Hershey's Christmas Mice Chocolate Candy
Charming no-bake chocolate candies shaped like mice using maraschino cherries, Hershey's Kisses, and chocolate chips. Almond slices form ears while nonpareils create eyes and nose. Perfect festive treat requiring only melting, dipping, and assembly with no baking needed.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Blot maraschino cherries with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then air-dry on paper towels for about 1 hour.
- 2
Line tray or cookie sheet with wax paper and remove wrappers from chocolates.
- 3
Prepare chocolate coating by placing chocolate chips with shortening in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) for 1 minute, stir. If needed, microwave at MEDIUM in additional 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- 4
Hold cherry by stem and dip into melted chocolate. Place on prepared tray with stem up.
- 5
Transfer remaining melted chocolate to pastry bag with small tip or freezer food storage bag with one corner cut about 1/4 inch from tip.
- 6
Attach 2 almond slices to bottom of each chocolate piece with melted chocolate, positioning against edge to form ears. Place on tray so almonds stay in position.
- 7
Refrigerate tray several minutes to allow chocolate to firm.
- 8
Microwave chocolate coating at MEDIUM (50%) for 10 seconds if necessary, or until melted when stirred.
- 9
Place dot of melted chocolate on bottom of chocolate piece and attach to cherry opposite the stem end, forming the mouse body.
- 10
Return to tray and allow chocolate to firm.
- 11
Add nonpareils as eyes and nose.
Tips
Blot cherries thoroughly and air-dry to ensure chocolate coating adheres properly without sliding off.
Use only shortening for chocolate coating; butter, margarine, spreads, or oil will cause chocolate to seize.
Good to Know
Keep in airtight container in cool, dry place or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
Prepare through step 7 (after almond ears are attached and chilled) up to 3 days ahead. Complete assembly and decorating the day of serving.
Arrange on holiday platter or gift box for festive presentation.
Common Mistakes
Do not use butter, margarine, spreads, or oil instead of shortening to avoid chocolate seizing.
Do not skip the air-drying step for cherries to avoid moisture causing chocolate to slide off.