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These Cherry Mash Truffles are a delicious copycat of Cherry Mash candies featuring a soft cherry center covered in a chocolate peanut coating. They're a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories and are perfect for Christmas or any time you crave a sweet cherry indulgence.
Sweet Cherry Memories
Every time I make these truffles my kitchen fills with the sweetest cherry aroma reminding me of those classic Cherry Mash candies I loved as a child. There's something magical about recreating those memories at home and the excited smiles when people bite into these and realize they taste just like the original.
What You'll Need
- Cherry Flavored Chips: 2 cups of high-quality cherry chips for vibrant color and flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups, sifted to ensure a smooth texture.
- Milk: 1/2 cup of whole milk at room temperature for creaminess.
- Cherry Bakery Emulsion: 1 teaspoon for intense cherry flavor; use a quality brand like LorAnn Oils.
- Chocolate Chips: 2 cups of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for the coating.
- Chopped Peanuts: 1 cup of finely chopped, unsalted peanuts for the chocolate peanut coating.
Let's Make Them Together
- Make the Cherry Center
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of cherry chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of cherry bakery emulsion until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Chill
- Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of chopped peanuts until well combined.
- Dip the Truffles
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cherry ball into the chocolate peanut mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Place back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Set the Truffles
- Let the coated truffles sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Creating Sweet Memories
These truffles have become such a treasured part of my holiday traditions. The bright pink centers peek through the chocolate coating creating such a beautiful presentation and the combination of cherry chocolate and peanuts is simply irresistible. I love watching people's faces light up when they recognize that classic Cherry Mash flavor.
Share the Joy
One of my favorite things about these truffles is how beautifully they package up for gifts. I love arranging them in pretty holiday boxes or vintage tins tied with festive ribbons. They're always a hit at cookie exchanges and make such thoughtful homemade presents especially for anyone who remembers the original Cherry Mash candies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why freeze the cherry balls before dipping?
Freezing the centers ensures they're firm enough to dip in chocolate without falling apart or melting. It also helps the chocolate coating set properly.
- → What's the purpose of coconut oil in the chocolate?
Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate to make dipping easier and creates a smoother coating that sets well. It also helps prevent the chocolate from becoming too brittle.
- → Why store these in the refrigerator?
The soft centers and chocolate coating stay fresh and firm in the refrigerator. Room temperature storage could cause them to become too soft.
- → Can I use regular cherry flavoring?
While the recipe specifies LorAnn Cherry Bakery Emulsion for best results, other cherry flavorings can work. Adjust amount to taste as strengths vary.
- → Why add powdered sugar gradually?
Adding powdered sugar in stages helps ensure it incorporates smoothly without lumps and allows better control of the final texture.