Classic Chocolate Cherry Cordials

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Vanilla: Extract Medium

Chocolate-coated fondant candies with a whole cherry inside that turn to liquid syrup as the candy ages. This is the classic American candy-box cordial. Makes 24 candies in about 3 hr 35 min.

Prep 60 min

Cook 5 min

Cooling 2 hr 30 min

Total 3 hr 35 min

Yield 24 candies

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

candies

2 ½ cups (300 g)powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp (30 g)unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp (30 ml)light corn syrup
½ tspinvertase, optional but gives the liquid center
1 tspvanilla extract
1 pinchfine salt
24maraschino cherries with stems removed, drained and dried well
12 oz (340 g)semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 tspcoconut oil or shortening

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Instructions

Mix the butter, corn syrup, invertase, vanilla and salt, then knead in the powdered sugar until a smooth, pliable fondant forms. Add a few drops of water only if crumbly.
Prepare the centers: pat each one very dry on paper towels so the fondant sticks and the candy does not leak.
Wrap about 2 teaspoons of fondant around each center, sealing completely, and roll into a ball. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill 30 minutes.
Melt two thirds of the chocolate gently over a hot water bath or in 20-second microwave bursts, stir in the remaining chocolate and oil until smooth, about 90 to 95 F (32 to 35 C).
Dip each ball using a fork, tap off excess, and set on parchment. Make sure there are no gaps in the chocolate coat.
Let set at cool room temperature, then store airtight for 1 to 2 weeks before eating so the fondant liquefies.

Tips

Invertase is what turns the fondant liquid; without it the centers stay soft but not runny.
Dry cherries well or the fondant will not stick.
Seal gaps completely with chocolate to stop leaks.
Good with hot coffee.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make classic chocolate cherry cordials?

Plan on 60 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking, plus 2 hours 30 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 24 candies.

How should I store classic chocolate cherry cordials?

Store airtight in a cool place up to 3 weeks; chill only in hot weather.

Can I make classic chocolate cherry cordials ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp vanilla extract. Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Serve it with hot coffee.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 24 servings this recipe makes.

78 Calories / serving

1.2g Fat

17.5g Carbs

0.0g Protein

16.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (24 servings): ~1872 cal · 29g fat · 420g carbs · 0g protein · 389g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.