Chocolate Covered Cherry Day (January 3)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

Chocolate Covered Cherry Day is a sweet way to kick off the new year!

Every January 3rd, chocolate lovers and cherry enthusiasts come together to celebrate this delicious combination.

Whether you prefer the traditional cherry cordials or modern variations like brownies and smoothies, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge.

This fun food January holiday is a great excuse to treat yourself while exploring new chocolate-cherry recipes.

When is the Holiday?

Chocolate Covered Cherry Day is celebrated annually on January 3rd.

This delicious day is all about indulging in the rich combination of chocolate and cherries, whether in classic cherry cordials or other creative treats.

Who Invented It?

While the exact origins of the holiday remain unclear, the tradition of coating cherries in chocolate dates back centuries.

European confectioners were among the first to pair cherries with chocolate, and over time, this treat became a beloved indulgence worldwide.

chocolate covered cherries with a glass of red wine

The History of the Holiday

Chocolate-covered cherries, also known as cherry cordials, became popular in Europe in the 1600s.

Initially, these treats were made by soaking cherries in brandy before coating them in chocolate. By the 18th century, they were a holiday delicacy, enjoyed for their rich flavor and slight intoxicating effects.

When the treat made its way to America, confectioners modified the recipe, crushing cherries and cooking them in sugar and brandy.

During Prohibition, the alcohol was removed, and replaced with cherry-flavored syrup.

In 1929, mass production of chocolate-covered cherries began, and the National Confectioners Association now recognizes January 3rd as Chocolate Covered Cherries Day.

Top 5 Facts About Chocolate Covered Cherries

  1. Chocolate-covered cherries originated in Europe, where they were made with brandy-soaked cherries.
  2. The American version removed alcohol during Prohibition, making them more family-friendly.
  3. Cherry cordials became commercially available in 1929.
  4. The National Confectioners Association officially recognizes this food holiday.
  5. Modern recipes include everything from cookies to smoothies, celebrating the classic chocolate-cherry pairing.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Make Your Own Chocolate-Covered Cherries – Melt chocolate and dip fresh cherries for a homemade treat.
  • Try a New Cherry-Chocolate Recipe – From cookies to cakes, there are endless possibilities.
  • Host a Chocolate Cherry Dessert Party – Share different variations of this sweet combination.
  • Explore the History of Cherry Cordials – Learn more about how this treat evolved over the centuries.
glacier cherries in a bowl and chocolate covered cherries on the table

Related Recipes

Try these delicious recipes to celebrate:

  • Chocolate Cherry Monkey Bread Muffins. A gooey, chocolate-cherry twist on classic monkey bread, featuring soft, pillowy dough balls filled with chocolate and juicy cherries, baked to perfection and drizzled with a sweet glaze.
  • Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes. Moist and fluffy cupcakes infused with cherry flavor, topped with rich chocolate frosting and a maraschino cherry for a festive touch.
  • Cherry Cheesecake Brownies. A decadent dessert with layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherry pie filling, combining the best of all worlds.
  • Chocolate Covered Cherry Bars. Easy-to-make chewy bars packed with chocolate chips and cherry preserves, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. A refreshing blend of frozen cherries, cocoa powder, and almond milk, delivering a healthy yet indulgent treat for breakfast or dessert.
  • Cherry Chocolate Ganache Cookies. Rich, chocolatey cookies with a surprise cherry center, topped with smooth chocolate ganache for a delightful contrast.
  • Black Forest Molten Chocolate Cake. A luscious, warm chocolate cake with a gooey cherry filling, reminiscent of the classic Black Forest cake but with an irresistible molten center.

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