Christmas Mice: A Whimsical Holiday Treat

My grandmother, bless her heart, was notorious for her ambitious Christmas Eve dessert spreads. Amidst the towering gingerbread houses and glistening sugar cookies, there were always these little chocolate mice. As a child, I remember being absolutely captivated by their tiny almond ears and bright red eyes. They weren’t just delicious; they were pure magic, a reminder that even the simplest treats could bring so much joy to the holidays. Now, decades later, I carry on the tradition, and these charming Christmas Mice still bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 27
• Yield: Approximately 27 mice
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 10 ounces maraschino cherries, with stems
• 14 ounces Oreo cookies
• 11 ounces Hershey chocolate kisses
• ⅔ ounce red decorating gel
• Sliced almonds
• 11 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons Crisco shortening

Equipment Needed

• Microwave-safe bowls
• Cookie sheet
• Wax paper
• Small bowls for decoration

Instructions

1. Begin by draining the maraschino cherries thoroughly. It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible, so consider gently patting them dry with a paper towel. Count the cherries to ensure you have the right number for your batch.
2. Unwrap an equal amount of Hershey chocolate kisses corresponding to the number of cherries you have. This step ensures you have all your components ready for assembly.
3. Now comes the slightly tricky part: carefully remove one side of the chocolate cookie from each Oreo, leaving the cream filling intact on the other side. The plain cookie side can be reserved for other delicious uses, like crushing it for an ice cream topping or using it in a pie crust.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Crisco shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The shortening helps create a glossy, flowing consistency, making it easier to dip the cherries. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.
5. Dip each maraschino cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any excess chocolate to prevent overly thick and messy mice.
6. Set the chocolate-covered cherry on the flat side of a Hershey’s kiss. Then, position the cherry and kiss on the cream-filled side of an Oreo, with the cherry stem hanging over the edge, acting as the mouse’s tail.
7. Now for the ears: carefully position two sliced almonds on top of the Oreo, just behind the cherry, to create the mouse’s ears. Press them gently into the cream filling to secure them.
8. Using the red decorating gel, carefully create two small dots on the cherry to represent the mouse’s eyes. A toothpick can help with precision.
9. To keep the chocolate at a workable consistency, place the bowl of melted chocolate in a larger bowl filled with warm water. This will prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly.
10. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. As you assemble each mouse, place it on the prepared cookie sheet. This prevents the mice from sticking to the surface while the chocolate sets.
11. Once all the mice are assembled, let them set for a few minutes until the chocolate has hardened and secured all the components.
12. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, use the red decorating gel to make holly leaves on the red cherry by drawing a “v” on each side of the berry.
13. Using leftover melted chocolate and the plain Oreo halves, dip the Oreo halves in chocolate and then sprinkle with coconut flakes or chopped nuts for a quick and easy bonus treat.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• If the chocolate starts to thicken too much while you’re working, add a tiny amount of shortening (about ¼ teaspoon at a time) and microwave for a few seconds, stirring until smooth.
• For a more professional look, temper your chocolate before dipping the cherries. Tempering gives the chocolate a beautiful shine and snap.
• If you’re having trouble with the almonds staying in place, use a tiny dab of melted chocolate to “glue” them on.
• To avoid smudging the eyes, let the chocolate set completely before applying the red decorating gel.
• If you want to make these ahead of time, assemble everything except the eyes, and then add the eyes just before serving to keep them looking fresh.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Christmas Mice are best served chilled or at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter for parties or luncheons. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to a month), but the chocolate may develop a slightly whitish bloom, though they will still taste delicious. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	199.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	87 g	44%
Total Fat	9.7 g	14%
Saturated Fat	4.1 g	20%
Cholesterol	2.4 mg	0%
Sodium	81.4 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	28.4 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	21.7 g	86%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of sliced almonds for the ears.
• If you can’t find maraschino cherries with stems, use stemless cherries and attach a small piece of chow mein noodle with melted chocolate for the tail.
• Try using different flavors of Oreo cookies for a variety of colors and tastes.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• For a vegan option, use vegan Oreo cookies, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a plant-based shortening.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can use regular milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Keep in mind that milk chocolate will be sweeter, and dark chocolate will have a richer, more intense flavor.

Q: How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting it?
A: Avoid getting any water or moisture into the chocolate while melting it. Melt it in short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently, or use a double boiler for more even heating.

Q: What if I can’t find red decorating gel?
A: You can use a small amount of red-colored icing or even melted red candy melts thinned with a bit of vegetable oil.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the red eyes just before serving to prevent them from bleeding or smudging.

Q: My cherries are very wet even after draining. What should I do?
A: Pat the cherries very dry with paper towels before dipping them in chocolate. Excess moisture will cause the chocolate to seize and not adhere properly.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Mice are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a symbol of holiday joy and a testament to the magic of simple pleasures. They’re a perfect activity to get the kids involved in, and they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and create your own batch of these adorable little creatures. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations. Happy baking and happy holidays!