Delightful Chocolate Cherry Mice
Introducing the Delightful Chocolate Cherry Mice, a whimsical treat that will charm both children and adults alike! These adorable little mice are crafted from plump maraschino cherries, enveloped in rich semisweet chocolate, and adorned with playful almond ears and chocolate kisses. Ideal for holiday gatherings, they add a delightful touch to any cookie tray, captivating the hearts (and taste buds!) of everyone who encounters them. For a grown-up twist, soak the cherries in rum or almond liqueur overnight to elevate their flavor and sophistication. Make these enchanting candies for your next celebration and watch them disappear in a flash!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Maraschino cherries
1 jar (16 ounces) (drained, dried on paper towels)
Miniature chocolate chips
1 bag (10 ounces) (optional for the eyes)
Semisweet chocolate
1 package (12 ounces) (melted)
Paraffin wax
2 ounces (melted with chocolate)
Sliced almonds
1 bag (10 ounces) (for mouse ears)
White icing
5 ounces (for piping eyes)
Hershey chocolate kisses
1 bag (16 ounces) (for mouse heads)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the maraschino cherries thoroughly, drying them on paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
In a double boiler, melt the semisweet chocolate and paraffin wax together over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.
3
Once melted, take each cherry by the stem and dip it into the chocolate mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
4
Place the dipped cherry on a sheet of waxed paper, ensuring the cherry's tail remains extended along the wax paper to resemble a mouse's body.
5
While the chocolate is still soft, gently press a Hershey's chocolate kiss onto the opposite end of the tail. This will serve as the mouse's head.
6
Between the chocolate kiss and the cherry, insert sliced almonds to create the adorable mouse ears.
7
Using white icing, pipe tiny dots above the chocolate kiss to represent the eyes, and optionally add mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of cuteness.
8
Allow the candies to set completely before serving them on a tray to dazzle your guests.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are Delightful Chocolate Cherry Mice?
They are whimsical, no-bake treats made by coating maraschino cherries in chocolate and decorating them with kisses and almonds to look like mice.
Can I make these treats for adults only?
Yes, you can soak the maraschino cherries in rum or almond liqueur overnight for a more sophisticated, grown-up flavor.
What type of chocolate is recommended for the coating?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce package of semisweet chocolate.
Why is paraffin wax used in the recipe?
Paraffin wax is melted with the chocolate to create a smooth, glossy finish that helps the chocolate set firmly.
How should I prepare the cherries before dipping?
You must drain the cherries thoroughly and dry them on paper towels to remove all excess moisture.
What serves as the head of the mouse?
A Hershey's chocolate kiss is pressed onto the cherry to act as the head.
How do I create the ears for the mice?
Insert sliced almonds between the chocolate kiss head and the cherry body while the chocolate is still soft.
What acts as the tail of the mouse?
The stem of the maraschino cherry serves as the mouse's tail.
What should I use to make the eyes?
You can pipe tiny dots using white icing or use miniature chocolate chips for an extra cute look.
How do I melt the chocolate and wax safely?
Use a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
What kind of surface is best for setting the mice?
Place the dipped cherries on a sheet of waxed paper so they do not stick as they cool.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: cherries, mini chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate, paraffin wax, almonds, white icing, and chocolate kisses.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Absolutely, children find these adorable treats very charming and they are perfect for holiday celebrations.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
The candies should be allowed to set completely at room temperature or in a cool place until the chocolate is firm.
Can I substitute the semisweet chocolate?
While semisweet is recommended for the flavor profile, you could experiment with milk or dark chocolate if preferred.
How should I position the cherry on the wax paper?
Ensure the cherry's tail remains extended along the wax paper to realistically resemble a mouse's body.
What size jar of cherries do I need?
The recipe specifies a 16-ounce jar of maraschino cherries.
How much paraffin wax is needed?
You will need 2 ounces of paraffin wax for the chocolate mixture.
What is the best way to dip the cherries?
Take each cherry by the stem and dip it fully into the chocolate mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Are these suitable for a holiday cookie tray?
Yes, they add a delightful and whimsical touch to any holiday dessert display.
Can I use something other than almonds for ears?
The recipe suggests sliced almonds, but any thin, ear-shaped nut or seed could potentially work.
Do I need to bake these?
No, this is a no-bake candy recipe.
Should the chocolate be hot when I add the kiss?
The chocolate should still be soft enough to act as glue, but not so hot that it melts the Hershey's kiss immediately.
How do I apply the white icing for eyes?
The icing should be piped in tiny dots above the chocolate kiss head.
What is the texture of these treats?
They have a snap from the chocolate coating followed by a juicy cherry center and a crunchy almond bite.
Can I use cherries without stems?
It is recommended to use cherries with stems so that the mouse has a tail and you have a handle for dipping.
How many chocolate kisses are needed?
A 16-ounce bag is suggested to ensure you have enough heads for all the cherries.
What if the chocolate is too thick?
Ensure the heat is low and the paraffin wax is fully incorporated; do not let any water get into the chocolate.
How should I serve the mice?
Arrange them on a serving tray once they are fully set to dazzle your guests.
Is it difficult to attach the ears?
No, simply gently press the sliced almonds into the space between the kiss and the cherry while the coating is soft.