Pin it
Grand Marnier chocolate cherries have become my favorite homemade candy for special occasions and holiday gifting. The combination of juicy maraschino cherries, a hint of orange liqueur, and crisp chocolate coating never fails to impress friends and family. Prepare them in advance and surprise everyone with a deeply flavored treat that gets even better with time.
Every batch I make brings back memories of sharing these at family gatherings and seeing the delight in everyone’s eyes. The first time I made them my neighbors asked for the recipe after just one bite.
Ingredients
- Maraschino cherries with stems in heavy syrup: these are best for easy dipping and a pretty presentation. Look for bright red cherries in thick syrup for best results
- Grand Marnier orange liqueur: adds a beautiful citrus note. Choose a fresh bottle for maximum flavor
- Milk chocolate for dipping: use real chocolate chips or melting wafers for a smooth finish. Quality matters so pick a trusted brand that melts easily
- White chocolate (optional): for drizzling or added contrast. Choose pure white chocolate for a smoother melt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries:
- Drain about half the syrup from your jar of cherries and move both cherries and remaining syrup into a sealable glass jar. This lets your cherries soak up all the flavors
- Soak in Grand Marnier:
- Pour Grand Marnier over the cherries until they are just fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for about a month gently rotating or stirring every week to ensure they soak evenly
- Remove and Dry:
- After soaking take each cherry out of the liquid and set them on a paper towel-lined sheet. Carefully pat them dry with extra paper towels so the chocolate will stick
- Prepare for Dipping:
- Line a second baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking when the chocolate sets
- Dip in Chocolate:
- Working one by one hold each cherry by the stem and dip into melted milk chocolate. Swirl gently to cover completely then place on the lined sheet to set
- Decorate and Set:
- Repeat for all remaining cherries. If you want melt white chocolate and drizzle over the dipped cherries for a pretty finish. Chill the dipped cherries in the refrigerator for at least two hours so the chocolate is crisp
Pin it
Grand Marnier has always been a favorite in my kitchen. Every holiday I set aside a small jar of these cherries just for myself because I love how the orange liqueur infuses the fruit. My daughter always sneaks a few whenever I am not looking.
Storage Tips
Keep the finished chocolate cherries in an airtight container in the fridge where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking. For longer storage freeze in layers and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Grand Marnier try another orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec. You can use dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate for a deeper flavor. If you cannot find cherries with stems just use a fork or dipping tool.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the cherries on a festive platter or wrap small bundles in cellophane for thoughtful gifts. They add a touch of elegance to dessert trays and pair perfectly with coffee or after dinner drinks.
Cultural Context
Chocolate covered cherries have a long history as a classic American holiday candy. The Grand Marnier twist turns these into a grownup treat reminiscent of European cordials. Making them at home feels like reviving an old-fashioned delicacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long should cherries soak in Grand Marnier?
Let the cherries soak in Grand Marnier for about a month to absorb the orange liqueur flavor fully.
- → Can I use a different liqueur instead of Grand Marnier?
Yes, other orange-flavored or cherry liqueurs work well, though the flavor profile may change.
- → How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Melt the chocolate gently over low heat or use a double boiler for a silky finish when dipping the cherries.
- → How should these chocolate cherries be stored?
Keep them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator; they stay fresh for about two weeks.
- → Can I add decorations or drizzle on top?
Yes, drizzle with white or dark chocolate after the coating sets for a decorative touch.