Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites
Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites – Easy Chocolate Cherry Truffles
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites are rich, fudgy, chocolatey, and filled with a sweet maraschino cherry in the center! Made with soft chocolate brownies mixed with creamy chocolate frosting, these delicious little brownie truffles are rolled into balls and dipped in smooth milk chocolate for the ultimate bite-sized dessert.
If you love chocolate covered cherries, you’re going to absolutely love these homemade brownie bites!
They have all the wonderful flavors of classic chocolate covered cherries, but with an extra layer of rich, fudgy brownie goodness. The brownie and frosting mixture creates a soft, cake-like center that wraps around a juicy maraschino cherry. Each bite is then coated in melted milk chocolate, creating a beautiful chocolate shell with a delicious surprise inside.
These easy chocolate cherry brownie truffles are perfect for Christmas candy trays, Valentine’s Day desserts, holiday parties, homemade gifts, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and chocolatey.
And the best part? You can make them with a simple box of brownie mix and a container of chocolate frosting!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites
- Rich and chocolatey: Made with fudgy brownies, creamy chocolate frosting, and a smooth milk chocolate coating.
- Sweet cherry surprise: Every brownie bite has a whole maraschino cherry hidden inside.
- Easy to make: Use a boxed brownie mix for a simple shortcut.
- Perfect for holidays: Beautiful for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and special occasions.
- Great for gifting: These homemade chocolate cherry truffles look beautiful in little candy boxes.
- Make ahead: Prepare them in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
Makes approximately 20–24 brownie bites, depending on size.
- 1 box brownie mix, approximately 18 ounces
- Eggs, oil, and water called for on the brownie mix package
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup prepared chocolate frosting
- 20–24 maraschino cherries, stems removed
- 16 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers or milk chocolate candy coating
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening, optional, for thinning the chocolate
- Chocolate sprinkles or chocolate drizzle, optional
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven according to the directions on your brownie mix package.
Prepare the brownie batter using the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box.
Pour the batter into the recommended baking pan and bake according to package directions.
You want the brownies fully baked but still soft and fudgy.
Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Maraschino Cherries
Drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly.
Remove the stems if necessary, and place the cherries on several layers of paper towels.
Gently pat them dry, removing as much excess moisture as possible.
This is an important step because too much cherry juice can make the brownie mixture soggy and interfere with the chocolate coating.
Set the cherries aside.
Step 3: Crumble the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, crumble them into a large mixing bowl.
Use your hands or a fork to break the brownies into small, soft crumbs.
If the brownies have very firm or crispy edges, you can trim those off before crumbling.
You want the brownie crumbs to be soft enough to combine easily with the chocolate frosting.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Frosting
Add 1/2 cup of chocolate frosting to the crumbled brownies.
Using a sturdy spoon or clean hands, mix the frosting into the brownie crumbs until everything is well combined.
The mixture should become soft, moist, and slightly sticky, almost like cake pop dough.
You should be able to squeeze a small amount together and have it hold its shape without crumbling.
If the mixture seems too dry, add more frosting, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
You may not need the entire 3/4 cup, depending on how moist your brownies are.
Step 5: Wrap the Brownies Around the Cherries
Scoop approximately 1 1/2 to 2 Tablespoons of the brownie mixture into your hand.
Flatten it into a small circle.
Place one dried maraschino cherry in the center.
Carefully fold the brownie mixture around the cherry, covering it completely.
Gently roll the mixture between your palms until it forms a smooth, round ball.
Repeat with the remaining brownie mixture and cherries.
Place the brownie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill the Brownie Bites
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for approximately 30–45 minutes, or until the brownie balls are firm.
Chilling makes the brownie bites much easier to dip into melted chocolate and helps them hold their shape.
Step 7: Melt the Milk Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate melting wafers or candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 20–30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
If needed, stir in a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to create a thinner dipping consistency.
Step 8: Dip the Brownie Bites
Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully lower one chilled brownie ball into the melted milk chocolate.
Turn gently until completely coated.
Lift the brownie bite out of the chocolate and tap the fork lightly against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat with the remaining brownie bites.
Step 9: Decorate
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with chocolate sprinkles if desired.
You can also allow the chocolate coating to set and then drizzle additional melted chocolate over the tops for a beautiful bakery-style finish.
For Christmas, try a little red or white chocolate drizzle.
For Valentine’s Day, pink or red candy melts would be adorable!
Step 10: Let the Chocolate Set
Allow the chocolate covered brownie bites to set completely.
You can leave them at cool room temperature until the coating hardens or refrigerate them briefly to speed up the process.
Once the chocolate has set, they’re ready to serve!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I absolutely love chocolate covered cherries, especially around Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites are such a fun twist on that classic candy!
Instead of a traditional chocolate covered cherry with a liquid center, these have a whole maraschino cherry wrapped in a soft, rich brownie mixture.
And the combination of brownies and chocolate frosting makes the center so delicious!
It’s almost like a chocolate cake pop, but richer and fudgier because you’re using brownies instead of regular cake.
Then you dip the whole thing in milk chocolate, and when you bite into it, you get that beautiful chocolate shell, soft brownie center, and sweet cherry right in the middle.
I think these would be absolutely gorgeous on a Christmas candy tray or packaged in little candy boxes for homemade holiday gifts.
And they’re really easy to make ahead of time, which is always a bonus when you’re preparing several desserts for a holiday gathering.
One thing I really recommend is drying the cherries well before wrapping them in the brownie mixture. You don’t want extra cherry juice making the brownie center too wet.
I also love using milk chocolate for the outside because it’s sweet and creamy and pairs beautifully with the rich brownie filling.
These are definitely the kind of little chocolate treats that look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make!
