National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
Satisfy your sweet tooth with some gooey, fruity confectionery or make the classic recipe even more of a treat by adding extras such as marzipan.
Just in case you haven’t indulged enough over the festive and new year periods, Chocolate Covered Cherry Day is an excuse to break open another box of these tasty treats and dig right in!
The idea behind chocolate-covered cherries is incredible simple: chocolate is delicious. So are cherries. So one day someone said, “Why not combine the two and make something even better?” and the chocolate-covered cherry was born!
How to Celebrate National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
Enjoy Eating Chocolate Covered Cherries
Head over to a candy maker or confectioner and pick up a box of chocolate covered cherries to enjoy and share. Or, for those who received them as a gift for the Christmas holidays, this is just the time to eat them!
Gift Some Chocolate Covered Cherries
Know a friend, family member or coworkers who is a huge fan of this delicious little confection? This is the perfect day to give a nod to their love for this treat by gifting them with a little (or big!) box that they can dive into.
Try Making Chocolate Covered Cherries
One other way to celebrate National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, at least for those with a culinary bent, might be to make your own chocolate-covered cherries.
Over the years since the first chocolate-covered cherries appeared at Cella’s, there have been tens if not hundreds of recipes for the sweet, each just a little different, but each unique.
History of National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
Chocolate covered cherries were introduced in the United States by Cella’s Confections in New York in 1929 and were an immediate hit, quickly becoming famous the world over.
Years later, in 1985, Cella’s Confections was bought from the Masarik Family by Tootsie Roll, though the family is still part owners of the product.
Today, almost a century after they were made for the first time, Cella’s chocolate covered cherries are famous the world over for their liquid center and extra gooey taste. And National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day was founded with the purpose of appreciating and enjoying this delightful treat!
Bonus: Chocolate-Covered Marzipan Cherries Recipe
This recipe is a bit of a twist on the original idea, because we’re adding one more ingredient to the mix: marzipan. But it offers instructions for how to make the marzipan, too.
Ingredients
- 12 glace cherries
- 2 tablespoons rum (or brandy)
- 100 grams dark chocolate
- 250 grams marzipan
Marzipan recipe
- 1/2 pound blanched almonds, coarsely chopped
- 1 large egg white at room temperature
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon strong almond extract
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
Make the marzipan first. If you don’t have a food processor, use an electric coffee grinder and grind the blanched almonds in small batches down into a fine powder, and then put the powder into a large mixing bowl.
In a different bowl, whisk the egg white with the salt until it is frothy, and then whisk in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Stir the mixture into the almond powder. Sift in the confectioners’ sugar (1/2 cup at a time), constantly kneading the mixture together in the bowl, until you have a smooth, pliable dough. and that’s it: that’s your marzipan paste, ready for further use! You can keep it in a cool refrigerated environment for up to 8 weeks.
Now, line a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper. Take the cherries, cut them in half and place them in a small bowl. Add the rum or brandy and stir well.
Then, leave the cherries to soak up the alcohol for at least an hour, stirring every now and then. I the meantime, you can divide your marzipan paste into 24 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Press half of a cherry cherry into the top of each marzipan ball and roll to get the cherry inside.
Break the chocolate into pieces, place in a bowl and set over a saucepan, stirring until it has melted. Using a cocktail stick, dipe each marzipan ball in the chocolate, covering it completely and allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl.
Lastly, put the coated cherries on the baking paper and chill until the chocolate hardens.
Enjoy National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day!
National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day FAQs
How did chocolate-covered cherries become associated with French and English holiday traditions?
In the 1700s, the French made griottes by dipping sour cherries in kirsch (cherry brandy) and chocolate.
Meanwhile, the English created cherry cordials by soaking cherries in brandy before covering them in chocolate.
These treats were holiday indulgences enjoyed after feasts to settle the stomach, a tradition that became a festive favorite in both countries.
Is there a unique Japanese twist on chocolate-covered cherries?
Yes, Japan adds a seasonal touch to these treats with sakura (cherry blossom) flavors during spring.
Some Japanese confections feature chocolate-covered cherries infused with sakura essence, giving a floral note.
This twist is especially popular during cherry blossom festivals and spring gift exchanges, blending Japanese aesthetics with Western flavors.
Why are some chocolate-covered cherries liquid-filled, while others are solid?
The liquid-filled variety often uses an enzyme called invertase, which gradually converts sugar into a syrup around the cherry after it’s dipped in chocolate.
This process, developed for mass production, contrasts with older methods using whole cherries and solid sugar coatings, which do not dissolve.
Did Prohibition affect chocolate-covered cherries in the U.S.?
Yes! Prohibition led to the removal of alcohol in many U.S. confections, including cherry cordials.
Producers swapped cherry liqueur with sugary syrup, which birthed the modern, non-alcoholic chocolate-covered cherry we know today. This allowed the treat to remain popular across all ages.
Are there health benefits associated with chocolate-covered cherries?
Surprisingly, yes. Dark chocolate and cherries both contain antioxidants, which support heart health and may reduce inflammation.
Dark chocolate-covered cherries also offer a sweet treat that’s relatively rich in vitamins A and C, plus potassium—good news for sweet lovers with a health-conscious edge.
How are chocolate-covered cherries used in holiday traditions in the U.S.?
In the U.S., chocolate-covered cherries are often enjoyed as a seasonal gift or festive dessert.
Families sometimes include them in holiday candy spreads, while others save them for a “chocolate and cordial” nightcap after large meals, echoing historical practices from Europe.
What’s the story behind “chocolate cherry mice”?
Chocolate cherry mice are a popular holiday craft treat in the U.S. These fun creations involve maraschino cherries with stems for tails, which are dipped in chocolate and paired with chocolate kisses for heads.
Almond slices serve as “ears,” making for a whimsical treat enjoyed around Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Did chocolate-covered cherries have any medicinal reputation historically?
Yes, they did! Early cherry cordials were thought to be “cordial” to the heart, hence their name.
Cherries in liqueur were viewed as a digestive aid, meant to be consumed after a heavy meal. This belief persisted for centuries, adding a medicinal twist to their enjoyment.
Are there any myths or superstitions tied to chocolate-covered cherries?
Some believe that sharing a chocolate-covered cherry with a loved one strengthens bonds, stemming from the treat’s romantic reputation.
This myth may stem from the alluring red of cherries and the decadent, rich appeal of chocolate, making it a Valentine’s staple for couples.
How do other countries celebrate National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day?
While the holiday is largely American, similar celebrations occur worldwide.
In France, griottes are enjoyed in winter markets, while in Italy, small chocolate-covered fruit stalls include cherries as a seasonal delicacy. These traditions reflect the international love for cherry and chocolate combinations.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
Also on ...
View all holidays
National Fruitcake Toss Day
Tossing fruitcake has become a holiday tradition for those who despise its dense texture and artificial flavors.
Festival of Sleep Day
Resting your eyes, snuggling up in your favorite blanket, and letting your mind wander into the peaceful abyss is pure magic.
JRR Tolkien Day
Crafting intricate fantasy realms and epic adventures, this renowned author redefined storytelling, and captivated readers young and old.
International Mind-Body Wellness Day
Get the year started off right by participating in various forms of learning and practicing to keep that mind and body healthy and well.
We think you may also like...
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delightful treat that combines the goodness of fruit and the indulgence of chocolate.
World Chocolate Day
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate…chocolate milk, truffles, Snickers, chocolate cake…indulge in any of the many kinds of chocolate out there.
National Chocolate Day
With so many different varieties of this delicious treat, it can be so hard to pick a favorite. What will you choose to indulge your sweet tooth?
