There’s something undeniably charming about bite-sized treats that look as delightful as they taste. The Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe is one of those fun, whimsical desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face, combining juicy cherries and creamy chocolate in the form of cute little mice. Trust me, they’re as enjoyable to make as they are to eat!

A round white plate with a rough edge holds ten chocolate mouse-shaped treats. Each treat has two parts stacked: a larger round chocolate body and a smaller chocolate head in front. The heads have two almond slices for ears and two small black dots for eyes. A small red round candy forms the nose on each mouse, and a thin red string sticks out from the back, resembling a tail. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a gold-wrapped chocolate and a red candy tray visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe — it felt like a little craft project and a dessert rolled into one. It’s not just about how adorable these mice look, but the way the flavors meld so perfectly: sweet cherries wrapped in a buttery dough, dipped in rich chocolate, finished with almond ears and delicate details. It’s a definite conversation starter at any gathering!

Absolutely adorable presentation: These mice are perfect for parties or holiday treats, bringing a whimsical touch to your dessert table.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need, and the rest are easy to find at any grocery store.
Fun and engaging: Making these feels more like a craft than baking, which makes it enjoyable for adults and kids alike.
Deliciously balanced flavors: Sweet cherries, buttery dough, smooth chocolate, and nutty almonds make every bite memorable.

The image shows a white speckled plate filled with small chocolate mice arranged in neat rows. Each mouse has two oval-shaped layers: a larger, smooth, round chocolate body and a smaller chocolate nose cone, with two thin light almond slices placed on each side as ears. A red candy ball is on the tip of each nose, and a red cherry stem sticks out from the back of each mouse to form a tail. The mice have tiny black dots for eyes on their nose cones. Surrounding the plate are festive items, including a white marbled surface under everything, small chocolates wrapped in gold foil, a pine cone, a bowl with red candy pearls, and a cup of light-colored drink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here was picked to complement the others perfectly. The cherries provide a juicy burst that cuts through the sweetness, while the almond extract echoes the almond ears, tying the flavors all together. Let’s dive into why each component works its magic.

Flat lay of fresh maraschino cherries with stems, a small slab of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of corn syrup, a small white bowl of almond extract, a small white bowl of sifted powdered sugar, smooth milk chocolate melting wafers in a neat pile, unwrapped milk chocolate almond Hershey’s Kisses arranged in a cluster, a small white bowl of almond slices, a small white bowl of black decorative icing, a small white bowl of red sugar pearls, whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all arranged on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Maraschino cherries with stems: These are essential because their stems serve as mouse tails, and their sweetness pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Unsalted butter: Gives the dough richness and helps it hold together smoothly without overwhelming saltiness.
Corn syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness and gives the dough pliability so it wraps nicely around the cherries.
Almond extract: Offers a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with almond slices and chocolate.
Powdered sugar: Makes the dough soft and sweet without gritty texture.
Milk chocolate melting wafers: Melt easily, coating each mouse for a glossy finish and extra chocolate goodness.
Milk chocolate almond Hershey’s Kisses: Use these for the heads of the mice, adding charm and more almond flavor.
Almond slices: Create the mouse ears and add a crunchy contrast.
Black decorative icing: Perfect for painting on cute, tiny eyes.
Red sugar pearls: These become adorable noses that pop with color and texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic way this Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe comes together, there’s plenty of room to add your own twist. I like to swap out the almond extract for vanilla when I want a milder flavor, or sometimes try dark chocolate wafers for a richer feel. Make these mice fit your tastes and occasions effortlessly.

Variation: When I tried using coconut extract instead of almond, it introduced a fun tropical note that my family enjoyed just as much!
Dietary swaps: You can use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate to make this recipe suitable for special diets.
Seasonal changes: Red or green sugar pearls work great around Christmas to amp up the festive vibe.
Difficulty levels: Take your time wrapping the dough around cherries the first few times – it gets easier with practice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Sweet Dough

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter, corn syrup, and almond extract together until the mixture is perfectly smooth. I use a hand mixer for this — it saves time and ensures the ingredients blend evenly. Then, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, kneading it into a soft, pliable dough. If it feels sticky, sprinkle on a bit more powdered sugar until it's workable but still soft.

