Name: Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon shortening; 20 maraschino cherries with stems; 20 Hershey’s kisses; Sliced almonds (enough for matching sizes and extras for breakage); Black icing writer; Small red candies (such as dragees or cinnamon candies)

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Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Mice are a delightful and whimsical treat perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. These adorable confections combine rich milk chocolate, juicy maraschino cherries, and crunchy almond ears to create an irresistible bite-sized dessert.

The image shows a white plate with several small treats shaped like mice made from cherries covered in smooth milk chocolate. Each treat has a round cherry body with a pointed chocolate face that includes two small black eyes and a red candy nose. Two thin almond slices are placed on the head like ears. The long cherry stems stick out from the back, resembling tails. One white bowl filled with dark chocolate chips holds two of the chocolate mice inside. The plate and bowl are set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening
20 maraschino cherries with stems
20 Hershey’s kisses
Sliced almonds (extra for matching sizes and breakage)
Black icing writer
Small red candies (such as dragees or cinnamon candies)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the milk chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe mixing bowl.
Step 2: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate chips are mostly melted.
Step 3: Remove from microwave and continue stirring until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Step 4: Spread a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface to prepare for assembly.
Step 5: Hold a maraschino cherry by its stem, dabbing off any excess juice with a paper towel. Dip the cherry into the melted chocolate to coat it well, then place it on the parchment paper. Adjust the position to shape the “tail” of the mouse.
Step 6: Lean a Hershey’s kiss flat side down against the chocolate-coated cherry to form the mouse’s head.
Step 7: Repeat dipping and attaching kisses for about half of the cherries first, allowing the chocolate to set slightly before continuing.
Step 8: Select slivered almonds of matching size for the ears. Trim the narrower tip of each almond ‘ear’ and wedge them carefully between the Hershey’s kiss and the cherry.
Step 9: Use a black icing writer with a fine tip to dot two small eyes on each Hershey’s kiss, creating the mouse’s face.
Step 10: Dab a small amount of melted chocolate onto the tip of the Hershey’s kiss and press a red candy onto it to serve as the mouse’s nose.
Step 11: Allow the mice to set and harden completely. Once firm, gently peel them off the parchment paper and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use shortening to keep the melted chocolate smooth and glossy, preventing it from seizing.
If you prefer dark or white chocolate, feel free to substitute the milk chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Make sure cherries are drained and dabbed dry to avoid thinning the chocolate coat.
For extra festive touch, add tiny edible glitter or colored sugar on the mice after the chocolate sets.
Use a toothpick dipped in chocolate as glue for securing ears or noses if they don’t stick easily.

Storage

Store Chocolate Cherry Mice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing, as the cherries may become watery upon thawing.

How to Serve

The image shows a small mouse-shaped treat placed in a white bowl filled with many small dark brown chocolate chips. The treat has two round body parts covered in smooth milk chocolate; the front smaller part is the head, decorated with two small shiny black eyes and a bright red round nose. The back larger part is the body, with two almond slices sticking out as ears, showing their white inside and brown edges. A thin red stick acts as the tail, extending from the back of the body. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with parts of two more similar mouse treats visible at the top and bottom edges of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Mice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these treats a day or two in advance. Store them airtight in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have a black icing writer?

If you don’t have a black icing writer, you can use melted dark chocolate and a toothpick to carefully dot the eyes, or omit the eyes altogether for a simpler look.