IRRESISTIBLE CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY BROWNIE BOMBS

Craving something intensely chocolatey with a surprise burst of fruity sweetness? These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs deliver on all fronts – fudgy brownie, juicy cherry, and a crackly chocolate shell combine to create a bite-sized explosion of flavor. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one, and I’m here to guide you through every step to make these dreamy treats a reality!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable shortening)

Essential Tools for Bomb-Making Success

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for uniform brownie balls)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
• Toothpicks or dipping tools

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Baking!

Baking the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth and combined.
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter should be glossy and thick.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
5. Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
6. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before proceeding. This is crucial for easy handling later.

Forming the Brownie Cherry Bombs:

1. Crumble the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cool, crumble them into a large bowl. You can use your hands or a fork to do this.
2. Form the Balls: Take a small amount of crumbled brownie (about 1-2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a drained maraschino cherry in the center. Carefully wrap the brownie around the cherry, forming a ball. Make sure the cherry is completely enclosed to prevent it from leaking during dipping.
3. Chill: Place the brownie cherry balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to dip in chocolate.

Creating the Chocolate Coating:

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening). If using a double boiler, heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. The coconut oil or shortening helps to thin the chocolate and give it a glossy finish.

Dipping and Decorating:

1. Dipping Time: Remove the brownie cherry balls from the freezer. One at a time, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Use a toothpick or dipping tool to help you.
2. Remove Excess Chocolate: Gently tap off any excess chocolate. You can also use a fork to lift the ball from underneath and allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
3. Decorate (Optional): Place the dipped brownie cherry bombs back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate before the chocolate sets.
4. Chill Again: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.

Tips for Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bomb Perfection

• Don’t Overbake the Brownies: Overbaked brownies will be dry and crumbly, making it difficult to form the balls. Aim for moist, fudgy brownies.
• Dry the Cherries Well: Excess moisture from the cherries can cause the chocolate to seize up. Pat them dry with paper towels before using.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: Chilling the brownie balls before dipping is essential for preventing them from falling apart in the chocolate. And chilling them again after dipping helps the chocolate set quickly and evenly.
• Use Good Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your brownie bombs. Use a brand you enjoy eating on its own.
• Thin the Chocolate (if needed): If the chocolate is too thick, it can be difficult to dip the brownie balls evenly. Add a little more coconut oil or shortening, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Troubleshooting Seized Chocolate: If your chocolate seizes up (becomes thick and grainy), don’t panic! Add a teaspoon of boiling water at a time, stirring vigorously, until it becomes smooth again.

Variations to Make it Your Own

• Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the coating, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.
• Add Nuts: Mix chopped nuts into the brownie batter or sprinkle them on top of the chocolate coating.
• Extracts: Add a few drops of almond extract to the brownie batter for a subtle nutty flavor.
• Liqueur: A splash of cherry liqueur in the brownie batter or even drizzled over the cherries themselves can add a sophisticated touch (for adults only, of course!).
• Christmas Spirit: For a festive touch, consider making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies or Chocolate Pretzel Wreaths along with these brownie bombs for a holiday dessert platter. If you are in the mood for more cherry flavors, consider these Cherry Hand Pies!
• Other Holiday Treats: These brownie bombs would be amazing alongside Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, Chocolate Yule Log, and Christmas Peppermint Pie.

Storing Your Chocolate Masterpieces

Store your Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Why These Brownie Bombs Are a Must-Try

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Brownie Bombs are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience! The combination of rich, fudgy brownie, sweet cherry, and decadent chocolate coating is simply irresistible. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or any time you need a little chocolatey pick-me-up. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. So, go ahead and give them a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!