Chocolate cherry mice have this magical way of bringing pure joy to any occasion, and I’ve been making them for years! My mom used to whip these up for my birthday parties, and the sheer delight on everyone’s faces seeing these little critters was always the best part. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherry is simply irresistible, making them a perfect chocolate cherry treat. They’re so simple to assemble, you’ll be amazed at how these easy chocolate cherry mice come together. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Mice
- An incredibly delightful taste that perfectly balances rich chocolate with sweet, juicy cherries.
- Super fast prep time, making them an ideal last-minute party addition.
- A fun and festive way to enjoy a sweet treat without a lot of fuss.
- Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can make a big batch without breaking the bank.
- A fantastic family-friendly activity – kids adore helping assemble these cute critters!
- This chocolate cherry dessert recipe is foolproof for even beginner bakers.
- You’ll find yourself reaching for this chocolate cherry dessert recipe again and again for holidays and special occasions.
- They’re a charming and whimsical addition to any dessert spread.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Mice
Gathering your supplies for this delightful chocolate cherry candy recipe is half the fun! You’ll need:
- 16 maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted thoroughly dry – this is crucial for the chocolate to adhere properly.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, the base for our adorable mice.
- 1 tablespoon butter, which helps create a smooth, meltable chocolate coating.
- 16 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped, for the perfect little heads.
- 32 sliced almonds, which we’ll use as cute ears.
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, for the eyes.
- 32 mini chocolate chips, the pupils for our mice’s eyes.
- Red gel icing, to give each mouse a tiny, sweet nose.
These simple ingredients combine to create a whimsical and tasty treat. For more fun recipes, check out our collection of recipes.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Mice
Get ready to create the most charming little critters with this simple guide to making homemade chocolate cherry mice. They’re so much fun to assemble, and the results are absolutely adorable!
- Step 1: Start by preparing your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, take your maraschino cherries and carefully pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is super important because any excess moisture will prevent the chocolate from sticking properly to our little cherry bodies.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and the 1 tablespoon butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each burst until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This creates the luscious, melty coating for your chocolate cherry mice. The aroma alone is wonderful!
- Step 3: Now for the assembly! Holding a cherry gently by its stem, dip it into the melted semisweet chocolate, ensuring it’s coated all the way around. Let any excess chocolate drip off for a moment before placing it onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: While the chocolate is still wet, take one of the unwrapped milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses and press it onto the side of the cherry opposite the stem. This forms the perfect little head for your mouse. This quick step is crucial for creating these homemade chocolate cherry mice.
- Step 5: To give our mice their ears, gently insert two sliced almonds into the sides of the Hershey’s Kiss, nestled between the Kiss and the cherry. Press them in just enough so they stay put. Repeat this process with all your cherries to create your batch of chocolate cherry mice.
- Step 6: Melt the 1/4 cup white chocolate chips in a separate small bowl, again using short microwave intervals and stirring until smooth. Dip the tip of a toothpick into the melted white chocolate and dot two small circles onto the Hershey’s Kiss heads for eyes. Immediately press two mini chocolate chips onto the white chocolate dots for pupils. Finally, use the red gel icing to carefully add a tiny nose to each mouse. Let your festive chocolate cherry bites set completely before serving or storing.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Mice
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make these little guys even more special. Follow these tips for perfectly adorable chocolate cherry mice every time!
- For an extra smooth and shiny chocolate coating, add about a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to your melting chocolate. It makes a world of difference!
- If your chocolate seems to seize up or become stiff, don’t panic! A tiny bit more oil or shortening stirred in gently can usually bring it back to a smooth, dippable consistency.
- When attaching the almond ears, sometimes they need a little coaxing to stay in place. You can gently wedge them into the chocolate or use the tip of a knife to make a small slit for them to grip better.
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Cherry Mice?
The absolute key is ensuring your maraschino cherries are *completely* dry before dipping. Any water will cause the chocolate to seize and won’t stick properly, which is essential for making these cute chocolate cherry treats. For more tips on baking, you can consult King Arthur Baking’s ingredient properties.
Can I make Chocolate Cherry Mice ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the mice up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure they are fully set before covering. For other make-ahead treats, consider our Frozen Banana Snickers.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Cherry Mice?
