Description

Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful no-bake treat combining chopped maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, and buttery dough, coated with a luscious blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy salted peanuts. These nostalgic, bite-sized candies offer a perfect balance of sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate peanut coating, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Cherry Mixture

1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (reserved)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Chocolate Coating

1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

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Instructions

Prepare Cherry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped maraschino cherries, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and powdered sugar. Stir until a thick dough forms. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll.
Form Truffle Balls: Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30–60 minutes or until the balls are solid.
Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in the chopped salted peanuts to combine evenly.
Coat Cherry Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Tap off excess coating and place the truffles back on the parchment paper.
Set and Store: Allow the truffles to set at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for faster setting. Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For a smoother center texture, finely chop the cherries or pulse them briefly in a food processor before mixing.
Chopped salted peanuts can be substituted with crushed peanut candy bars for a more nostalgic and textured candy coating.