweetened condensed milk to the chopped cherries in your mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat filling slowly at first, for about 30 seconds, until powdered sugar is mixed into the butter. Increase the speed of your mixer and mix the filling on medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture needs to be light and fluffy.
- Shape the Centers: Roll the cherry mixture into small balls about 1-inch in diameter, and place them on a wax paper-lined tray or baking sheet.
- Freeze: Freeze for at least an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil if adding. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Peanuts: Stir chopped peanuts into the melted chocolate.
- Dip the Cherry Centers: Remove cherry center from freezer and using a fork, dip each cherry center into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. (If needed, reroll the candy center before dipping into the chocolate mixture to achieve a more perfect ball shape)
- Set the Candies: Place the dipped candies back onto the wax paper-lined tray. Let the chocolate set by either allowing it to harden at room temperature or refrigerating for quicker results.
Notes
- Chilling is important: Make sure the cherry centers are fully frozen before dipping. If they are too soft, they will fall apart in the chocolate.
- Sticky mixture is normal: The cherry filling will be soft and slightly sticky. Lightly chilling your hands or dusting them with powdered sugar can make rolling easier.
- Chocolate options: Semi-sweet chocolate gives the best balance, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate also work. If the chocolate seems too thick for dipping, add a little extra coconut oil.
- Nut-free option: You can leave out the peanuts entirely or replace them with crushed graham crackers, sprinkles, or finely chopped pecans.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
- Best texture tip: Let candies sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best bite and flavor.