The biggest pitfall is using wet cherries, which ruins the chocolate coating. Also, don’t overheat your chocolate, as it can burn. Work systematically, dipping and decorating a few at a time. If you’re interested in learning more about tempering chocolate, this Serious Eats guide is very helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Cherry Mice
These charming little critters are so versatile! They look absolutely delightful arranged on a platter as a standalone treat, making them perfect festive chocolate cherry bites for any gathering. For a more elaborate dessert table, I love to place them alongside chocolate cupcakes or a rich chocolate cake. They also pair wonderfully with a simple glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee. You could even create a whimsical dessert board with a mix of fruits, cheeses, and these adorable mice for a fun, interactive experience. For other party favorites, try our Boat Dip Rotel Ranch Dip.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Cherry Mice
These delightful little creatures are a fun treat! Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per mouse, based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your chocolate cherry mice.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Cherry Mice
Once your adorable chocolate cherry mice have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storage. I usually let mine sit on the parchment paper for about 15-20 minutes to ensure the chocolate is firm before moving them. For the best results and to maintain their cute shape, store them in an airtight container. You can stack them carefully, perhaps with a layer of parchment paper in between, but try not to overcrowd the container. These delightful little creations will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep your chocolate cherry confection longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each mouse individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply bring them back to room temperature in the fridge overnight. They’re best enjoyed once they’ve reached room temperature, as the chocolate can get a bit hard when very cold. For more dessert ideas, consider our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cherry Mice
What makes Chocolate Cherry Mice so popular for parties?
These little critters are incredibly charming and definitely a conversation starter at any party! Their whimsical design is instantly appealing, and they’re a fun departure from typical desserts. They’re a fantastic part of creative chocolate cherry dessert ideas because they’re both visually appealing and delicious, bringing smiles to guests of all ages.
Can I use different types of chocolate for these mice?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate creates a classic flavor, feel free to experiment. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate can be used for the main coating. You could even use different chocolates for the heads or eyes to create unique variations. This flexibility makes them a truly customizable treat. For another fun chocolate recipe, try our Keto Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe.
How do I get the chocolate to stick better to the cherries?
The trick to making sure the chocolate adheres well is to ensure the maraschino cherries are *completely* dry. Even a tiny bit of moisture can prevent the chocolate from sticking properly. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels before dipping. This is a key step for any successful chocolate cherry confection.
Are there any variations on this chocolate cherry dessert recipe?
Yes! You can get creative with the decorations. Instead of mini chocolate chips for pupils, try tiny edible candy eyes. For a different texture, you could roll the chocolate-coated cherry in finely chopped nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets. These simple twists offer endless chocolate cherry dessert ideas.
Variations of Chocolate Cherry Mice You Can Try
Looking to switch things up or cater to different needs? These simple chocolate cherry mice are incredibly adaptable! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Dietary Swap: Vegan Mice – For a dairy-free option, use your favorite vegan semisweet or dark chocolate chips and vegan milk chocolate drops for the heads. Ensure your maraschino cherries are also vegan-friendly.
- Flavor Twist: Mint Chocolate Mice – Add a drop of peppermint extract to your melted semisweet chocolate for a refreshing minty kick. This pairs wonderfully with the cherry flavor.
- White Chocolate Wonders – Instead of semisweet, use white chocolate for the main coating. You can then use dark mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a bit of red food coloring mixed into a small amount of white chocolate for the nose.
- Crunchy Ears – For a different texture, try using slivered almonds or even small pretzel pieces instead of sliced almonds for the ears. They add a delightful crunch to these festive chocolate cherry bites.
Chocolate Cherry Mice: Easy 1 Bowl Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 mice 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create adorable and delicious chocolate cherry mice. This simple, no-bake treat uses maraschino cherries, chocolate, and almonds. They are perfect for parties and holidays, bringing smiles with their whimsical design.
Ingredients
- 16 maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 16 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
- 32 sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 32 mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Red gel icing (for noses)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. This creates the base for your chocolate cherry mice.
- Holding a cherry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate to coat completely. Place it on the parchment paper.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss onto the opposite side of the cherry from the stem to form the mouse’s head. This is a key step for your chocolate cherry mice.
- Insert two almond slices between the Kiss and the cherry to create ears. Repeat with remaining cherries to make more chocolate cherry mice.
- Melt the white chocolate chips and use a toothpick to dot on eyes. Press mini chocolate chips onto the white dots for pupils. Use red gel icing to add a nose. Let set before serving your chocolate cherry mice.
Notes
- For smoother, shinier chocolate, add a spoonful of coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
- If chocolate seizes, add a dab of coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
- If almond ears don’t stick, hold them in place for a second or wedge them in more firmly.
- Store chocolate cherry mice in an airtight container in the fridge. Best eaten within 3 days.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan chocolate drops for the heads.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mouse
- Calories: 90 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