Step 2: Wrap the Cherries

Pinch off walnut-sized portions of dough and flatten each into discs. The trick is to gently place a maraschino cherry, stem sticking out, in the center and wrap the dough around it without breaking the stem (that's your mouse tail!). Roll these carefully into smooth balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. This step takes a bit of patience, but the result is worth it.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare the Chocolate

Pop your tray of dough-wrapped cherries into the fridge for about 2 to 4 hours until they're firm—this helps the chocolate coating adhere better. Meanwhile, melt the milk chocolate wafers slowly over a double boiler or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep it smooth.

Step 4: Dip, Decorate, and Assemble

Hold each cherry by its stem and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating it completely and laying it on its side on the parchment. While the chocolate is still melted, press a Hershey’s Kiss onto the opposite side to form a tiny mouse head, then tuck two almond slices between for ears. Use a toothpick to add a dab of melted chocolate to the tip of the Kiss to attach red sugar pearls for noses. Finally, dot on black icing for the eyes. It’s a little detail work, but so satisfying!

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make this Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe come together more smoothly, especially when it comes to shaping and dipping.

Keep the dough cool: If the dough gets too warm and sticky, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Dip carefully: Holding the cherry by the stem is key to prevent breaking. Tilt the bowl and use minimal swirling to keep the stem intact.
Smooth chocolate: Using a candy melter or double boiler prevents overheating, which can seize chocolate and ruin the finish.
Decorate fast: Work quickly to attach noses and ears before the chocolate sets to ensure they stick perfectly.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe

chocolate cherry mice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the classic black icing eyes and red sugar pearl noses—they really bring the mice to life. Sometimes, I add a dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle frosted effect that looks charming, especially during winter gatherings.

Side Dishes

Serve these little mice alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon indulgence. They also pair beautifully with a rich cheese board or fresh fruit platter for a unique dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One favorite presentation trick is to arrange the mice climbing up a small springform pan or bundt pan for a playful “mouse hill.” For holidays, I sometimes nestle them in a bed of crushed cookies or green tinted coconut to mimic grass — it’s sure to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, store your chocolate cherry mice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find they keep beautifully for up to 3 weeks, still tasting fresh and adorable long after making them.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freezing these works well. Just arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid before transferring to a sealed container or bag. When thawed in the fridge, they maintain charm and flavor with no issues.

Reheating

Since these are more of a chilled treat, I recommend enjoying them cold or at room temperature instead of reheating, to keep the chocolate coating firm and the dough texture perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for this recipe?

Fresh cherries won’t work quite the same since the recipe relies on sweet, stemmed maraschino cherries that have a softer texture and the right level of sweetness. The stems are also important for the mice tails—fresh cherries lose their stems easily and are less pliable.

What can I substitute if I don’t have almond extract?

Vanilla extract is a great substitute that will still complement the chocolate flavor. Coconut extract also works well if you’re after a slightly different but delicious twist.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?

Slow and steady is the key: melt chocolate in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each round, or melt over a double boiler with gentle heat. Avoid any contact with even a small amount of water, which can cause seizing.

Can children help with making Chocolate Cherry Mice?

Absolutely! Kids will love the hands-on nature of shaping dough around cherries and decorating the mice’s faces, with supervision during the chocolate melting and dipping parts. It’s a fun, safe way to get them involved in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Mice Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it manages to be both festive and fun, simple yet impressive. The first time I made these, my friends couldn’t stop smiling at how cute they were—and of course, eating them was the best part. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these little chocolate mice as much as I do. Give it a try, and let this delightful recipe become a sweet tradition in your kitchen, too!