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites
Use Soft, Fudgy Brownies
Fudgy brownies work beautifully for this recipe because they create a rich, soft center when mixed with chocolate frosting.
Avoid brownies that are extremely dry or overbaked.
Add the Frosting Gradually
Start with 1/2 cup of frosting and add more only if needed.
The brownie mixture should hold together when rolled into a ball without becoming overly sticky or greasy.
Dry the Cherries Thoroughly
This is one of the most important steps!
Drain the cherries and gently pat them dry with paper towels before wrapping them in brownie dough.
Completely Cover the Cherry
Make sure there are no gaps or cracks in the brownie mixture.
This helps keep the cherry juice inside and creates a smooth surface for dipping.
Chill Before Dipping
Cold brownie balls are much easier to coat with melted chocolate.
If the mixture becomes too soft while you’re working, place the brownie bites back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Use Chocolate Melting Wafers
Milk chocolate melting wafers or candy coating are convenient because they melt smoothly and create a firm outer shell.
If you use regular milk chocolate chips instead, the coating may stay softer unless the chocolate is properly tempered.
Keep the Chocolate Coating Thin
A thin, even coating gives the brownie bites a beautiful finish without overwhelming the soft brownie and cherry center.
Delicious Variations
Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites: Dip the brownie balls in melted dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet coating.
White Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites: Use white chocolate candy coating for a beautiful contrast with the dark brownie center.
Cherry Almond Brownie Bites: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the brownie mixture for a classic cherry-almond flavor.
Double Chocolate Brownie Bites: Mix mini chocolate chips into the brownie mixture for extra chocolate flavor.
Valentine’s Day Brownie Bites: Decorate the chocolate coating with pink and red sprinkles or a pretty pink chocolate drizzle.
Christmas Cherry Brownie Truffles: Add festive red and green sprinkles or a white chocolate drizzle.
Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bites: Replace some of the chocolate frosting with a thick cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. Keep this version refrigerated.
How to Make These Brownie Bites Look Beautiful
These little chocolate cherry treats are perfect for decorating!
For a classic chocolate candy appearance, dip them in milk chocolate and add a delicate chocolate drizzle over the top.
For Valentine’s Day, you could use pink and red sprinkles or a tiny pink candy heart.
For Christmas, a white chocolate drizzle with a little red sanding sugar would be so pretty.
You could also place each brownie bite in a miniature paper candy cup and arrange them in a decorative box.
And if you’re photographing them, I love the idea of cutting one brownie bite in half so you can see the bright red maraschino cherry surrounded by the rich chocolate brownie center and smooth milk chocolate shell.
That beautiful cherry center is what makes these treats so special!
Can You Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! These brownie bites are wonderful for making ahead.
You can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them covered until you’re ready to make the filling.
You can also prepare the brownie balls, wrap them around the cherries, and refrigerate them overnight before dipping them in chocolate.
Once coated, store the finished brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
How to Store Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites
Store the finished brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to keep the chocolate coatings from sticking together.
For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Avoid leaving them out for extended periods, especially in a warm room.
Can You Freeze Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites?
You can freeze them, although the maraschino cherries may release extra moisture when thawed, which can affect the texture of the brownie center and chocolate coating.
For the best results, freeze the brownie balls before dipping, then thaw them in the refrigerator and coat them in chocolate once they’re thoroughly chilled and any surface moisture has been removed.
If freezing finished brownie bites, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container and use within 1–2 months for the best quality.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites?
Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites are bite-sized brownie truffles made with crumbled brownies and chocolate frosting, wrapped around a maraschino cherry, and dipped in melted chocolate.
Can I Use Boxed Brownie Mix?
Absolutely! Boxed brownie mix is a wonderful shortcut and makes these treats quick and easy to prepare.
Can I Use Homemade Brownies?
Yes! Your favorite homemade brownie recipe will work beautifully. Just make sure the brownies are fully baked and completely cooled before mixing them with frosting.
How Much Frosting Should I Add?
Start with approximately 1/2 cup of chocolate frosting and add more as needed.
The exact amount depends on the moisture and texture of your brownies.
Why Are My Brownie Balls Too Soft?
You may have added too much frosting, or the mixture may be too warm.
Refrigerate the brownie balls until firm before dipping.
Can I Use Chocolate Chips for Dipping?
Yes, but chocolate chips don’t always melt as smoothly as melting wafers and may not create the same firm, shiny shell.
For the easiest results, I recommend milk chocolate melting wafers or candy coating.
Do I Have to Use Maraschino Cherries?
Maraschino cherries are ideal because they’re sweet, colorful, and already prepared.
Fresh cherries aren’t recommended for this particular recipe because of their different moisture content and texture. If you experiment with fresh cherries, be sure to remove the pits.
Are These Like Cake Pops?
Yes! The texture is similar to cake pops, but they’re made with brownies instead of cake, giving them a richer, fudgier chocolate flavor.
More Easy Chocolate Desserts to Try
If you love these Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites, be sure to try some of these other delicious homemade treats!
- German Chocolate Brownies
- Homemade Chocolate Truffles
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Cherry Oreo Fudge
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Oreo Cake Balls
- Chocolate Covered Oreos
- Homemade Brownie Bites
- Chocolate Fudge
- Brownie Batter Truffles
- Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites are such a delicious combination of rich chocolate brownies, creamy chocolate frosting, sweet maraschino cherries, and smooth milk chocolate.
They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and perfect for Christmas candy trays, Valentine’s Day desserts, holiday parties, or homemade gifts.
With their soft, fudgy brownie centers and sweet cherry surprise, these little chocolate treats are sure to become a favorite!
Save this easy Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bites recipe for later and make a batch for your next holiday celebration!
