Perfect Cherry Cordial Chocolate Cups
These elegant cherry cordial chocolate cups combine a silky chocolate shell with a luscious cherry filling, perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 cup pitted maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry juice or maraschino cherry syrup
- 2 tbsp brandy or cherry liqueur (optional)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional garnishes: fresh whole cherries, shaved dark chocolate or edible gold dust
Instructions
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter together in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Line a mini muffin tin with silicone or paper liners. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into each liner, swirling to coat the bottom and sides evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.
- Add a second teaspoon of melted chocolate to each cup to reinforce the shell. Chill again until completely set, at least 15 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice or syrup, brandy (if using), sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled cherry cordial filling into each chocolate cup, leaving room for the final chocolate seal.
- Cover the filling with more melted chocolate to seal each cup. Smooth the top gently with a spoon or spatula. Return to the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes.
- Optionally garnish with a fresh cherry or shaved chocolate once set.
- Carefully peel off the liners and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Temper the chocolate for a glossy finish and satisfying snap. Let the cherry filling cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the chocolate shell. Use fresh, firm maraschino cherries without artificial dyes for best flavor. For dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter and omit brandy for a kid-friendly version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini chocolate cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cherry cordial, chocolate cups, easy dessert, holiday treats, elegant chocolate, cherry filling, homemade chocolates