Chocolate Cherry Candies

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. + chilling

Makes

about 4-1/2 dozen

Updated: Nov. 28, 2023
I make these only at Christmastime for family and a few close friends; my family really looks forward to this special treat! —Melody Daugherty, Long Beach, California
Chocolate Cherry Candies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
  • 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shortening

Directions

  1. Beat peanut butter, butter and confectioners' sugar until crumbly. Stir in walnuts, coconut, cherries and cherry juice. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of filling into balls. Freeze 10 minutes.
  2. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip balls in chocolate, allowing excess to drip off; place on waxed paper. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm.

Can you freeze Chocolate Cherry Candies?

Freeze candy in freezer containers, separating layers with waxed paper. To use, serve frozen or thaw in refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 93 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.