Description
These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are a delightful and easy-to-make treat combining the tropical flavor of coconut with sweet maraschino cherries, all enrobed in rich, melted chocolate. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet snack, these truffles offer a chewy, creamy texture with a burst of cherry in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Truffle Base
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 maraschino cherries, well-drained and dried
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is sticky and well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Form truffle balls: Remove the chilled mixture from the fridge. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one dried maraschino cherry at the center and carefully wrap the coconut mixture around it, shaping into a smooth ball. Repeat until all 24 truffles are formed.
- Chill or freeze the truffles: Place the formed truffles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 hour or alternatively freeze for 30 minutes until they are firm enough for dipping.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip the truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, fully coat each chilled truffle in the melted chocolate. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Garnish with coconut: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with additional shredded coconut.
- Set the chocolate: Refrigerate the dipped and garnished truffles for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm and set. Store the finished truffles chilled until serving.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the maraschino cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the truffle mixture.
- For a firmer truffle, freeze the formed coconut balls before dipping to prevent them from falling apart.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the truffles from sticking after dipping.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
