Homemade Holiday: Chocolate-Covered Buttercream Cherries

This year I am/have been trying to save money for my upcoming move. In the last few years, my holiday presents have become more and more extravagant. So this year I plan on making some treats for my friends and my family. Although this won't save me too much, it is the thought that counts and these chocolate-covered buttercream cherries will absolutely count.  The cherries were so easy to make and  The test batch was perfect and disappeared so fast that I definitely need to make more. PS this is a family friendly recipe!

Luckily, before all the cherries disappeared, my friend Tiffany and my dad got to sample a few. Tiffany's reaction was totally priceless, especially the look on her face. The cherries, quickly disappeared and we still wanted more.  Tiffany said, "Kate's cherries are the best I've ever tasted. I literally could've eaten them all night. After only seconds of consideration, I asked if she could make 100 more for my next party!!"

Also my vegan-ish dad wanted to let you all know...

"These cherries were the sweetest treat I have had in a long time. They were the perfect marriage of delicious, rich chocolate, sweet filling and yummy cherries. They explode on your mouth with wonderful satisfying flavor." He ate only two or  three or  four, five cherries.

These chocolate-covered buttercream cherries are the perfect treat for 7 reasons..

1. Chocolate

2. Maraschino Cherries

3. They are so easy to make

4. Slightly salty and very sweet buttercream

5. Chocolate and Cherries are so so good together!

6. How could you go wrong with these ingredients

7. They are awesome!

This is the best hostess gift.

Chocolate-Covered Buttercream Cherries

recipe from BakerGirl

60 maraschino cherries with stems (About  2 to 3  10-ounce jars)
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt

 Chocolate-Covering
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

Pat cherries dry with paper towels; set aside. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt; mix well. Turn onto counter and knead until smooth. Don't worry if it seems crumbly at first; it'll come together after a few kneads. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Roll dough into 1/2 inch balls (about the size of a cherry); flatten each into a 2-inch circle with your hand. Wrap each circle around a cherry and lightly roll in hands to cover. Place cherries with stems up on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cover loosely and refrigerate for 1 hour.

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chip and shortening; stir until smooth. Holding onto the stem, dip each cherry into the chocolate; set on waxed paper (you can also use a dipping fork). Refrigerate until hardened. Store in a covered container and refrigerate for 1-2 weeks before serving.

Best if served at room temperature.