If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels festive, indulgent, and surprisingly easy, these Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are exactly what you need. This no-bake dessert combines a creamy coconut center, a juicy maraschino cherry surprise, and a rich chocolate coating — all in one irresistible bite. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or quick dessert fixes, these truffles deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles
- No baking required — perfect for busy schedules
- Elegant yet easy, great for gifting or parties
- Classic flavor combo of chocolate, cherry, and coconut
- Make-ahead friendly for holidays and events
- Family-safe ingredients with simple substitutions
These truffles look fancy but are incredibly approachable, making them a go-to dessert for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 24 maraschino cherries, drained and thoroughly dried
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
- Optional: chopped pecans or festive sprinkles
How to Make Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles
Step 1: Make the Coconut Filling
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, shredded coconut, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture should be thick but pliable.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is important — excess moisture can prevent the filling from sticking properly.
Step 3: Shape the Truffles
Scoop about one tablespoon of the coconut mixture, flatten it slightly, and wrap it around a cherry. Roll gently into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining cherries.
Step 4: Chill
Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes, or until firm.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place back on parchment and immediately add sprinkles or chopped pecans if desired.
Step 7: Set
Refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set, about 15–20 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Skip almond extract for a nut-free version
- Use dairy-free butter and chocolate for a dairy-free option
- Add a white chocolate drizzle for extra elegance
- Swap sprinkles for crushed cookies during holidays
- Store chilled to keep centers firm
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these truffles chilled or at room temperature on dessert platters, cookie trays, or in decorative candy boxes. They store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for 2 months.
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Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are rich, creamy, and full of cherry flavor. A sweet coconut center wraps a juicy maraschino cherry, then gets coated in smooth dark chocolate. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or an easy no-bake dessert.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
24 maraschino cherries, drained and patted very dry
2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
Optional: chopped pecans or sprinkles (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cream the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Mix in powdered sugar, shredded coconut, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt until a thick, pliable dough forms.
3. Drain maraschino cherries and pat completely dry with paper towels (this helps the filling stick).
4. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture, flatten slightly, and wrap around 1 cherry. Roll into a smooth ball. Repeat for all cherries.
5. Place truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill 30–45 minutes until firm.
6. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth).
7. Dip each chilled truffle in melted chocolate, let excess drip off, and return to parchment.
8. Immediately add optional chopped pecans or sprinkles. Chill 15–20 minutes until set.
Notes
Dry the cherries well so the coconut filling doesn’t slide off.
For nut-free: skip almond extract and pecans; use extra vanilla instead.
Storage: keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 7 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition values are estimates and vary by chocolate/cherry brands used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Truffle)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~170 | 1g | 20g | 9g | 1g | 45mg |
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a party, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, they’re guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.