Description
Delight in these indulgent Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles, featuring a luscious blend of sweetened shredded coconut, creamy condensed milk, and flavorful extracts, enveloping a juicy maraschino cherry center, all dipped in smooth dark chocolate and finished with a coconut garnish. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat.
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
- Extra shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Shape the truffles: Remove the chilled mixture from the fridge. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a dried maraschino cherry in the center, then carefully wrap the coconut mixture around the cherry to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process to make a total of 24 truffles.
- Chill the formed truffles: Arrange the shaped truffles on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes until they are firm to the touch.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy.
- Dip the truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place the coated truffle back on the tray.
- Garnish and set: Before the chocolate coating sets, sprinkle the top of each truffle with extra shredded coconut if desired. Once all truffles are dipped and garnished, chill them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and dried to avoid excess moisture.
- Use coconut oil to help the chocolate coating melt smoothly and harden with a nice shine.
- For a firmer truffle, freeze instead of refrigerate during chilling steps.
- Store the finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Customize the garnish by using chopped nuts or sprinkles instead of shredded coconut if preferred.
