These Cherry Chocolate Bonbons offer a delightful fusion of sweet cherries and rich chocolate, creating the perfect bite-sized treat for dessert lovers. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or just craving a luscious homemade candy, these bonbons are a decadent option that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a smooth chocolate shell encasing a chewy cherry center, they strike a beautiful balance of flavor and texture, making them a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or anytime indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut

• 40 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 tablespoon shortening

Directions

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy.

• Mix in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until fully combined.

• Stir in shredded coconut until evenly mixed.

• Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and flatten it in your hand.

• Place one maraschino cherry in the center and wrap the coconut mixture around it to form a ball.

• Repeat the process for the remaining cherries and place them on a lined baking sheet.

• Chill the formed balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

• Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

• Dip each cherry ball into the melted chocolate, coating completely.

• Place the dipped bonbons back onto the lined sheet and allow the chocolate to set.

• Chill again until firm, then serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrients

• Calories: 130 per piece

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Sugar: 13g

• Protein: 1g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 45mg

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Cherry Chocolate Bonbons stand out because they provide the perfect balance of rich chocolate, chewy coconut, and a juicy cherry center in a compact, elegant form. Unlike traditional baked desserts, these treats are no-bake and require minimal cooking skills, which makes them accessible to both novice and experienced home cooks. They’re easy to customize with flavored extracts or different coatings, and their appearance is sophisticated enough for holiday dessert trays, wedding showers, or handmade gift boxes. The contrast of textures—the firm chocolate shell, the creamy coconut mixture, and the pop of a sweet cherry—makes every bite a delightful surprise. Their convenience is also unmatched; these bonbons can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, ready to enjoy whenever you need a little sweetness.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The ingredients in these bonbons are not just delicious—they also carry some nutritional and culinary benefits. Maraschino cherries, while often enjoyed as a treat, are a great way to bring a vibrant color and a touch of nostalgia to your desserts. They hold up well inside the coconut mixture and add a burst of sweetness with every bite. Semisweet chocolate chips bring depth and richness and also offer antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been linked to heart health when consumed in moderation. Shredded coconut contributes a chewy texture and contains fiber and healthy fats, which are good for energy and satiety. Butter helps create a creamy, rich base and holds the filling together, while almond extract enhances the cherry flavor with its warm, nutty notes. Shortening, although used in small amounts, ensures the chocolate melts and sets with a shiny, professional finish. All of these ingredients work harmoniously to create a treat that’s indulgent yet satisfying in every sense.

Cooking Tips

To get the best results with this recipe, it’s important to start by properly draining and drying your cherries. Excess moisture can cause the coconut mixture to become soggy or make it hard to form uniform balls. Use paper towels and take the time to pat each cherry dry. When forming the coconut balls, work with slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, and consider using a small cookie scoop to maintain consistent size. Chilling the balls before dipping is essential—this step helps them stay firm and keeps the chocolate from sliding off. When melting the chocolate and shortening together, do it slowly using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler to avoid burning. Stir frequently to keep the mixture smooth. When dipping, use a fork or candy dipper to achieve an even coating and let the excess chocolate drip off before placing each bonbon on a lined tray. Allow enough space between them so they don’t stick together. Refrigerate after dipping to help them set quickly and stay fresh.

Serving Suggestions

These bonbons can be served in many creative and appealing ways. Place them in mini paper cups or decorative wrappers and serve them on a platter at parties. They add a luxurious touch to holiday dessert spreads and pair beautifully with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. If you’re assembling edible gifts, pack a dozen in a small decorative tin or a cellophane bag tied with ribbon for an elegant homemade present. These treats also work well at events like bridal showers or baby showers where bite-sized desserts are appreciated. For a romantic gesture, serve them alongside a glass of red wine or champagne. If you’re storing them, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer shelf life. Serve them chilled or allow them to come to room temperature for a softer bite.

Conclusion

Cherry Chocolate Bonbons are an excellent example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. These treats are easy to make but look and taste like something you’d find in a gourmet candy shop. The combination of smooth chocolate, chewy coconut, and sweet cherries results in a texture and flavor profile that is both nostalgic and luxurious. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, entertaining, or just treating yourself to something sweet and satisfying. This recipe also invites customization—swap the cherries for dried fruits, use dark chocolate for a richer taste, or add crushed nuts for a crunchier texture. Whether you’re making them for the first time or adding them to your yearly dessert tradition, these bonbons are guaranteed to bring smiles. They’re a reminder that even the smallest desserts can leave the biggest impressions, especially when they come from the heart—and the kitchen.